Every month, Tenant Advisory Group hosts an Executives Luncheon to provide an opportunity for Chicago business leaders to build new, meaningful connections and discuss topics relevant to running a business.
During May’s Executives Luncheon, attendees were prompted with two questions: “What’s the toughest part of running your business and how do you manage through it?” Here are a few of the lessons shared in response:
Joe Blandford, President, Greatline Communications- The hardest thing was to figure out how to be more demanding of people and be a stronger leader. Be bold in asking for what you want. Hoping that other people will know exactly what to do never works.
Phillip Barreda, Executive VP, CMSDC- It’s all about relationships at the end of the day. Not about selling.
Erryn Cobb, CEO & Founder, Fetch IMC- If it’s not a process, it’s a problem.
GUEST LIST:
Dawn Hershik, President, Hershik Enterprises
Jim Lencioni, President, Aria Group
Jonathan Rothstein, Senior VP, MB Bank
Ani Rangarajan, Co Founder & COO, Realync
Tim Schumm, Founder & President, Lucas James Talent Partners
Joe Blandford, President, Greatline Communications
Morrie Elstien, Founder & CEO, MorrieConnects
Phillip Barreda, Executive VP, CMSDC
Paola Meinzer, Marketing Director, Manning Silverman
Michael Favia, Managing Partner, Michael Favia Law
Christopher Gandy, Founder, Midwest legacy Group
Erryn Cobb, CEO & Founder, Fetch IMC
Every month, Tenant Advisory Group hosts an Executives Bruncheon to provide an opportunity for Chicago business leaders to build new, meaningful connections and discuss topics relevant to running a business.
During May’s Executives Bruncheon, attendees were prompted with two questions: “What is the best thing that’s happened to you in the last few weeks both personally and professionally?” as well as the “Best advice you’ve gotten?” Here are a few of the lessons shared in response:
Michael Alvarado, Partner, Davis Friedman- I brought over three new capital partners which will sustain the firm. I attended my first college visit with daughter. My son who is seven also did a lemonade stand, and made $20. Now my son wants to make $80 to give everyone in the family $20.
Advice: Drop everything for a new client. Focus on caring for the client.
Alex Newmann, Co-Founder & CEO, FinanceFuel- I closed some VC money, my team is growing, and things are moving forward. Half of business is a mental game. You have to focus on doing the right thing. I also get to be around my family more.
Advice: Learn how to sell and you’ll never go hungry.
Donncha Carroll, Partner, Axiom Consulting Partners- I built a product development team around data analytics. I’m also going to Ireland to visit family and friends.
Advice: Better to be approximately right than accurately wrong.
Joe Blandford, President, Greatline Communications- The economy is the good news which means I’m making money. My youngest daughter also wants to rejoin the business.
Advice: You can get what you want in life if you can help enough people get what they want.
GUEST LIST:
Colin Hogan, Managing Partner, Demo Duck
Konstantin Nedyalkov, President, Tiamat
Bob Domenz, CEO, Avenue Inc
Greg Maddox, Partner, Cultivate Advisors
Sam Pagan, Founder & CEO, Fundingdocs
Michael Alvarado, Partner, Davis Friedman
Len Llaguno, Founder & Managing Partner, KYROS Insights
Joe Blandford, President, Greatline Communications
Alex Newmann, Co-Founder & CEO, FinanceFuel
Donncha Carroll, Partner, Axiom Consulting Partners
Page Ciesemier, CFO, Gage Hospitality Group
Taylor Gaines, CEO, Social Gaines
Maverick Eguia, Co-Founder, Veme.ly
Glenn Hafner, Managing Partner, HD Investment Group
Tarik Khribech, Founder & CEO, ChoreRelief
Every month, Tenant Advisory Group hosts an Executives Luncheon to provide an opportunity for Chicago business leaders to build new, meaningful connections and discuss topics relevant to running a business.
