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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  Master Networking for your business

  Dan Gelfond, Former Steven Spielberg Project Interviewers, Personal History Interviews

  Join Dan Gelfond, a master networker with 28+ years of experience building his business almost entirely through networking. As moderator of the Northbrook Chamber’s “First Friday” networking meeting for the past 25 years (averaging 110 attendees monthly), Dan brings proven, practical strategies you can use immediately.
  What you’ll learn:
  Clear, actionable do’s — and even more important don’ts — for effective networking
  How to craft and perfect a compelling elevator pitch MORE >

  Practical tips to maximize your ROI from every networking opportunity
  Format:
  Fun, interactive seminar tailored for companies or organizations with sales staffs.
  Hands-on exercises, real-world examples, and time for Q&A.

  For companies with sales staff in multiple locations, seminar can be conducted via Zoom.

  Request This Free Speech
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  Experiential Marketing

  Edwin Goitia, Founder and Visionary, I Am A Brand

  What do you do when your marketing tactics are not getting straight to the consumer? Edwin tells how you can bring your ideas, services or business straight to consumers and create something unforgettable. He’ll also discuss how experiential marketing has played a role in today’s economy and how anyone can utilize it today. MORE >

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  The Culture Shift Starts Within: Tackling the Hidden Barriers to Collaboration

  Anthony Bolden and Charles Cammack, Co-founders, BridgeWork LLC

  Dr. Shirzad Chamine’s groundbreaking research introduces the concept of “Saboteurs”—internal voices that once helped us navigate real and perceived threats in childhood. While these mental patterns originally served as protection, they often persist into adulthood, operating as unseen forces that shape how we think, feel, and respond. MORE >

  Over time, these Saboteurs become embedded in our neural pathways, creating automatic reactions that can “hijack” our behavior in moments of stress or challenge.

  In this session, your team will learn to recognize and understand these patterns, identify their own Saboteurs, and develop practical strategies to build greater self-awareness. The goal is simple but powerful: to help individuals show up as assets rather than obstacles to their teams and the broader mission.

  By equipping your people with this insight, your organization takes a meaningful step toward becoming more people-centered—grounded in self-awareness, stronger collaboration, and more intentional impact.

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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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  Own the Interview: Preparation That Reduces Anxiety

  Rosie Zilinskas, Keynote Speaker | Certified High-Performance Coach, No Woman Left Behind

  Interviews do not have to feel overwhelming. This hands-on session gives you a practical system to prepare for any interview and show up feeling calmer, clearer, and more in control. The session also introduces free AI tools like ChatGPT for ongoing interview practice. No tech experience needed. Whether you are changing careers, preparing for a promotion, or navigating an unexpected job search, you will leave with a clear plan and renewed self-assurance. MORE >

  What attendees will walk away with:
  ~ How to build a Story Vault of accomplishments so you have clear, structured examples ready for any question
  ~ Confidence-building opening phrases to start strong and command attention
  ~ Three strategies for responding when you are unsure how to answer a question, so you never freeze or go blank
  ~ How to create a 90-Day Plan that signals readiness and forward thinking to a hiring manager
  ~ A simple pre-interview routine to manage nerves and stay grounded on interview day
  ~ Access to a custom AI interview practice coach for continued preparation after the session

  Ideal for:
  ~ Job seekers at any career stage
  ~ Career changers and professionals reentering the workforce
  ~ Mid-career professionals preparing for internal interviews or promotions
  ~ Anyone who feels anxious or underprepared walking into interviews
  ~ Libraries, workforce development programs, community organizations, and corporate learning events

  Presented by Rosie Zilinskas, a Certified High Performance Coach and former Executive Vice President who has sat on both sides of the interview table during 30+ years of corporate leadership at AIG Private Client Group.

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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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  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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  Small Business Ownership

  Jennifer Davis, President & Co-Founder, Davisware, Inc.

  Owning your own business can be a challenge. Jennifer, a working mother, shares the fascinating story of her startup with sweat equity and personal growth along the way. Her personal account of what works and what doesn’t, and how to balance it all, is perfect for those in business or with an entrepreneurial spirit. MORE >

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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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  Millenial Onboarding

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

  Onboarding new employees is a secure investment that will assist newly hired employees in developing their skills, knowledge, and value within the company. It will help match the technically skilled Millennial workforce with new and emerging needs of your company, which gives your company an advantage within the market. MORE >

  Millennial Onboarding is a specialized type of employee onboarding. With Millennials we are seeing a need to tweak the onboarding process to better suit the needs of the company and new hires. It will increase productivity and produce a happier and more skilled workforce. The new hire phase is a critical time for the employee and company and having a structured set of procedures will make this time run smoother and produce a greater chance of success.

  Presentation Objectives:
  • Define onboarding
  • Discuss the characteristics of Millennials
  • Create an onboarding process for Millennials
  • Start action plans for working with Millennials
  • Learn from introspection

  Request This Free Speech