Free Business Topics in Chicago

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

SORT: MOST RECENT | A - Z

  • A Diverse Workforce is Smart Business

    Pamela Bozeman-Evans, Founder & Senior Consultant, ProPlanProject

    Workplace diversity impacts your bottom line. Pamela discusses best practices in recruitment, retention, target marketing, and product/service innovation. She provides valuable insights that will empower your team and impress your client base. Learn more about customized presentations, tailored to diverse stakeholders, including sales teams, C-Suites, boards, and investors.

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  • The Three Most Powerful Actions of Value-driven Leaders

    Susan Neustrom, Ed.D., Leadership Coach, Author, Speaker, Educator, Leading to Action

    Leadership is hard work because the need to be socially connected at all time is a necessity for leaders to influence, impact, and direct organizations, people, and change. Business challenges require fast, direct decisions, therefore, leaders are relentlessly communicating with multiple stakeholders through email, phone, and technology. Yet, the most powerful leaders understand the demands of being a leader and create a mental space to be alone with their thoughts emotions, and values. MORE >

    In this presentation, Dr. Susan Neustrom will demonstrate how solitude, silence, and reflection can actually enhance social interaction and increase authentic and ethical leadership behavior. She will provide strategies to create a personal sanctuary for leaders to renew, reevaluate, and reorient your moral compass for more effective, ethical decision making.
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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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  • Extreme Time Management – 5 Keys to Creating an Abundance of Time

    Tom Kelly, Business Coach, Potential In Motion

    In our fast paced world, it seems that we are expected to do more and more with less and less. If you are finding that there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get things done, then this presentation is for you. In this presentation, Master Certified Business Coach Tom Kelly discusses the 5 shifts that you need to make to create an abundance of time in your life and business. MORE >

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  • Empowering the Multi-Generational Workforce

    Mary Erlain, President, Peak Development Strategies

    Much has changed since 2020, and our workforce has undergone a dramatic shift. One entire generation has retired, while another has entered in greater numbers, reshaping the dynamics of our workplaces. MORE >

    We work in a diverse environment where embracing differences can drive business growth—if organizations empower their workforce to leverage their unique gifts and values. The real challenge lies in finding effective ways to do just that: fostering inclusion and enabling employees to thrive.

    Explore strategies to bridge generational gaps among staff and recognize how, often unintentionally, we might be contributing to the problem rather than being part of the solution.

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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • The Power of Social Media For All Businesses

    Troy Sandidge, Keynote Speaker • Emcee • Fractional CMO • Podcaster • Author, Strategy Hackers

    Looking to grow your business primarily using social media? The undeniable truth is Social Media is a platform for real networking, growth, and engagement for any business irrespective of the industry. Social media marketing, when done right, allows you to amplify your content to a highly targeted audience with content that connects. MORE >

    This session will break down social media to key concepts and give the tools to expand your reach with social.

    ** This session can be customized for audience type and social media platforms you would like to put emphasis on.

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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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