During one of April’s Executives Luncheons, attendees were prompted with the question, “What efficient, creative and impactful ways do you use to stay on the radar of your clients, potential clients and networking partners?” Here are a few of the lessons shared in response:
Carol Cesaretti, Managing Partner, Quintairos, Prieto,Wood & Boyer- Ask clients what they want and give that to them. Basic monthly newsletters work, but also get out there to get to know them. Do free lunch and learns.
Jonathan Rothstein, Sr. VP, MB Bank- Set up a few in person meetings every day. Host breakfasts, lunches & dinners. People do business with people they like, so you need to be out there meeting people and making connections for others. Be involved in the community.
Bill Himmelstein, Founder & CEO, Tenant Advisory Group- I use a marketing and PR firm called Fetch for content generation. I also host events to bring people together.
Jon Berbaum, President, Highland Solutions- I made a habit on Monday mornings to spend 30 minutes going through LI and CRM to touch base with people I haven’t talked to in a while. I also read a lot and forward those articles to people of interest.
Melissa Dotson, President/ Owner, Rieke Corp- We host lots of events at our facility and help with our network’s fundraisers.
Mary Ann Rose, President, Tamar Productions, Inc- Write thank you notes, and hold special promotions.
Natasha Marriner, President, Klein Hall- Be relevant to clients. Get in front of them. Deliver gift baskets, and ask: what else can we be doing for you? Who can we introduce you to? Lead with value.
Tom Olivieri, President, Devon Bank- Stay in front of your network via social media. I do lots of networking with COIs and even take prospects to see live music.
Paola Meinzer, Marketing Director, Manning Silverman- Identify their needs and try to meet them. Belong to organizations and associations and bring clients to those events.
Jelani Rucker, VP, BD at Zekelman Industries- Cultivate a huge presence on social media. Utilize interesting content that is relevant to the end user.
Morrie Elstien, Founder & CEO, MorrieConnects- Use the approach of helping people meet each other. Ask “How can I help you grow your business? and Who do I know that you’d like to meet?” That’s the best way to form a relationship.
TAG Executives Breakfast Guest List
Carol Cesaretti, Managing Partner, Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer
Stefanie Jenkins, Owner, Jenkins, Advising, Director of BD, Vault Innovation Group, Chief Fundraising Officer The Next Foundation
Thomas McMenamin, Managing Partner, Masuda Funai
Jonathan Rothstein, Sr. VP, MB Bank
Bryan Engel, Partner, PBG Financial Services
Bill Himmelstein, Founder & CEO, Tenant Advisory Group
Jon Berbaum, President, Highland Solutions
Morrie Elstien, Founder & CEO, MorrieConnects
Melissa Dotson, President & Owner, Rieke Corp
Mary Ann Rose, President, Tamar Productions, Inc
Jeff Asperger, Partner, Meltzer, Purtill & Stelle
Natasha Marriner, President, Klein Hall
Christopher Gandy, Founder, Midwest Legacy Group
Tom Olivieri, President, Devon Bank
Paola Meinzer, Marketing Director, Manning Silverman
Peter Karnowski, President, Great Point Capital
Jelani Rucker, VP & BD, Zekelman Industries
Erryn Cobb, CEO, Fetch IMC
Every month, Tenant Advisory Group hosts an Executives Breakfast to provide an opportunity for Chicago business leaders to build new, meaningful connections and discuss topics relevant to running a business.
During one of April’s Executives Breakfasts, attendees were prompted with the question, “What are your tips for managing time?” Here are a few of the lessons shared in response:
Bill Himmelstein, Founder & CEO, Tenant Advisory Group – Prioritize what’s important, and schedule everything you can. Delegate what you’re not good at to focus on what you enjoy most and are best at.
Vickie Rock, Principal & CS/RPR, Victoria Legal + Corporate Services – Schedule what’s important. Utilize time blocking.
