By Michelle Ruben
Earlier this week, I attended Microsoft’s free event, Accelerate Your Business at the Hilton Chicago. Microsoft Chicago offers an abundance of solutions, best practices and networking opportunities for small businesses. Whether entrepreneurs are actually growing their start-ups or taking their idea to the next level, the presenters covered helpful information regarding developing inspirational content, maintaining customer loyalty and utilizing technological solutions for your business needs.
Stay Hungry
Keynote storyteller Daymond John (well-known from Shark Tank & FUBU) energetically gave us a glimpse at his entrepreneurial timeline. Daymond hustled, jumped over hurdles, tapped into his mom’s astute business sense and above all – stayed hungry. Business mistakes only made his drive stronger and more determined to succeed. Don’t let a wrong turn end your journey, keep going! It was obvious that Daymond speaks from the heart, wears a big smile and is a family man. Be sure to check out his latest book, The Power of Broke, intended to inspire the human entrepreneurial spirit to overcome obstacles and push you to reach your potential.
Loyalty 3.0
Later on, Carol Roth shared valuable advice for cultivating loyal relationships with your customers. Carol described herself as a ‘recovering’ investment banker/billion-dollar deal maker, speaker and author of the NYT bestselling book, The Entrepreneur Equation...and much more! She shared her concept of Customer Loyalty 3.0, stressing to us how important it is for small businesses to focus on the customers we already serve & build upon those relationships. Loyal customers will buy more and spread the word. Her tough love business approach highlights amazing customer service, creating community and feeling loved.
There’s More…
My adventure in the city was quite a valuable investment in growing Ruben Digital. Microsoft’s Gary Fowle (VP of U.S. OEM), Gene Marks (author & business owner) and Stephen Miller (Lenovo Ambassador) also spoke about current trends, future of cyber security and innovative hardware. My biggest take-away was learning how to better serve our clients by building bigger bridges – expanding the human connection and creating solutions to grow their business and positively impact their lives. Mark your calendar for June 1st, 2017 when the Small Business Expo comes to Chicago!
