Events

Startup Weekend is an intense 54 hour event which focuses on building a web or mobile application which could form the basis of a credible business, over the course of a weekend. The weekend brings together people with different skillsets – primarily software developers, graphics designers and business people – to build applications and develop a commercial case around them. Interested in coaching, volunteering or sponsoring this event? Email us at chicago@startupweekend.org

The Ultimate in Social & Emotional Intelligence Training Discover and experience the foundational process by which people learn, grow, and ultimately transform their lives, their businesses, and their world. Not mere skill training -- an interactive accelerating learning experience where you’ll learn what it takes to live the highest quality life possible -- a life of satisfaction, meaning, purpose, and happiness. One of the key tools in what you’ll learn are the core skills for superior social & emotional intelligence. Research proves that social & emotional intelligence: Is the biggest factor in career success Enhances leadership ability Increases intimacy and strengthens relationships Is the most important factor in raising happy, healthy kids Enhances cognitive ability and strengthens your immune system This training is not just someone’s good idea, but rather a synthesis and application of research and methodology that brings together the best of neuroscience, positive psychology, behavioral economics, and education. The methodology you’ll learn derives from a multi-year research study that examined individuals who were experience more lasting positive change in their lives than others. It all starts with the introductory weekend to the Year of More, called the MORE Life Personal Transformation Experience. Normally $799, for a limited time, we invite you to join us, at no charge, for this phenomenal training

The melding of social media with digital commerce has opened an incredible breadth of opportunities for retailers and e-tailers. Social Commerce Summit Chicago will include the major brands, hot startups, and cutting-edge investors you love -- with a Chicago twist.

Social media isn't going away. It is not, however, a one-size fits all "solution" that's easy, quick or magical. It is a tool set that can be used to attract and keep better customers, from initial marketing to ongoing support. Who Should Attend: Technology service marketers and support managers who are considering using social media or want to improve their use of the tool set.  This workshop will help you to separate social media myth from reality, as it applies to your business. What You'll Takeaway: Your own realistic plan for social media, including checklists for evaluation, implementation and effective management. Who We Are: We (Al Hahn and Mary Schmidt) have many years experience working with technology services, from product development to customer support, with clients ranging from Fortune 50 corporations to software start-ups. So, over the years, we've seen many "solutions" come...and go. That's why we decided to offer this pragmatic approach to social media evaluation and implementation.  (Want a preview of how we think, what we'll be discussing?  Read Mary's blog posts about social media.  Start with Are You Listening to the Right People?) Our Guest Speakers: Jeff Tarter, Executive Director of the Association of Support Professionals (ASP) will give us his perspective on effective use of social media, including web sites (yes, web sites should be part of your social media plan.) Phil Gerbyshak, Speaker, Trainer...and Author of Service Manager's Crash Course, Help Desk Manager's Crash Course, Make It Great! and #TwitterWorks will cover how he, a "tech support guy" went from zero to thousands of Twitter followers - the lessons learned and how you can use them in your business. (Check out his Ten Commandments of Social Media.) Attendance Limit: 50 (We'll be breaking into work groups and we want to ensure lots of interaction during our presentations as well.) Where and When: June 12 &13,2012 Embassy Suites Hotel Chicago/Schaumburg/Woodfield, 1939 North Meacham Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173 (about 10 minutes from O'Hare) Group room rate: $139.00 Direct reservations (847)397-1313. Ask for the Hahn Consulting group rate for June 11, 12.  You're eligible for this rate 3 days prior and 3 days post event. Networking Happy Hour in the hotel, evenings of June 11 and 12.  Pricing:  $1495.00  Standard registration $995.00  (through 4/30/12) Society for Service Executives (SSE) Members $1295.00  Association of Service Professional (ASP) Members $1295.00 Hahn and Schmidt clients $1295.00  Hahn or Schmidt LinkedIn contacts Includes breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and all seminar materials.