Trisha Daho, Founder & CEO, Empowered – 1. Be fully engaged in whatever you are doing at the moment. 2. Only check your email 3x a day max. 3. Time blocking- get 3 blocks of 50 minutes a day to work on things that matter most. Create absolute boundaries and walls around those increments.
Pradeep Kandimalder, CIO, Cvent – Focus on a mission and vision for a day. Group things to organize your email.
Carl Utz, Director of Sales & Sr. Account Manager, Andromeda Technology – You can’t do everything yourself. You need to delegate to people who can do the job better.
Brian Black, Relationship Development Manager, Tenant Advisory Group – Everyone is busy but are we getting things done? Time batching has been huge. Be intentional on how you want to feel at the end of the day.
Dr. Ari Levy, Founder & CEO, Shift – What are the metrics that matter? Personally and professionally. How are you spending your energy? Are you showing up for what matters? That which you measure improves. Your mind and body seeks to create patterns. Be ruthless about your weaknesses and be open to asking for help. Learn how to embed the right habits that get the right results.
Craig Evans, President, Precision Healthcare Consulting- Know when to get away from work to recharge your batteries.
Greg Topel, CBO, Tanvas – Every moment is precious. In the first stages of being an entrepreneur I was a servant to everyone. Ask yourself: Is this something I can do later — do I need to do it right now? Fold that into priorities of what absolutely needs to get done today.
Cathy Jama, Executive Vice President, Tenant Advisory Group – You need me time. For me, Friday is admin day. It’s important to look ahead and plan ahead, so I minimize how often I look at emails.
Terry Hush, CEO, Roji Health Intelligence- I’m a huge delegator. I used to do it all myself and then had an awakening when writing the company blog. I went from scheduling days and goals on spreadsheets and became the email deletion queen. I cultivate leadership rather than managing.
Paul Detlefs, President and EOS Implementer, The Prestwick Group, Ltd. – I do not allow technology in sessions. You have to control the technology rather than it controlling you. Also, have a quarterly or at least annual planning pulse- for your business, departments and personally for your long term vision and plans. Weekly planning discipline is critical. Get an assistant so you can elevate yourself to your unique abilities that you enjoy doing and are good at.
TAG Executives Breakfast Guest List
Paul Detlefs, President and EOS Implementer, The Prestwick Group, Ltd.
Terry Hush, CEO, Roji Health Intelligence
Cathy Jama, Executive Vice President, Tenant Advisory Group
Greg Topel, CBO, Tanvas
Craig Evans, President, Precision Healthcare Consulting
Dr. Ari Levy, Founder & CEO, Shift
Brian Black, Relationship Development Manager, Tenant Advisory Group
Carl Utz, Director of Sales & Sr. Account Manager, Andromeda Technology
Pradeep Kandimalder, CIO, Cvent
Trisha Daho, Founder & CEO, Empowered
Vickie Rock, Principal & CS/RPR, Victoria Legal + Corporate Services
Bill Himmelstein, Founder & CEO, Tenant Advisory Group
Every month, Tenant Advisory Group hosts an Executives Luncheon to provide an opportunity for Chicago business leaders to build new, meaningful connections and discuss topics relevant to running a business.
During one of March’s Executives Luncheons, attendees were prompted with the question, “What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made and how did you overcome it?” Here are a few of the lessons shared in response:
Jeff Asperger, Partner, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC: I gave too much credence to people and was being too nice. Don’t let people take advantage of you. Be slow to hire and quick to fire. Be polite and respectful and compliment when appropriate, including adversaries.
Bill Bast, Principal, Thornton Tomasetti: The biggest mistake I made was to start my own business. I did it too young and went home to PA to do it. Don’t give 100% at the office and have nothing left to give others like your loved ones.
Stefanie Jenkins, Director of BD, Vault Innovation: I have the tendency to over promise. No matter what you’re doing in family, business or life, figure out what you bring to the table and be that person. Your mission is to create and connect so that other people are empowered.
Lee Travers, CEO, iammoney: Not being present.
