Free Business Topics in Chicago

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  • Civility in the Workplace During Turbulent Times

    Bette Lawrence-Water, Founder and Principal Consultant, Spectrum Strategic Solutions

    While a discussion on workplace manners and courtesy may seem like overkill, the reality is: rudeness is an epidemic costing industry millions a year. Indeed, what society seems to be gaining in terms of both knowledge and technological advancement, it’s losing out on basic social values that directly impact the bottom line. MORE >

    This discussion introduces the concept of civility, its importance to an organization, as well as its typical causes and effects. Audience leaves with skills needed to effectively practice civil behavior, as well knowledge of different ways organizations can systematize civility in the workplace.
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  • Small Business Ownership

    Jennifer Davis, President & Co-Founder, Davisware, Inc.

    Owning your own business can be a challenge. Jennifer, a working mother, shares the fascinating story of her startup with sweat equity and personal growth along the way. Her personal account of what works and what doesn’t, and how to balance it all, is perfect for those in business or with an entrepreneurial spirit. MORE >

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  • Rearchitecting Work: POSSIBILITY PARTNERS UNLEASHING POTENTIAL

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

    A Blueprint for "Unlocking the Power of Human Resources to Unleash the Potential of Human Beings" . . . enabling organizations to set bold goals that can be achieved with more PREDICTABILITY, INNOVATION, and EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT! MORE >

    Learn about the key paradigm shifts that provide the foundation for the changes in conditions, relationships, cultural norms, and leadership approaches that can transform people's relationship to work from a burden to survive to a possibility to thrive . . . while producing results that meet or exceed revenue, profitability, and growth goals of the enterprise.

    You will be introduced to the 10 design principles that support the paradigm shifting changes in assumptions, beliefs, and behavioral practices that enable people to go beyond learning new skills to expanding their adaptability, flexibility, resiliency, and self-directedness in a world that is increasingly more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.

    The 10 design principles include:
    Ch. 1 Alignment between HR and the CEO
    Ch. 2 Unlocking the Power of HR to Unleash the Potential Within Your Workplace
    Ch. 3 The Power of Possibility - "There are no mistakes; only possibilities" Tina Fey
    Ch. 4 Leadership Beliefs and Behaviors that model mutual respect, trust, transparency . . .
    Ch. 5 Inspiring Ownership for Results vs. Holding People Accountable
    Ch. 6 Igniting Results: Expressing Our Value vs. Proving Our Worth
    Ch. 7 Participating, Contributing, Self-Expressing vs. Checking Off Our To Do Lists - "Only do what your heart tells you." Princess Diana
    Ch. 8 Celebrating Diversity as a Competitive Edge!
    Ch. 9 Recruiting: Creating Raving Fans - "Transforming often dreaded interview interrogations into life-affirming conversations.
    Ch. 10 Communications: Creating Psychological Safety so People can Speak Candidly With One Another Regardless of the Hierarchy -
    "Relationships determine the quality of our lives, and conversations determine the quality of our relationships."

    Can be presented virtually via ZOOM.

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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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  • “Establishing Your Professional Persona: 5 Steps to Crafting a Compelling Brand Identity”

    Tammy Cook, Productivity Coach, Tammy Cook Coaching

    Are you a small business owner trying to build your following and your list?
    Are you ready to create a clear, compelling voice for your business, that magnetically draws ideal prospects to you? MORE >

    If you are struggling to find followers and build your presence, no matter the amount of marketing and outreach you do, it could simply be because this key foundational piece is missing.

    This foundational piece is most often skipped over when beginning a business - crafting a compelling brand identity that connects with your target audience. Once you get this step right, you will be positioned as the go-to expert in your niche, and you will attract ideal clients with much less effort.

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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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  • Women in Leadership

    Bette Lawrence-Water, Founder and Principal Consultant, Spectrum Strategic Solutions

    In the United States today, women make up half of the workforce. Unfortunately for women, their male colleagues are promoted at a much higher rate. Women offer great work ethnics, and bring something different from men to the workforce, but many times it goes unnoticed. In this workshop, you will learn about how organizations can develop women leaders, about the benefits of women in organizations, as well as advancements for the future of women. You will learn how women in the workplace cannot only benefit the women themselves, but also the organization. MORE >

    Through this engaging, enlightening, and empowering discussion of Women in Leadership, the audience will learn how women are changing the workforce. The discussion helps participants gain a new perspective on the workforce, and uncover the benefits that come from hiring and promoting women to higher positions.

    Presentation Objectives:
    • Discuss the leadership gap between men and women
    • Learn about women in various powerful positions
    • Discuss different traits associated with women in management
    • Understand the different barriers facing women in leadership positions
    • Learn about the benefits of having women in the workforce

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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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  • Get a Grip on Your Business

    John McMahon, President, TractionLeadership, LLC

    Even the most successful entrepreneurs occasionally find running a business a challenge. They grapple with lack of control, profit, growth and people who don’t follow through. Hear John’s solutions.

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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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