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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  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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  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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  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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  Emerging Trends in Fraud Prevention Technology

  Jiaqi Chen, Business Intelligence Analyst

  An insightful analysis of technological innovations transforming the fraud prevention landscape. Through comprehensive trend analysis and industry insights, this presentation examines how emerging technologies are reshaping fraud detection strategies and what organizations need to know to stay ahead of evolving threats.

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  Where Did That Car Come From? | How to Build a Brand

  Michael Opyd, President, Dynamic Ventures LLC

  Whether you are a major corporation, a small company, or working a side hustle branding is everything. Branding is what attracts (or doesn't) customers and clients. If your branding is not on point or the right message is not being delivered you are missing out on an opportunity at every turn. MORE >

  Here's the thing. Most people do not fully understand what exactly branding is outside of a logo. But, branding is so much more than some symbol. There are many different layers to understanding branding and how to use it effectively and it all starts with the psychology of it.

  I have spent countless hours understanding branding, have helped many people build personal brands, and have built numerous brands of my own. My knowledge and experience can help anyone build a brand from scratch!

  I'd love an opportunity to come and speak to any audience big or small. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out! I look forward to the opportunity to help!

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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 Art of Communication

  Robb Hill, Founder/President, R Hill Enterprises Inc

  A forcefully energetic and entertaining speaker, Robb hill knows how to deliver content-driven programs designed to empower and encourage your team. A financial adviser for over 18 years, Robb has helped hundreds of people redefine their financial objectives and prepare for a better financial future. MORE >

  Communication is the foundation of relationships, whether it is with family, community, church or business- communication can make or break relationships. Excellent communicators are also attentive listeners. Robb Hill will decipher the communication conundrum and help improve communication resulting in accountability and productivity.

  Robb Hill inspirationally empowers others to rise to higher levels and overcome the inertia to see the changes they desperately desire. Robb shows audiences how to move from inactive, to proactive, and step out of their negativity into a positive and creative life path.

  The Effective Communication Environment:

  The ability to engage your customer is a skill that needs to be cultivated for maximum effectiveness. The non-verbal aspects of communication are of special importance. Participants learn techniques to gain cooperation from others and help customers express their ideas with clarity which in turn allows the service aspect to exceed the customers expectations.

  Identify and apply different communication styles.
  Gain a better understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication.
  Communicate ideas more clearly and project a positive image.
  Learn the assertive language to get your point across.
  Tap into their own personal style to become a more authentic communicator.
  Learn how to effectively give and receive feedback, and much, much more.

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  Insecure, unsafe & slow: 10 ways to improve your WordPress website

  Lisa Ghisolf, President & Founder, Gizmo Creative Factory, Inc.

  There are thousands of plugins and tips out there – many free, but how do you narrow them down? I’ve been designing and developing WordPress sites since 2008, and I also work with corporations, nonprofits and bloggers. No matter how popular they are, I still spend a lot of time fixing hacked sites and maintaining and improving them. I’ll share the same tips I use with them to improve your site. We’ll talk social, security, speed, design and more. You’ll leave with an action plan and stronger understanding of your WordPress site.
  MORE >

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  How to Live and Earn Well with a Business You Love

  Tikoshia Davis, CEO and Founder, Business Made Simple Coaching & Consulting

  Self-care is a right, not a privilege. This means that you can have a business you love, without sacrificing your well being in the process. Yes, really. MORE >

  My name is Tikoshia and I am a holistic business coach that specializes in teaching entrepreneurs how to build sustainable and profitable businesses that complement their quality of life — not consume it.

  Running your own business is hard! There’s a never-ending to-do list, long nights, and bouts of fear that can plague you on a daily basis. But, you know what? While all of that can be true, it doesn’t have to overtake you.

  Once upon a time I've tried doing things the imbalanced way. And, right when my coaching practice was starting to take off, I received the most devastating news of my life: I had breast cancer. I knew that if I had made it to the other side of that fight, I would do even more to make my dreams and the dreams of my clients, a reality, but not at the expense of my health. And that’s exactly what I did.

  You can run your business and still enjoy a happy, healthy quality of life. I’m here to show you how.

  In this talk, I will offer support with the following challenges:

  *Need clarity in how to align your business with your spirituality
  *Lack of systems in your business to promote growth
  *Recovering perfectionist, high achiever and/or professional that wants success in your own terms without the guilt of not doing “enough”
  *Want to find the confidence and the faith in yourself to go after their dreams

  THIS TALK BEST SERVES:

  *Professional women (leaders and administrators in higher education)
  *New entrepreneurs (2-3 years’ experience)
  *Aspiring entrepreneurs
  *Conferences and events that are about women in business/entrepreneurship, self-care, wellness, faith based groups

  PRESENTATION FORMAT TYPES:

  *Keynote address
  *Trainings and Workshops
  *Conference Breakout Sessions and Panels
  *Webinars

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  LinkedIn Top 5 Tips

  Dee Reinhardt, Social Media Strategist, Time2Mrkt, Inc.

  LinkedIn is THE professional social networking tool. Are you using it to your advantage? This session talks about the top 5 things you should do with your personal profile to help drive your business forward. As a bonus, we can discuss 3 tips to employ to make your business profile top notch. All in all, each of the tips help you show up higher in LinkedIn search results and ultimately warm-up cold leads. MORE >

  This session works best in a 20-30 minute time slot.

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