Free Business Topics in Chicago

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  • Enriching Your Nonprofit Through Planned Giving

    Robert J. Varak, Law Offices of Robert J. Varak

    Learn how to establish a system whereby your organization can systematically improve its funding via the estate plans of potential donors. Most nonprofits receive periodic and inconsistent donations via this revenue stream, but I will explain how to utilize planned giving programs to improve fundraising across the board, not only via bequests. MORE >

    A small investment of time and resources on behalf of your nonprofit can result in a significant return, as well as improved branding and standing in your field. It's an overlooked aspect of development, and my presentation will draw on my experience advising nonprofits to give you all the tools necessary to leverage this opportunity to the fullest.
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  • The Art of Communication

    Robb Hill, Founder/President, R Hill Enterprises Inc

    A forcefully energetic and entertaining speaker, Robb hill knows how to deliver content-driven programs designed to empower and encourage your team. A financial adviser for over 18 years, Robb has helped hundreds of people redefine their financial objectives and prepare for a better financial future. MORE >

    Communication is the foundation of relationships, whether it is with family, community, church or business- communication can make or break relationships. Excellent communicators are also attentive listeners. Robb Hill will decipher the communication conundrum and help improve communication resulting in accountability and productivity.

    Robb Hill inspirationally empowers others to rise to higher levels and overcome the inertia to see the changes they desperately desire. Robb shows audiences how to move from inactive, to proactive, and step out of their negativity into a positive and creative life path.

    The Effective Communication Environment:

    The ability to engage your customer is a skill that needs to be cultivated for maximum effectiveness. The non-verbal aspects of communication are of special importance. Participants learn techniques to gain cooperation from others and help customers express their ideas with clarity which in turn allows the service aspect to exceed the customers expectations.

    Identify and apply different communication styles.
    Gain a better understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication.
    Communicate ideas more clearly and project a positive image.
    Learn the assertive language to get your point across.
    Tap into their own personal style to become a more authentic communicator.
    Learn how to effectively give and receive feedback, and much, much more.

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  • Computer Security Essentials

    Jody Jankovsky, Founder and Managing Member, Black|Line Consulting

    Black|Line's Security Essentials presentation focuses on the most common computer security issues facing people and businesses today. The talk describes the 4 primary threat categories and a series of technologies and best practices to protect yourself. The presentation can be made to fit a 30-60 minute format.

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  • Project Management Essentials for the “Accidental” Project Manager

    Robert Starinsky, MBA, MS, CCP, ASBC, Principal, Tradewinds Group, Inc.

    People often start working on (and managing) projects almost by accident. When you suddenly find yourself responsible for managing an important project but aren't really sure about how to go about making it happen, you’re an "accidental" project manager. Whether you're a newly minted "accidental" project manager, or you're someone who frequently finds yourself serving on a client-focused project team, or you simply want to know more about project management, this is the right workshop for you. MORE >

    Have you recently "fallen" into the role of an accidental project manager? At one time or another, we all do (or will)! The good news is that you can be successful - without being an expert on project management! This short workshop is designed for individuals with little or no prior knowledge of project management, but who know what they’re doing now is either not enough, or simply isn’t working.

    This workshop covers what you need you know about managing a small to medium-sized project with confidence. You'll learn an easy-to-follow process for taking your project - regardless of its' purpose or size - from beginning to "done", as well as the critical "need to know" project management terminology, concepts and techniques that you can apply immediately toward helping you keep your project running smoothly.

    This presentation is available virtually to audiences across the country, or locally, on an in-person basis, COVID restrictions permitting.