Dive into the art and science of content marketing, the megatrend that is changing marketing forever—for the better. You may be using social media, search engine optimization, and analytics already, but if you combine these channels the results don’t just add, they multiply. At Content Jam on Thursday, June 14, four experts will share the smartest content marketing tools and techniques. What is Content Marketing? Content marketing is the modern method of pulling your audience towards your business. If you can connect with your audience by giving them information that will help them and teach them, some of them will become loyal customers. Content Jam will give you a blueprint for:

• developing a content strategy
• creating compelling, useful content
• helping readers find it
•  measuring success

Who Should Attend? If you’re already marketing on the web, or you’re a small business owner wanting to promote your company in a bootstrap way, even new authors or job seekers. Content Jam will help you take your online marketing to the next level. And if you’re new to Content Marketing Content Jam is a wonderful introduction. What exactly is Content Jam? Content Jam is a one-day conference featuring industry experts sharing their knowledge in a fun and casual environment. In four interactive sessions, you’ll learn how to create, manage, promote, share, and measure your content marketing efforts. You’ll be happy. You’re boss will be happy. And most of all, your audience will be happy. Networking! Did we mention they’ll be networking? What Will I Learn? Content Jam is all about distilling the theories and strategies of Content Marketing into easy-to-do tasks you can perform right away. During each of the four interactive sessions, you’ll learn how to write compelling content, how to plan what to write, how to make sure readers find it, and how to measure your success. SESSION DESCRIPTIONS What If I’m Not a Good Writer (or What If I Am)? Good content marketing is all about telling compelling stories. In Telling a Good Story Jill Pollack (@jillwritergrrl) will share professional writing tips and techniques to tap into your creative spirit while remaining true to corporate philosophy and marketing goals. Think of this session as creative writing with a sprinkle of call-to-action and a dose of marketing message. Whether you write blog posts, website articles, or are just finding your writing voice, this session will teach you the secrets of interacting with your reader and beginning a profitable conversation. You’ll learn:

• Finding the right details, hooks, frames, and voice
• Mapping out stories to fit your content strategy
• Telling a good story that drives engagement in 500 words or less
• Questions to ask before you start writing

How do I make a plan? And what do I do with all this content? Since your content marketing materials will lead people back to your primary digital presence—your website—you need to match what's "out there" with what's "in here." InDevising a Content Marketing Plan content strategist Hilary Marsh (@hilarymarsh) will share how to create a cohesive editorial calendar—prioritizing topics, coordinating all digital efforts, and developing the right mix for your key audience(s)—so that people who are drawn to you through your marketing efforts can learn more and start interacting with you. You’ll learn:

• Creation versus curation: pros and cons
• How to create an editorial calendar
• How to define content types and allocate resources
• How to research search volumes and trending topics

How will readers find my stuff? Ah, the secret sauce to using search, social media and email to promote your content. InCreating and Sharing Content, Andy Crestodina (@crestodina) covers some of the most effective tactics for creating and promoting online content. This session covers the fastest, cheapest and most effective web marketing tactics available. Real world examples and impact on Analytics will be discussed throughout. Andy will share his template for content marketing (and links to all the resources) with attendees. You’ll learn:

• Keyphrase research for Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Structure and formatting of the perfect post
• Targeted sharing in social media
• Link building for SEO through guest blogging, news releases, videos, etc.

How will I know if It was worth it? To determine success, you have to learn about Measuring What Matters. Good content marketing efforts are for naught if you can't measure their effectiveness and plan accordingly. In this session Tim Frick (@timfrick) will share an in-depth look at measuring the metrics that define online success for your business or organization. Learn how to measure website visitor interactions, track how social media and content sharing efforts affect site performance, and make informed decisions regarding where to focus efforts moving forward. You’ll learn:

• Important metrics versus ‘fluff’ metrics for content marketing
• How to track social media and content sharing performance
• How to connect email campaigns to website performance
• How to create actionable insights that drive content marketing efforts over time

EVENT DETAILS Schedule Sessions will take place in dedicated rooms four times over the course of the afternoon. Attendees can attend sessions in any order they wish. 11:00 to 12:00pm: networking and lunch for those who arrive early 12:00 to 12:30pm: welcome, introductions, panel discussion of basic terms 12:45 to 1:45pm: session one 2:00 to 3:00pm: session two 3:15 to 4:15pm: session three 4:30 to 5:30pm: session four 5:45 to 6:00pm: action items: tomorrow's To Do list 6pm: field trip to The Long Room (two-block walk from conference) Space is limited for this event. Reserve your seat now. Networking: There will be an after-event soiree at The Long Room on Irving Park immediately following the conference.