Chicago Archives - Page 6 of 6 - Get Down To Business with Shalom Klein

I facilitated West Rogers Park's first ever Devon Merchants meeting this morning at Ted's Fresh Market

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Shalom Klein

Shalom Klein and Howard Rieger — I was joined by Howard Rieger, former CEO of Jewish Federations of North America, in moderating the discussion of the business community

West Rogers Park' Devon Business Community — Dozens of business owners gathered together for the first ever meeting of the Devon Merchants, facilitated by the West Rogers Park Jewish Community Council

Economic Development

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Shalom Klein

“Let’s slow the traffic down”, “This block needs more parking”, “Increased signage will attract new business”, and “Changing a zoning code is the solution”, are all pieces of feedback that those of us trying to attract business to the Chicago-land area hear on a regular basis.

My opinion – every area has a very different “personality” and attracts a different type of business that may be looking to call Chicago or its surrounding suburbs “home” as it

relocates. Having grown up in Skokie, and then thrown myself into developing a small business, and working closely with elected officials, I’ve discovered how diverse our community really is. While the culture of our residents is fascinating and so inspiring, I am going to focus this post on the business climate.

For a developing business which is interested in a change in scenery, the most intriguing area may be the far northern suburbs of Northbrook, Highland Park, and the higher end residential and shopping districts. For others (and I am personally biased in this direction), they may want to join the re-emerging business districts in Skokie, Lincolnwood, and Evanston. Certainly, a lot of recent NATO attention may attract a relocating entrepreneur to the busy business and shopping districts of the Loop / Chicago led by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, with it’s new infrastructure investments, and a strong support network in the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. At the far end, we has a diverse south side, home to President Obama, and its many malls, shopping centers, and lower costs of living.

I don’t think that there is any single solution or model we should follow in our focus on economic development. Let’s collect and solicit feedback from the stakeholders, the ones that shop, live, and work in our communities.

I believe that we can come up with the right recipe to attract business and businesses to every area in our community, encompassing all of our business districts. So, if you are thinking of moving your business or considering starting a new enterprise, please consider researching your options. We will find the right spot for you.

The Best Place for A Client Meeting with Tom Ricketts of the Chicago Cubs

Posted on July 24, 2013 by Shalom Klein

Special Speed Networking Event Alert – Chicago – THIS Thursday!

Posted on July 21, 2013 by Shalom Klein

SPECIAL EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

PRESENTS

Speed Networking For Chicago’s Business Professionals

Thursday, July 25’th, 2013
Metropolitan Club

Willis Tower (Sears Tower) – 66th Floor

Chicago, IL 60606

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

$35 – Includes drink ticket and appetizers.

REGISTER NOW

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, JULY 19’TH, 2013

The value of just one connection can lead to numerous opportunities, imagine if you had 10 new and targeted connections…and better yet, you have the opportunity to pre-select the types of people you want to meet!

SEATS ARE LIMITED

Don’t delay and make your reservation and selections today and start creating new opportunities for you and your business.

ADVANTAGES

Pre-select the types of people you want to meet
Avoid the awkward feeling of trying to meet new people
Increase your opportunities of meeting the right people
No need to feel awkward about ending a conversation that has no benefit
Take advantage of an effective, efficient and fun business networking program
Connect with new business professionals that appreciate networking and sharing knowledge

Watch Speed Networking In Action

REGISTER NOW

SPEED NETWORKING MYTHS

Myth: Speed Networking events are for young professionals only.

Reality: Facebook was supposed to only be for college kids….right….SpeedNetworking events are showing up at major conferences and corporations such as the American Bar Association, Corporate Compliance, PepsiCo, World Presidents Organization and many others. The demographics are consistent through all age brackets.

Myth: Speed Networking events are for sales people only.
Reality: Organizations of all types have been turning to speed networking events to engage in peer to peer networking, mentoring, cross selling, team building, referral sources and many other networking formats. Fortune 500 companies have also incorporated speed networking events internally to enhance team building and much more.

Myth: You can’t build a relationship in 5 minutes.
Reality: We absolutely agree. Speed Networking events shouldn’t set the expectation you are going to meet the person that will do a deal, have the answer, give you a contact on the spot. Theseevents are meant for initiating new relationship which will need to be fostered over the short and long term to ensure a positive outcome.