Free Business Topics in Chicago

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

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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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  It’s Not About You… It’s About Bacon! Relationship Marketing in a Social Media World

  Brian Basilico, Author, Speaker, Coach, B2B Interactive Marketing

  If you are looking for a “How-to” social networking presentation, then this is not for you. This is a “Why-to” presentation. If you have been overwhelmed and confused by all the conflicting examples and theories about why social networking works for some and not for others, this presentation will be an eye-opening breath of fresh air. MORE >

  You will learn why relationships, both new and nurtured ones, are golden for you and your business. We will demystify using the internet and social media to successfully market your business. In this ever-changing world of instant gratification and measurable communications, you need to know the tools and methodologies that create real interaction and engagement.

  You will learn some actionable techniques ( Brian likes to call $100 ideas) that are sustainable, repeatable, and profitable for your business. This presentation will help you get noticed, become memorable and top of mind, and grow your brand and business through tested and proven face-to-face and social networking techniques.

  45-60 minutes

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  The Art of Impactful Leadership – 3 Secret Principles to Elite Performance

  Dennis Mellen, Owner, Full Throttle Leadership

  Be the visionary servant leader and inspire innovation and elite performance. Get your team feeling they "get to go to work" instead of "have to go to work"

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  Dianne M. Michels, HR Possibility Partner, Author, Rearchitecting Work Speaker, possibilitypartners.org

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  LinkedIn For Business

  Brian Basilico, Author, Speaker, Coach, B2B Interactive Marketing

  Brian Basilico was one of the first 1000 people on LinkedIn back in 2004. He specializes in teaching entrepreneurs and corporate sales teams how to navigate and optimize LinkedIn for their business. MORE >

  In this presentation... You will learn some of the basics of using LinkedIn to promote and grow your business. More importantly, you will learn some “Whyʼs” and “How Toʼs” that will help you better understand the biz behind the buzz!

  Sometimes itʼs easier to know what questions to ask, than to try to find answers to questions you donʼt have... but at least you will know what questions to ask?

  'Who is on LinkedIn and how can I capitalize on it?ʼ
  ʻAre people really making money?ʼ
  ʻNone of my customers are using this! Are you sure who is and who is not?ʼ
  ʻI canʼt afford to spend more time or money on marketing?'

  In this fast-moving digital economy - now is the time to market harder and smarter than your competition.

  You will learn some actionable techniques (Brian likes to call $100 ideas) that are sustainable, repeatable, and profitable for your business. This presentation will help you get noticed, become memorable and top of mind, and grow your brand and business through tested and proven face-to-face and social networking techniques.

  Request This Free Speech
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  Generation Z (Zoomers) in the Workplace

  Mary Erlain, President, Peak Development Strategies

  The workplace has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, driven by two seismic shifts: the pandemic and the generational turnover in the workforce. MORE >

  Time has seemed to fly by, bringing with it a wave of change that many of us barely registered. A new generation has quietly entered the workplace, but have we truly acknowledged their arrival?

  For many, the answer is no—and for a good reason. Gen Z stepped into their professional roles during a time of unprecedented disruption. Remote work and virtual meetings on platforms like Zoom replaced traditional onboarding experiences, making their entry less noticeable but no less impactful.

  Their influence on organizations has been significant, though often misunderstood. This book, The Zoomers: Our Next Generational Wave in the Workplace, aims to change that. It offers an insightful and constructive perspective on Gen Z, challenging stereotypes and providing a deeper understanding of their values, behaviors, and expectations.

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  The Carrot and Stick are Obsolete – How to Deploy the Right Employee Incentives in Today’s Business Environment

  Mark James, Founder & President, Performance Advisors Group, Inc.

  Are your incentive programs delivering desired results? Incentives work, but you must get them right to positively impact performance and avoid wasting time and money. MORE >

  The traditional approach to improving workplace behavior was often characterized by a “lady-or-the-tiger” experience which ignored that employees are motivated in different ways and underestimated the importance of connecting personal meaning to what they do.

  This VIRTUAL OR IN PERSON presentation will reveal best practices any business can and should do to ensure employee incentive programs are working properly. Attendees will come away with knowledge and tips concerning:
  • Why incentives are a tactic, not the strategy
  • Commitment and support of leaders
  • Choosing right incentive structure
  • Audience selection
  • Goal setting
  • Communicating what, who, how, and why
  • Avoiding element of chance
  • Choosing the right recognition and rewards
  • Keeping it fresh and appealing

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  Stories that Connect: Building Empathy Through Personal Narrative

  Leilani Garrett, Principal Storyteller / Founder, Be More Human

  In this 90-minute interactive experience, Leilani guides participants through the process of writing and sharing their personal stories. The result? Deeper trust, increased empathy, and real connection between colleagues who usually only talk in metrics. Ideal for leadership retreats, ERG activations, or culture-building experiences, this workshop makes space for brave reflection and meaningful dialogue—and leaves teams more human than they were before. MORE >

  This is more than a workshop—it’s a reset.

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  From Talent to Income: Turning Creativity into a Business

  Valeria Gershanova, Music Label Manager, MEGAO Inc.

  Creativity is powerful — but talent alone does not build wealth. In this dynamic and practical session, I break down how to transform skills, passion, and artistic ability into sustainable income streams. This presentation explores the shift from thinking like a creator to operating like a CEO. I share real-world strategies on branding, positioning, monetization models, audience building, and execution. Attendees will learn how to package their expertise, create multiple revenue streams, avoid common entrepreneurial mistakes, and move from hobby mindset to business strategy. MORE >

  This talk is designed for creatives, artists, entrepreneurs, and aspiring founders who are ready to stop waiting for opportunities — and start building their own.

  Participants will leave with:
  • A clear framework for monetizing their talent
  • Practical strategies to build a personal brand
  • Action steps to launch or scale a creative business
  • A mindset shift from “creative” to “creative entrepreneur”

  This is not just inspiration — it’s a blueprint.

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  Preliminary Blocking and Tackling to Start a Debt or Equity Capital Raise

  Barrett Willich, CFO, Bear & Kenmore LLC

  In this presentation, we will do a quick introduction to things to think about and how to start preparing when you are ready to raise debt or equity capital. After this presentation, you will have a better idea of advisors to connect with as well as tasks your internal team can start preparing. We will also walk you through the key milestones of a process. MORE >

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