Free Business Topics in Chicago

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  • Cash Flow is King: Why Profit Doesn’t Always Mean You’re in Control

    Mark Knaack, Business Development Director, Guardian Chamber

    Every business owner has heard the phrase “cash is king,” but too many discover the truth the hard way — when they run out of cash even though their business looks profitable on paper. Profit is an accounting result, but cash flow is what keeps the doors open, employees paid, and opportunities funded. MORE >

    At Guardian Chamber, we teach owners how to take control of their financial story by understanding where their money really goes, building systems to smooth out cash flow, and using credit as a safety net—not a crutch. Because when you have clarity on your cash, you gain both control and the confidence to scale.
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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.
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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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  • Is Your Business A “Digital Disaster”

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

    Black|Line's "Digital Disaster" presentation explains how many businesses are failing to create and maintain some of their most valuable assets, their digital ones. Mr. Jankovsky explores what "Digital Assets" are, why they are important to a business/organization and how to avoid becoming a "Digital Disaster". The presentation can be made to fit a 30-60 minute format and can be tailored for your organization or business. MORE >

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  • The Hidden Value Driver: How Business Credit Builds Company Worth

    Mark Knaack, Business Development Director, Guardian Chamber

    Most business owners think of credit only as a way to borrow money, but the truth is, strong business credit is a hidden driver of company value. When banks, investors, and even potential buyers look at your business, they’re not just reviewing your financial statements — they’re evaluating your ability to access and manage capital without leaning on personal guarantees. MORE >

    A business with established credit is seen as more fundable, less risky, and ultimately more valuable. At Guardian Chamber, we show owners how building credit isn’t just about getting loans — it’s about creating leverage, increasing valuation, and giving you more control over your company’s growth and future.
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  • Emotional Intelligence for Leadership Success

    Ron Martin, Principal, Founder, Executive Coach, Ocean Park Strategic Advisors

    In today's dynamic and fast-paced business environment, effective leadership is not just about making strategic decisions or achieving bottom-line results—it's also about understanding and effectively managing the emotions of oneself and others. As a seasoned speaker and expert in emotional intelligence for leadership success, I provide invaluable insights and practical strategies to help leaders excel in their roles. MORE >

    The role of organizational culture cannot be understated when it comes to shaping leaders' emotional intelligence skills. By fostering a culture that prioritizes empathy, self-awareness, and psychological safety, organizations can empower leaders to develop stronger emotional intelligence competencies. This includes the ability to understand and regulate their own emotions, as well as effectively navigate the emotions of others.

    By leveraging my expertise in emotional intelligence, interpersonal communications, and culture change, I work with organizations to cultivate environments that support the growth and development of emotionally intelligent leaders. Through tailored interventions and practical guidance, I help leaders enhance their ability to lead with authenticity, empathy, and resilience.

    Ultimately, fostering a culture of emotional intelligence not only benefits individual leaders but also has far-reaching implications for organizational success. Leaders who possess strong emotional intelligence skills are better equipped to inspire trust and collaboration, navigate change and adversity, and foster a positive and inclusive work environment.

    In essence, my approach to emotional intelligence for leadership success is rooted in empowering leaders to harness the power of emotions to drive positive outcomes and foster a culture of excellence. By equipping leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to lead with authenticity and empathy, I help organizations build stronger, more effective leadership teams and achieve sustainable success.

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  • 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

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  • Cyber Threat Survival Guide Protecting Your Business from Harm

    Christopher Higgins, Cyber Security Analyst, CCS Technology Group

    In this dynamic and engaging presentation, we will take a deep dive into the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. Join us as we review the current threat landscape, educate you on common cyber attacks, explore the motivations behind these hacking endeavors, and, most importantly, equip you with practical strategies to protect yourself and your business from the lurking bad actors. MORE >

    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.

    Armed with this knowledge, you will learn how to fortify your defenses and mitigate vulnerabilities. We will share key cybersecurity best practices and actionable steps, empowering you to safeguard your digital assets. From implementing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to educating your employees about social engineering techniques, we will cover it all.

    Join us for this eye-opening presentation and take the first step towards building a resilient cybersecurity posture. Don't wait for the bad actors to strike - together, we can overcome the cyber threats that loom in the digital realm.

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  • 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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  • Success Blueprint: Strategies to Increase Sales, Be More Productive, Dominate Your Industry

    Scott Hansen, CEO, Scott Hansen Consulting

    Entrepreneurs and business owners who are looking to GET THE EDGE in their business. You will walk away looking at yourself and business in an entirely new light. High Performance Coach, Scott Hansen, shares key strategies to help any business owner get to the next level in their business. MORE >

    In this riveting 60 minute presentation, Scott will leave you with key strategies on how to Increase Sales, Become More Productive, and Dominate Your Industry and Stand Out from the Competition.
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