Free Business Topics in Chicago

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  • Break Out Session – Cyber Security Protecting your Business

    Christopher Higgins, Cyber Security Analyst, CCS Technology Group

    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. Presentation will be customized to address common threats in a business category or vertical market for example (manufacturing, distribution, finance, medical, etc.) Lets talk about your event and customize it for your event. MORE >

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  • Keep It Simple: IT and Cyber Security Compliance Made Easy

    Christopher Higgins, Cyber Security Analyst, CCS Technology Group

    Tired of feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of IT and cybersecurity compliance? Look no further! In our presentation, "Keep It Simple: IT and Cyber Security Compliance Made Easy," we'll break down the jargon and provide you with practical solutions to simplify the compliance process. MORE >

    Navigating the intricate web of regulations and requirements can be daunting for any business. But fear not - we're here to guide you through the maze. Our seasoned experts will demystify the often-confusing world of compliance, presenting it in a way that even non-technical individuals can understand.

    We'll address common compliance challenges and provide actionable steps to streamline your efforts. From creating robust policies and procedures to implementing effective security controls, we'll cover the essentials to help you achieve and maintain compliance. We'll even share tips and tricks to avoid common pitfalls and optimize your compliance framework.

    At CCS, our extensive experience in the industry since 1974 sets us apart as trusted advisors. We know what works and what doesn't, and we're committed to making compliance approachable and manageable for you. Our friendly and engaging approach will ensure you leave the presentation feeling empowered and ready to tackle your compliance obligations.

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  • Mastering Modern Resumes: Winning Strategies and Trends for Job Optimization

    Rosie Zilinskas, Founder & CEO, No Woman Left Behind

    In today’s fast-paced job market, your resume is often the key to landing your next big opportunity. However, many professionals struggle to create resumes that truly showcase their value. In Mastering Modern Resumes, Rosie Zilinskas presents the essential strategies to craft a resume that not only passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) but also catches the attention of hiring managers. MORE >

    In this presentation, Rosie will guide your audience through the critical components of a modern resume, how to tailor it to specific roles, and how to ensure it reflects the most current trends in job search strategies. Attendees will learn practical tips on organizing their experience, leveraging key achievements, and positioning themselves for success in today’s competitive marketplace.

    This is for:

    ~Professionals looking to advance in their careers with a standout resume.
    ~Job seekers eager to learn the latest resume techniques and trends.
    ~Anyone preparing to transition roles and improve their resume for better visibility.

    Learning Outcomes for Attendees:

    ~Create an ATS-friendly resume: Learn how to optimize your resume to pass automated tracking systems while highlighting your strongest accomplishments.
    ~Tailor your resume for specific roles: Gain insight into customizing your resume to align with the skills and experience recruiters are looking for.
    ~Stay relevant in a digital job market: Understand how to incorporate the latest trends and technologies to keep your resume fresh and impactful.
    ~Showcase measurable achievements: Learn how to present your experience in a way that stands out and demonstrates clear value to employers.

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  • Brand Succession: The Marketing Playbook for Family Businesses in Transition

    Jennifer Fortney, Founder, Cascade Communications

    Your family business survived the hard part — building something worth passing down or selling. But when leadership transitions to the next generation or new owner, most companies keep the old brand out of loyalty to the founder. That loyalty can quietly work against the new leadership's vision, credibility, and growth as well as the direction of the company. MORE >

    Jennifer Fortney draws on 25+ years of brand and PR strategy to walk family business owners and next-generation leaders through the marketing blind spots that emerge during generational transition — and what to do about them.

    You'll learn:

    • the five warning signs your legacy brand is holding new leadership and the company back
    • a practical framework for honoring your history while building the future
    • and how to reposition your story for the customers, markets and key stakeholders

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  • Off High Alert: Practical Nervous System Tools for High-Pressure Work Environments

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

    Many capable, high-performing professionals experience stress in their body even when things are going well at work.

    - A tight chest before meetings.
    - A jolt when emails come in.
    - A constant background sense of being “on edge.” MORE >

    This free talk introduces Off High Alert, a practical, body-first approach to understanding and reducing work-related stress that doesn’t rely on mindset shifts, positive thinking, or therapy.

    Participants will learn why the nervous system often stays on high alert in modern work environments and why “just relaxing” rarely works, even for highly competent, prepared professionals.

    This session is especially relevant for people who:

    - Feel physically reactive to emails, meetings, or work interactions before their brain has time to catch up
    - Stay functional and productive while feeling tense or exhausted underneath
    - Don’t want therapy, oversharing, or long emotional processing
    - Want practical tools that can be used during the workday, discreetly and effectively

    During this talk, attendees will:

    - Understand how and why stress shows up physically at work
    - Learn simple, in-the-moment nervous system regulation tools
    - Reframe stress responses without self-blame or pathologizing
    - Leave with a clear, repeatable way to help their body stand down in high-pressure situations

    This is a grounded, practical, work-safe talk designed to meet professionals where they are, without asking them to lower their standards, change who they are, or step away from their careers.

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  • Enriching Your Nonprofit Through Planned Giving

    Robert J. Varak, Law Offices of Robert J. Varak

    Learn how to establish a system whereby your organization can systematically improve its funding via the estate plans of potential donors. Most nonprofits receive periodic and inconsistent donations via this revenue stream, but I will explain how to utilize planned giving programs to improve fundraising across the board, not only via bequests. MORE >

    A small investment of time and resources on behalf of your nonprofit can result in a significant return, as well as improved branding and standing in your field. It's an overlooked aspect of development, and my presentation will draw on my experience advising nonprofits to give you all the tools necessary to leverage this opportunity to the fullest.
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  • From zero to launch: A walk-through of the website process

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

    I’ll share my step-by-step process (honed since the days of just HTML) for WordPress website creation or redesign. We’ll touch on content audits, theme selection (or should you go custom?), launch checklists, and post-launch care. Also freelancer or client management. MORE >

    Great for those who want to launch or relaunch their sites and those who work with clients.
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  • Leadership Impact

    Dr. Jeff Van Meter, The Human Leader

    Every leader has an impact on those being led. Dr. Van Meter discusses the IMPACT journey every leader takes to lead strongly in the world today. In his laid back midwestern style, Dr. Van Meter will share the stages of the that journey and what challenges have to be overcome to reach the next level. MORE >

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  • Millennials Are Uniquely Designed for Innovation. Now If I Could Just Understand Them!

    Pamela Bozeman-Evans, Founder & Senior Consultant, ProPlanProject

    Our 21st century problems are very complex and require our best and brightest to solve them. Millennials are uniquely prepared for the challenge. Their parents have positioned them for success and they will boldly transform our world. MORE >

    While this should be exciting news for the corporate and nonprofit community, today's multi-generational workplace struggles to find the sweet spot between Gen X experience and Gen Y exploration. Pamela Bozeman-Evans describes the myths and realities of multi-generational workplaces, and offers best management practices for the "new norm".
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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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