Tim Roach, Co-Founder & CEO, Lendr: You have to understand how to fail fast, recover and understand the process of how to recover. Define what success is to you. Knowledge is power and so is having core values as a company. Live them. Understand vision. I utilize 5 year plans. Not 10 year plans. Profitability is key.
Muhammed Azfar, Managing Partner, Auctus Group INC: Hire people with values that align with yours. Be slow and methodical about hiring and quick to fire. Hire for value. Values train for skill and strategies train for choices.
Tim Schumm, Founder & President, Lucas James Talent Partners: I went from leading a team of 10 to leading a team of 70. I brought the same approach to all the team members and when I individualized my approach, I had much better results. Always put yourself in other people’s shoes.
Kate Winston, Agency Lead, Strategy & Growth, envisionit: I said no to a big ad agency and was the right hand person for owner of the agency. I was told “Sometimes a C+ is just fine.”- that offended me, but she was right. Know when it needs to be an A and know when it can be a C.
Erryn Cobb, Founder & CEO, Fetch IMC: Don’t wear too many hats. Invest in key team member’s professional development sooner. I followed my dad’s example: There’s no gray between right and wrong. Set a standard to live by.
Bernie Dyme, President and CEO, Perspectives LTD: I didn’t allow myself to make mistakes. It’s ok to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. Gratitude is very important. Teach your children gratitude.
Daniel Porcaro, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Porcaro Stolarek Mete Partner, LLC: I left a lot on the table when I sold my first large business. I could have grown it larger myself. 25% of customers provide 90% of revenue. Last 50% of clients provides less than 4% of revenue. Fire bottom 50% of clients. With extra time, over serve the top 50% of your clients. Then you care about A clients and A prospects.
Jonathan Rothstein, Senior Vice President, MB Financial Bank: Delegating needs to happen and you need to focus more on your team and sense of urgency. Be slow to promote and manage expectations of employees. Life work balance. Never ask anybody to do something you wouldn’t or couldn’t do yourself. Everyday try and do a kind gesture and leave the world a better place.
Paola Meinzer, Partner, Manning Silverman & Co CPA: Working in corporate America I did not keep a balance in my life. I gave all my time to the company. Be yourself. Don’t try and be anyone else. Embrace who you are.
Jerry Doorhy, Partner, J.J. Doorhy & Associates: My biggest mistake was waiting too long before going on my own. You’re never too important to mop the floor. You get more bees with honey.
Morrie Elstein, President, MorrieCONNECT: Start understanding how valuable the people you know are. Pay it forward. You never know what’s going to come back.
TAG Executives Luncheon Guest List
Erryn Cobb, Founder & CEO, Fetch IMC
Jonathan Rothstein, Senior Vice President, MB Financial Bank
Jeff Asperger, Partner, Meltzer Purtill & Stelle LLC
Barbara Best, Founding Partner & Principal, Capital Strategies Investment Group
Daniel Porcaro, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Porcaro Stolarek Mete Partner, LLC
Ruth Minnick, Global Business Development Manager, Client Executive, Unispace
Morrie Elstein, President, MorrieCONNECT
Stefanie Jenkins, Director of BD, Vault Innovation
Bernie Dyme, President and CEO, Perspectives LTD
Tim Roach, Co-Founder & CEO, Lendr
Paola Meinzer, Partner, Manning Silverman & Co CPA
Kaitlyn Hedger, Associate General Agent Assistant, Midwest Legacy LLC
Terri Crittenden, CEO, Fredman Design Group
Kate Winston, Agency Lead, Strategy & Growth, envisionit
Jerry Doorhy, Partner, J.J. Doorhy & Associates
Lee Travers, CEO, iammoney
Bill Bast, Principal, Thornton Tomasetti
Muhammed Azfar, Managing Partner, Auctus Group INC
Tim Schumm, Founder & President, Lucas James Talent Partners
Due to an influx in technology, Chicago is awash with small to midsize businesses trying to make their mark on the city. These companies may have great reputations in their home cities, but doing business in Chicago is its own beast. The key to setting yourself apart as a business owner in Chi-Town is to go the extra mile. Not only should you be providing top-notch services, but you should also be a center of influence. The longer you spend in the Windy City, the more you’ll begin to realize it’s a city founded upon community, tight-knit neighborhoods and personal recommendations. With all of that in mind, here’s how to get down to business the Chicago way.
