Free Business Topics in Chicago

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Now the speaker will contact you in the next few days to coordinate details.

  • Build It Like a Brand, Not a Hobby

    Valeria Gershanova, Music Label Manager, MEGAO Inc.

    Too many talented people treat their passion like a side project — and then wonder why it doesn’t grow. In this powerful session, I challenge creatives and entrepreneurs to shift from hobby thinking to brand-building strategy. This talk focuses on positioning, clarity, consistency, and monetization. I break down what separates amateurs from professionals — and why branding, messaging, audience trust, and execution matter more than raw talent. Attendees will learn how to define their value, create a clear identity, structure their offers, and build something scalable instead of temporary. MORE >

    Whether you’re an artist, content creator, entrepreneur, or founder, this presentation will help you think bigger, operate smarter, and build with intention.

    Participants will leave with:
    • A clear understanding of what makes a real brand
    • A framework for positioning themselves professionally
    • Strategies to create income instead of just attention
    • The mindset shift required for long-term success

    Because if you want people to take you seriously — you have to build it seriously.

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  • Break Out Session – Cyber Security Protecting your Business

    Christopher Higgins, Cyber Security Analyst, CCS Technology Group

    With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated by the day, it is crucial to understand the risks you face. Our presentation will shed light on the tactics employed by hackers, helping you decode their methods and motives. We will explore the inner workings of various cyber attacks, from phishing scams to ransomware, all presented in a conversational and approachable manner that even non-technical audiences can grasp. Presentation will be customized to address common threats in a business category or vertical market for example (manufacturing, distribution, finance, medical, etc.) Lets talk about your event and customize it for your event. MORE >

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  • Brand Succession: The Marketing Playbook for Family Businesses in Transition

    Jennifer Fortney, Founder, Cascade Communications

    Your family business survived the hard part — building something worth passing down or selling. But when leadership transitions to the next generation or new owner, most companies keep the old brand out of loyalty to the founder. That loyalty can quietly work against the new leadership's vision, credibility, and growth as well as the direction of the company. MORE >

    Jennifer Fortney draws on 25+ years of brand and PR strategy to walk family business owners and next-generation leaders through the marketing blind spots that emerge during generational transition — and what to do about them.

    You'll learn:

    • the five warning signs your legacy brand is holding new leadership and the company back
    • a practical framework for honoring your history while building the future
    • and how to reposition your story for the customers, markets and key stakeholders

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  • Beyond the Bot: Leveraging AI for Nonprofit Impact

    Cathy Yen, Founder and CEO, The Nonprofit Planner Company

    AI is transforming industries across the globe and nonprofits are no exception. Learn how Cathy and her team integrated AI into a medium-sized nonprofit to build efficiencies while staying mission-focused. We'll cover issues of organizational culture, use cases, data privacy and policies, staff training, and success measurement.

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  • Avoid Business Failure By Enabling 3 Essentials In Your Marketing Strategy

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

    Synopsis: 65% of businesses fail because of three things - complexity, confusion, and chaos. To avoid failure, modern day success requires businesses to relinquish expired “best practices” and embrace modern marketing and sales frameworks while leveraging fundamentals to succeed. MORE >

    Breakdown:
    • The 3 Cs Causing Marketing Strategies to Fail & How to Avoid Them
    • Improve MarketingOps Using the D.A.R.T. Marketing Methodology™
    • 5-Point Customer Success Journey Blueprint for Better Conversions
    • Apply the E.A.S.T. Framework to Operate Marketing Campaigns Efficiently
    • How to Increase Sales Velocity Using the L.E.A.D.S. Generator Blueprint™

    Intentional Themes That Will Be Amplified:
    • Business Growth Strategies
    • Customer Success Journeys
    • MarCom + MarTech Integration
    • Marketing Optimization
    • Sales Velocity Tactics

    Actionable Takeaways:
    • Activate Blueprints to Increase Customer Success & Sales Velocity
    • Apply Strategies to Obtain & Maintain Clarity to Stay in Alignment with Goals
    • Clarity. Refocus. Realignment. Revitalization of Passion & Action

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  • AI for Business Leaders: What Executives Need to Know Now

    Jennifer Witter, Founder and CEO, Witter Enterprise Solutions, LLC

    Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how organizations operate, make decisions, and compete. This presentation provides business leaders and executives with a practical understanding of AI. What it is, how it works, and where it is already creating value in business functions such as finance, operations, marketing, and strategy. Participants will learn how AI can enhance data analysis, improve forecasting, increase operational efficiency, and support better decision-making. MORE >

    The session also addresses common misconceptions, risks, and ethical considerations, helping leaders understand how to responsibly adopt AI tools while maintaining human judgment and strategic oversight. This talk is designed for leaders who want a clear, practical perspective on how AI is shaping the future of business.
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  • A Diverse Workforce is Smart Business

    Pamela Bozeman-Evans, Founder & Senior Consultant, ProPlanProject

    Workplace diversity impacts your bottom line. Pamela discusses best practices in recruitment, retention, target marketing, and product/service innovation. She provides valuable insights that will empower your team and impress your client base. Learn more about customized presentations, tailored to diverse stakeholders, including sales teams, C-Suites, boards, and investors.

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  • 5 Secrets of Businesses That Actually Thrive (Not Just Survive)

    Amanda Wittenborn, Owner, Amanda Creation Inc.

    Why do some businesses seem to grow with ease while others constantly struggle to stay afloat?
    In this uplifting and practical keynote, Amanda Wittenborn, founder of a multi-million-dollar creative brand, reveals the five hidden factors that separate thriving entrepreneurs from the ones just trying to get by. MORE >

    After losing her business twice—and rebuilding stronger each time—Amanda discovered that lasting success isn’t about luck, trends, or working harder. It’s about mastering five timeless principles that every thriving business has in common.

    With her signature blend of real-world honesty and contagious optimism, Amanda helps audiences uncover what’s really holding them back and shows them how to create momentum, confidence, and clarity in their business again.

    Attendees will learn how to:
    ✅ Identify and focus on the work that actually drives growth
    ✅ Harness mindset and energy as tools for strategic success
    ✅ Build simple systems that support (not suffocate) creativity
    ✅ Stay grounded and resilient when plans fall apart
    ✅ Lead with purpose, authenticity, and joy

    Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or leader in transition, this talk will inspire you to stop surviving—and start truly thriving.

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  • 21st Century Leadership

    Scott Hansen, CEO, Scott Hansen Consulting

    In this high energy presentation, High Performance Coach, Scott Hansen, shares the importance of "21st Century Leadership Rules" that you must know. If you don't adapt these, your business might get left behind

    In 21st Century Leadership, you and your organization will walk away with the following: MORE >

    - Learn the importance of becoming a better leader
    - The (3) Income Producing Activities all business owners need to know
    - How to be more efficient and productive in your day
    - The importance of saying "NO" in your business
    - The One productivity strategy that Warren Buffet uses

     

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  • 10 Soft Skills Every Leader Needs

    Bette Lawrence-Water, Founder and Principal Consultant, Spectrum Strategic Solutions

    Having the technical skills and knowledge to successfully execute your job duties is only one part of being the best you can be in the workplace. In addition to these “hard” skills, we also need “soft” skills. Soft skills are those skills which allow us to effectively work with others. No matter what your position, organization, or industry, you work with people! Taking the time to build effective soft skills can contribute to a more efficient, more harmonious, and more productive workplace, as well as to your own overall job happiness and satisfaction. MORE >

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