Free Business Topics in Chicago
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3: Browse for a topic, Click the orange request button, Fill out the contact form.
Now the speaker will contact you in the next few days to coordinate details.
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Don’t Jump Out of That Plane | How to Control Your Brain to Make Yourself Limitless
Michael Opyd, President, Dynamic Ventures LLC
Everyone has a comfort zone that our brains try to keep us in. This comfort zone is built to help us survive. But what happens when we get outside of our comfort zone? The only way to escape it is to understand why the zone exists and what we can do to battle all of the forces that are trying to keep us in it. MORE >
Did you know your brain has two functions, one to keep you alive and two to keep you safe? It's the latter that controls you more than anything. But what if you could control it? What would you do if you were able to be limitless? I have spent a lot of time understanding how our brains work and how we can control them. If you want to know how you can take control of your brain please reach out and let's discuss more.I'd love an opportunity to come and speak to any audience big or small. If you have any questions please contact me! I look forward to the opportunity to help!
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Innovating Earned PR in an Evolving Media Environment
Jennifer Fortney, President, Cascade Communications
While the media world continues to shift and change, companies of all sizes are still hungry for the valuable earned media mentions and features that bring an unparalleled credibility. So, what are they to do? Jennifer shares that today, PR is much more than just earned media. It's more than the newspaper story on a plaque on the wall. MORE >
It's search, reviews, how you use a story to gain even more traction and create content campaigns around it and best utilize the psychology of marketing and story telling to boost sales and donations. -
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 TacticsActionable 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 -
Thoughtful Data: Ensuring Equity and Avoiding Harm in Analysis and Evaluation
Lakeshia Wright, Founder and Principal, Guided by Community
This session explores six critical areas where data framing and evaluation practices may unintentionally marginalize or harm vulnerable populations, particularly those experiencing systemic injustices. Participants will learn actionable strategies to identify and mitigate these challenges at every stage of the data lifecycle—from design to dissemination. By adopting a thoughtful and equity-centered approach, attendees will be empowered to produce more inclusive, impactful, and measurable outcomes in their work. MORE >
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Utilizing Marketing Automation for Prospect Qualification
Franklin D. Rivera II, Founder/CEO, The V2M2 Group, Inc.
Many companies fail to utilize marketing automation. Most do not know what Marketing Automation is! Marketing automation refers to the software that exists with the goal of automating marketing actions. Many marketing departments have to automate repetitive tasks such as emails, social media, and other website actions. MORE >
The technology of marketing automation makes these tasks easier (Hubspot). Even more importantly, marketing automation is like hiring a sales force to pre-qualify prospects without having to hire a sales force. Franklin will cover why marketing automation is so critical for the growth of your company and share the best software and practices for utilizing this amazing tool. -
Stop Chasing Talent Away -The Ultimate K.P.I. to Be a Talent Magnet
Dennis Mellen, Owner, Full Throttle Leadership
Break free of the old leadership model and become a visionary servant leader. Inspire your team to perform at a level they never dreamed possible with the ultimate KPI (key performance indicator).
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Murder by Meeting: Reviving the Workplace One Meeting at a Time
Marie Genevieve Pawlak, CEO, Prime Alchemy a division of Planning101 Group
Life is too short to be killed by meetings! Whether virtual or in-person, meetings should be an opportunity to connect, learn, encourage, and get things done. So, how do you make your meetings better for everyone? MORE >
In this fun and engaging talk, we'll dive into the seven ways people unknowingly sabotage meetings and, more importantly, how to stop them. You will laugh, cry, and maybe even admit that you’ve been guilty of a few meeting crimes yourself. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!Join us to discover:
The seven deadly meeting sins that drain energy and productivity.
Practical tips to transform your meetings into productive, engaging sessions.
Techniques to foster better communication and collaboration, whether virtual or in-person.
Real-life examples of meeting makeovers that have led to remarkable results.By the end of this session, you'll walk away with a clear action plan to make your next meeting not just good but great. Say goodbye to boring, ineffective meetings and hello to a more vibrant, productive workplace!
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US – China Trade War
Bill Liu, President, NaviAsia Advisors
US President Donald Trump has complained about China's trading practices since before he took office in 2016. The US launched an investigation into Chinese trade policies in 2017. It imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Chinese products last year, and Beijing retaliated in kind. MORE >
The trade war between the two largest economies shows no sign of easing. What's next? Who will blink first? This presentation will guide you through the trade war and lead you to rethink the future of US-China relationship. -
Successful Supply Chain Strategies for Today’s Uncertain Times
Lauren Pittelli, Principal, Baker Logistics Consulting Services Inc.
Drawing on thirty year's experience shipping internationally, Lauren will discuss current supply chain challenges and provide strategies to navigate today's uncertain and competitive marketplace. Plan for success by increasing your company's flexibility while driving down transportation costs and risk. MORE >
In this session, Lauren will cover specific strategies to capitalize on today's market opportunities by:- Reducing supply chain risk
- Increasing efficiency and cost effectiveness
- Incorporating new tools -
What is the difference between a CFO and a Bookkeeper?
Barrett Willich, CFO, Bear & Kenmore LLC
Are you not getting the financial insights you feel you need to run your business efficiently? It could be because you are working with a bookkeeper, controller, or accountant, and not a CFO. A CFO looks at the business implications of financial decisions and makes recommendations on how to become more profitable. Bookkeepers, controllers, and accountants help keep the accounting correct, but rarely dig deeper into business implications. In this presentation, we will walk you through the key differences so you can determine who you need on your team. MORE >