The LPCC has launched a new Small Business Forum program to address the needs of our small business members by offering information and resources on topics relating to business challenges and new trends.

Open to the entire LPCC membership, Small Business Forums highlight everything from going green to store safety.  Forum size is kept low to ensure one-on-one contact with experts in the field of discussion and focus heavily on Q+A from members.

Continue to check the Events section of our website for upcoming Small Business Forums.  Have an idea for a topic? Email it to us!

Past Small Business Forums

10 Tips for Successful Networking - November 11, 2009

Member Experts
Lisa Brenner - Bright Ideas
Gail Zelitzky - Silver-Robins Consulting, LLC

This Small Business Forum focused on networking tips for business owners of all sizes and networking experience levels.  With the busy holiday season ahead, 10 Tips for Successful Networking share tips, tools and more for networking and marketing your brand and yourself. 

Please click here for a complete run-down of the event and the resources provided.

Five Successful Sales Strategies - September 15, 2009

Member Experts
Jessica Chonich - AFLAC
David Kover - David Kover & Associates

Our member experts at this special Small Business Forum provided tools and resources to help your business succeed in today's climate.  Various sales techniques, networking styles, and other tools were discussed.  Have a question about your specific business or sales model? Check out the strategies discussed at the event or contact the LPCC to share your ideas with hundreds of small to large business owners.

Please click here for a list of the sales strategies discussed.

Marketing Success for Any Budget - June 10, 2009

Member Experts:
Rickey Gold - Rickey Gold and Associates
Jack Macholl - Wisdom Bridge Marketing

June’s Small Business Forum was held on Wednesday, June 10th, with 15 LPCC members in attendance.  It was a lively discussion that answered a wide variety of questions concerning affordable marketing, such as:
•    Where do I start?
•    How do I create a successful marketing plan?
•    How do I achieve free publicity?
•    What marketing tools actually work?
 
Our member experts (bios listed below) touched on everything from creating a viable marketing plan to implementing the most cost-effective strategies based on your goals and clientele.  The forum stressed that when business is tight the most important thing to remember is: Stay Visible and continue to network!  If you stop marketing it has been proven that you will end up spending 3 to 4 times more in trying regain the market share you lost during the rough times.  Keep marketing, just find more affordable means.

Handouts:
Overview, Panelist/Moderator Bios, Where to Start, What Works, Example Campaigns and More

Expense Reduction - May 19, 2009

Member Experts:
Jodie Brown - Certified Public Accountant
Linda Zager - Expense Reduction Analysts

Our member experts started the forum with a presentation that focused on the importance of reducing those non-direct expenses that are often overlooked, such as office consumables and telephone providers.  The presentation was followed by a question and answer session with the following highlights:

The attendees seemed to be mostly concerned about how to reduce their telecommunication fees.  The panelists recommended researching competitor pricing just as though you were first starting off and then using that research to contact your current suppliers and asking for a reduction in rates.

The panelists also recommended asking your employees where they see wasted money or time and then offering a reward if a new system is implemented that cuts costs.

Handouts:
Managing Cash Flow

Digital Marketing and Social Networking - April 16, 2009

Member Experts:
Nick Gracilla - Neoteric Design
Patrick Duffy - Customore
Zac Goldberg - Groupon

As with any marketing campaign, the panelists noted, the first step is to highlight the outreach plan, budget and goals for the project.  After you have decided how, where, when and why you’re going to use digital marketing websites and outlets to promote your business, it is imperative to check your website’s look, usability and content.  Most digital marketing campaigns drive traffic from a popular site (Facebook, TimeOut Chicago, Etc) to the business’ site, and nothing will kill a potential sale or hurt a company’s reputation quite like a boring, outdated or difficult-to-navigate site.

With social networking grabbing headlines and news stories seemingly every day, businesses are jumping at the chance to use them to drive customers and clients to their shops, restaurants and more.  However, simply launching into the social networking realm can be potentially dangerous.

Handouts:
LPCC's Top Ten Social Networking Websites