Build an authentic network. Your network is a direct representation of you and your business, so it’s important to cultivate your professional circle with care. But how do you build an impeccable network? Make it personal. It’s obvious when someone is networking just to add another connection to their LinkedIn profile. Chicagoans build networks on authentic relationships which is why you need to not only take a vested interest in a person’s business, but also them as a person. When your intentions are genuine, your network will begin to fall into place.
Offer up your network. The first step in creating lifelong working relationships with a client or someone in your professional circle is to provide the best service within your industry. From there, you set yourself apart from your competitors by offering up the impeccable professionals you have in your network. Identify people in your circle who are great at what they do and refer them to people who need those services. In Chicago, the best way to get business is to send business, but you have to be intentional. Creating a solid reputation for you and your business is a marathon not a sprint, and there’s no better way to create a lasting impression than making a thoughtful introduction.
Show up. Connections continually need to be maintained. Like we mentioned above, you won’t get anywhere in Chicago by creating surface-level relationships. Keeping a strong professional circle is more than just referring business to each other — you have to make yourself available. Represent your brand by looking up events and places your network is attending or hosting and show up. If you become an active supporter of your network, you can expect that same support to be reciprocated when you need it.
Utilize these tips to make the most of your business’ presence in Chicago, and if you’re in need of a new office space to get your move started, let us know how we can help.
Every month, Tenant Advisory Group hosts an Executives Bruncheon to provide an opportunity for Chicago business leaders to build new, meaningful connections and discuss topics relevant to running a business.
During March’s Executives Bruncheon, attendees were prompted with the question, “What do you to do build stronger relationships?” Here are a few of the lessons shared in response:
Atish Doshi- I send articles that help me connect with people. I also try and remember how I met each person.
Dave Norris- I approach relationships differently depending on the person. I will ask for a receipt of a family dinner or upgrade a team member on the airplane. You have to keep employees involved. For clients, start with providing a good service, but it’s also important to spend as much time as possible with them, ie a round of golf.
David Wiers- I’m a fan of lifelong learning and challenging teams to grow and learn both personally and professionally. I also do the same for my clients. I focus on culture and taking care of my people internally and externally.
Bill Himmelstein- With meeting 8-10 business owners every week, I had to do something to stay in front of everyone while adding value and not being salesy. I created the monthly executives bruncheon and luncheon as a way to bring the best people in my network to meet each other and learn through a topical discussion.
If you’re a business owner with 20+ employees and interested in attending future TAG events, please email Bill Himmelstein at Bill@TagCommercialBroker.com.
TAG Executives Luncheon Guest List
Carl Utz, Partner, Andromeda Technology Solutions
Martha Bell, Principal, Tilton, Kelly + Bell
Joel Wilcoxen, Former CFO, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago
Atish Doshi, President, Founder, Black Sheep
Brad Farris, Founder & CEO, Anchor Advisors
Liz Tilatti, CEO, ZipFit Denim
Mike Perich, CEO, Sewing Supplies Division of Bernina International
Mike Levin, Owner, Total Insurance Services
Dave Norris, COO, RedRidge Finance Group
Scott Glickson, Partner, McGuire Woods
David Wiers, Founder & CEO, Satori Energy
Brian Stumm, Partner, Stumm Insurance
Andy Mack, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, SnapMobile
Daniel Wang, CEO, Jexet Automation
Jon Wunderlich, President, Nyco Products Company
Kim Stapleton, Founder & CEO, The Network Effect
Alicia La Hoz, Founder & CEO, Family Bridges
Emily Lonigro, CEO & Founder, LimeRed
Lucas Ward, Co Founder & CTO, Kin
Jill Kerrigan, Founder & CEO, JAK Creative Design
Jamie Horn, CEO, Horn Design
Sherrin Ross Ingram, CEO- International Center for Strategic Planning, Vistage Chair, Chairman of the Board- DuPage Housing Authority Of Counsel- Tressler LLP
We want to thank all those who were able to attend our soiree last week. We’re pretty sure we can speak for everyone when we say a good time was had by all! Even more importantly, some wonderful connections were made. It’s amazing what can transpire when you fill up a room with such incredible people.