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  • Optimize Your Customer Journey! Rebuild Your Marketing & Sales Infrastructure For Revenue

    Troy Sandidge, Keynote Speaker • Emcee • Fractional CMO • Podcaster • Author, Strategy Hackers

    Are sales nonexistent? Marketing not working? Have you evaluated your customer journey through the eyes of your customer? Are you optimized to give the right value at every stage? Are your marketing and selling initiatives aligned with revenue-generating activities? Is your business stuck on awareness mode desperately needing to switch to sales, acquisition, and conversions mode? Let's break down how to stop marketing for fans and start marketing and selling to drive revenue! MORE >

    Takeaways:
    • Learn a 5-point customer journey blueprint that you can modify to fit your current situation.
    • Discover how to expand your marketing and sales tactics and effectiveness using your actual customers as advocates.
    • Debunk myths and old "best practices" many businesses still use that's costing sales and repeatable buyers.

    Best For:
    • New Entrepreneurs & Startups Looking To Improve Marketing & Sales ROI
    • Businesses With Small Or No Marketing Team Or An Army-Of-One Marketing Leader
    • New Marketing & Sales Managers for Small Businesses

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  • Six Sigma and Finance Intersections

    Diane Davidson, Finance Transformation Leader, Clever Fox, LLC

    As a practitioner with a Six Sigma Green Belt, I am seeing demand for Six Sigma principles being used in the Finance industry. Six Sigma is typically viewed as a tool only used for Supply Chain, Logistics or Operations. Finance organizations are using Six Sigma principles such as Value Stream Mapping and Kaizen Events to bring standardization and efficiencies to their business processes. MORE >

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  • The 60-minute Strategic Plan

    Matt Kinnich, CEO, Roland, Ruth & Mitchell

    Technically, there is no such thing as a 60-minute strategic plan, but this session will provide the foundation, framework and next steps of building out your personal, team or organization’s strategies and plan. Participants will engage in the following: MORE >

    • Overview of Strategic Framework
    • What are your goals?
    • What is your purpose?
    • What does your environment look like?
    • What are my options?
    • What options are best?
    • Individual/Group questions
    • What actions am I willing to do next?
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  • Non-Profit Business Strategies

    Lea Ann Skogsberg, Founder, Dollars and Sense

    With 30 years experience, Lea Ann offers customized talks on using social media, blogging, endowment, creating access for middle income donors, fundraising, new business models, grantwriting and trends across sectors.

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  • Heart, Hustle, & Muscle: The Real Estate

    Marcus Carter, Marcus Carter, Carter Property Solutions LLC

    In a consumer driven market, many seek financial freedom and fall prey to snake oil salesmen offering life altering results based on a catchy pitch. MORE >

    The wealthy keep to themselves, adding mystery to fulfillment and success. Well I'm here to let the cat out of the bag. In this fast paced, results driven presentation, Marcus Carter uses real estate to describe an attainable, realistic path to wealth and success.

    In this presentation, participants can look to gain:

    1. Keys To Discovering What Works For You To Pursue Success And Efficiency
    2. The 3 Key Elements The Most Productive People Have At Their Disposal
    3. Actions Steps To Make Change Right After This Talk!

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  • Every Organization Needs a System for Getting Things Done

    Robert Starinsky, MBA, MS, CCP, ASBC, Principal, Tradewinds Group, Inc.

    Disorganization. Confusion. Inconsistent Results. Missed Opportunities. Lost Customers. Privacy Breeches. Unable to take a day off (even if you need one). MORE >

    If you have uttered any of these words or thoughts, chances are that your organization is lacking the necessary basic business management systems it needs to have in place in order to operate like a well-oiled machine.

    Why does a McDonalds hamburger taste the same, no matter where in the world you're at?

    How does your one-person dentist office see five patients simultaneously?

    How about a one-word answer to both of these questions: Systems!

    Yes, it's because both McDonalds and your dentist have mastered systems thinking in their business operations. Although business worlds apart, both McDonalds and your dentist are leveraging the power of systems thinking to streamline their operations and generate predictable, consistent, repeatable results every business day.

    In this brief, informative presentation you'll learn about how every organization can benefit by leveraging systems thinking.

    This presentation is available virtually to audiences across the country, or locally, on an in-person basis, COVID restrictions permitting.

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