Free Business Topics in Chicago

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  • The China Trade War: Trade, Tariffs and Supply Chain Considerations

    Lauren Pittelli, Principal, Baker Logistics Consulting Services Inc.

    Global Supply Chains have always had their intricacies, and with international trade and the global economy in flux it is vital to understand the complexities of trade relations. What's the status of the trade war? Will it end soon - and if not, what should we expect in the future ...and most importantly, what should U.S. companies be doing today to address these uncertainties? MORE >

    If you are currently doing business in China you should not miss this presentation and if you are not currently doing business in China you still should not miss this presentation - because you and your business are likely to be affected by what happens with trade between the U.S. and China.
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  • Successful Supply Chain Strategies for Today’s Uncertain Times

    Lauren Pittelli, Principal, Baker Logistics Consulting Services Inc.

    Drawing on thirty year's experience shipping internationally, Lauren will discuss current supply chain challenges and provide strategies to navigate today's uncertain and competitive marketplace. Plan for success by increasing your company's flexibility while driving down transportation costs and risk. MORE >

    In this session, Lauren will cover specific strategies to capitalize on today's market opportunities by:

    - Reducing supply chain risk
    - Increasing efficiency and cost effectiveness
    - Incorporating new tools

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  • The Power of Storytelling to Your Organizations Culture, Growth and Innovation

    Jennifer Fortney, President, Cascade Communications

    The way you tell the story of your business or organization is all that matters to your customer. Today, customers want to be more engaged with the companies in which they do business and organizations' they support. The story is the reason they buy or donate. It is what they will share with friends and family when asked about where they purchased or what causes to do they support. MORE >

    The trick is that not everyone knows how to tell their story well across all platforms. This is where Jennifer comes in to walk you through finding your story and telling it appropriately and consistently for brand building.
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  • Innovating Earned PR in an Evolving Media Environment

    Jennifer Fortney, President, Cascade Communications

    While the media world continues to shift and change, companies of all sizes are still hungry for the valuable earned media mentions and features that bring an unparalleled credibility. So, what are they to do? Jennifer shares that today, PR is much more than just earned media. It's more than the newspaper story on a plaque on the wall. MORE >

    It's search, reviews, how you use a story to gain even more traction and create content campaigns around it and best utilize the psychology of marketing and story telling to boost sales and donations.
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  • Leading Virtual Teams

    Marie Genevieve Pawlak, Managing Principal , Prime Alchemy a division of Planning101 Group

    Virtual teams present a unique set of challenges, but also a unique set of opportunities. How do you establish clear team expectations based on mutual trust and commitment when you are not face-to-face? Learn ways to foster an environment of trust, loyalty, and collaboration in a virtual world. We will explore ways to lead virtual teams and what the differences are from in-person team leadership. MORE >

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  • POSSIBILITY PARTNERS WORKPLACES . . . HOW HUMAN RESOURCES CAN LEAD A WORKPLACE RESET.

    Dianne M. Michels, Human Resources Futurist, possibilitypartners.org

    Transition Human Resources from a transactional role to a strategic one and become a trusted, indispensable business partner for maximum impact on the enterprise and the people as they fulfill on their mission of "Results Matter . . . and people are at the heart of it! MORE >

    Learn about the key components of a Possibility Partners Workplace and the consequential role HR can play in that workplace transformation. You will gain an understanding of the following components:
    - Cultures where "Everybody Matters" and everybody believes in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being;
    - Communications "Best Practices" that are a demand for authenticity and openness as possibility partners engage in conversations that ignite collaboration, creativity, and community in unleashing our purpose, power, and potential, to actualize new possibilities and partnerships in the world for the greater good;
    - Replacing the annual performance review -- I have yet to meet ANYONE (employee or employer) who says they owe their success to their annual review process -- with regularly scheduled, year-round conversations that build mutual respect and trust, while focusing on results!
    - Defining the 12 conditions required to support the people in accomplishing the results that matter;
    - Shifting the experience of work as a burden to survive to one of a gift of participation, contribution, and self-expression;
    - Developing leaders who are supportive, encouraging, and insightful, without diminishing your sense of choice, agency, and ownership for results. Agency is defined as the capacity of individuals to act independently and to make their own free choices.

    Can be presented virtually via ZOOM.

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  • Dianne M. Michels, Human Resources Futurist, possibilitypartners.org

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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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  • 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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  • Building & Motivating High Performing Teams

    Nicole Caley, MBA, APM, ARM, APSC, President & Founder, Payables Solutions Partners, LLC

    In today’s world, the most sought out organizational leaders are part manager and part HR professional. Join veteran leader Nicole Caley in this session to learn skills necessary to elevate you into a true leader, instead of simply a manager. We will discuss how to identify your leadership style and how to develop the interpersonal skills needed to take charge. By learning to examine functional conflict and create strategies, you will not only staff your function effectively, but lead it to its fullest potential as well — building a high-performing team. MORE >

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