We are honored you took the time to spend the evening with us and hopefully it was well worth your time. A special thank you is reserved for our event sponsor, Mason Awtry of Rightsize Facility. He is a wonderful partner and worth getting to know.
In addition, all guests are entitled to a free custom made shirt from Gentleman’s Cooperative. All you need to do is schedule an appointment with Mike Berntsen so you can select the material and design and they will fit it to you perfectly! Thank you Mike for your generous offer!
I have included the guest list below in case any connections were missed. We are always thrilled to put great people together.
TAG would be honored to serve as a commercial real estate resource for your business or someone you may know. We always enjoy meeting like-minded people who run businesses.
Thanks again for coming!
Guest List:
Atish Doshi
President & Founder
Black Sheep
Bob Domenz
CEO
Avenue
Jim Kales
CEO
Aspire
Zak Dabbas
Co-founder
Punchkick Interactive
Pat Emmons
Founder & CEO
DragonSpears
Rob Bisceglie
CEO
Action for Healthy Kids
Bob Berland
President
Berland Communications
Mark Rickmeier
CEO
Table XI
Jim Chakires
Managing Partner
Apex CPAs & Consultants
Josh Haid
Founder & Managing Partner
Women’s Divorce and Family Law Group
Josh Strauss
CEO
Pekin Signer Strauss Asset Management
Liz Tilatti
CEO
Zipfit Denim
Manny Flores
President & CEO
SomerCor
Roy Chomko
President
Adage Technologies
Chris Gandy
Founder/ President
Midwest legacy Group
Kirby Atwell
CEO- Green Vet Homes
COO- Bunker Labs
Leah Caplanis
CEO
Social Sparkling Wine
Mike Perich
CEO
Sewing Supplies Division of Bernina International
Bruce Billmeyer
Partner
BCU Risk Advisors
Anna Maria Viti-Welch
President
Guy Viti Insurance
Dr. Lori Ann Halvorson
Founder & CEO
Lake Forrest Hearing Professionals
Muhammad Azfar
Managing Partner
Auctus Capital Partners
Sandy Marsico
CEO
Sandstorm Design
Zach Ziliak
Managing Partner
Ziliak Law
Kimberly Anderson
Managing Partner
Anderson & Boback
Adam DeGroot
President
Degroot Logistics
Anil Ahuja
President
CCJM Engineers
Charlie Norwesh
Principal
Norcon
Andrew Balster
Managing Partner
Cannon Design
Ted Weitzel
VP Finance & Operations
G2 Crowd
Josh Herz
President
Associated Agencies
Marc Bushala
Managing Partner
MAB Capital Management
Jacob Babcock
President/ CEO
NuCurrent, Inc
Randy Rich
President
Vortex
Andy Priester
President
Priester Aviation
Tom Pryblo
CEO
Anchor Building Services
Darell Butler
Managing Director and Founder
Billow Butler & Co
Mason Awtry
President
Rightsize Facility
Every month, Tenant Advisory Group hosts an Executives Luncheon to provide an opportunity for Chicago business leaders to build new, meaningful connections and discuss topics relevant to running a business.
During February’s Executives Luncheon, attendees were prompted with the question, “What new technology is disrupting your industry and how do you plan to adjust or take advantage of it?” Here are a few of the lessons shared in response:
Olivia Nelligan, CEO, Nasco: Education has not progressed with the tech times. On the health care side many problems and mistakes can be attributive due to lack of communication. Developing AI to help with communication. Many point to tech as the underlying problem but oftentimes it might be the business itself.
Jordan Katz, President, JR Katz: Tech has been elusive to the insurance industry. Now some tech in underwriting to speed up the process and make better predictions. Need tech to accelerate the process.
Stephanie Jenkins, Director, BD of Vault Innovation Group: AI and machine learning is big disrupter. Is there an ROI to build AI into their app or technology.
Barbara Best, Founding Partner & Principal, Capital Strategies Investment Group: Technology is disrupting financial services as it creates lots of criminals. It’s also pushed down margins to make things better and cheaper. Indexing now popular as it changes the way people invest. Now people can be more efficient, optimize a portfolio and protect against making bad decisions.
Mike LaVista, CEO, Caxy Interactive: Machine learning and AI has been the opportunity. It’s almost always hype. Everyone wants blockchain. Every 3 years something comes along that changes the way we do business. Used to do mobile app development and now everything is web based.
If you’re a business owner with 20+ employees and interested in attending future TAG events, please email Bill Himmelstein at Bill@TagCommercialBroker.com.
TAG Executives Luncheon Guest List
Ann Brennan, Founder, Brennan Executive Benefits
Thomas McMenamin, Vice Chairman, Masuda Funai
Kimberly Anderson, Managing Partner, Anderson & Boback
Mike Black, Mortgage Advisor, Michael Black Group
Olivia Nelligan, CEO, Nasco
Jordan Katz, President, JR Katz
Andy Hulett, Founder & Partner, EmPowerHR
Erryn Cobb, Founder & CEO, Fetch IMC
Geoffrey Waguespack, Partner, Butler Weihmuller Katz Craig
Stefanie Jenkins, Director of BD, Vault Innovation Group
Dave Stolarek, Partner, PSM
Paola Meinzer, Partner, Manning Silverman & Co CPA
Every month, Tenant Advisory Group hosts an Executives Breakfast and an Executives Luncheon to provide an opportunity for Chicago business leaders to build new, meaningful connections and discuss topics relevant to running a business.
During the Executives Breakfast, attendees were prompted with the question, “What are your best practices for business development?” Here are a few of the lessons shared in response:
Bill Himmelstein – The best practice for business development for me has been doing business development for others.
Gary Breden – Relationships are the best means for developing businesses. Setting up channel partnerships.
Keith Glantz – Over-deliver with quality and then clients become the salespeople. Looking into the EOS model.
Jay Sharman – Best sales have been one degree of separation. I get most new clients organically by asking clients. I failed miserably when spending money on marketing.
Paola Meinzer – Focus on relationships. Be a part of different groups and be engaged in those groups.
Bill Gimbel – It’s not about selling. It’s about servicing and providing value. The ultimate compliment from a client is a referral. You should ask for the referral.
Ken Daemicke – Networking. Chambers, Rotary, NFP boards. Get involved. Ask: “How can I help you?”
Dominic Rinaldi – Using your phone works! Calling an owner of a business has been the most effective practice for business development. I use a CRM system and mine the data. If under $10m, around 2x-5x of adjusted EBITDA. The owner needs to stick around to transition relationships.
Zori Haouchine – Personal connections have been the most important. I want to focus on doing the things I want to do.
Paul Pagel – Growth through software wave. Started based on relationships. You can’t scale care. I did it through employee ownership. I want to transition to a team running the company.
Ben Olson – Channel partnerships like PE firms, they’re great people to work with. I want to get people together more.
Michael LaVista – Our marketing is excellent deliverables. 70% of our business is from other software companies. I’m going to write a book this year.
Charlie Franklin – I join and participate in organizations.
Thank you to all who attended!
If you’re a business owner with 20+ employees who are interested in attending future TAG events, please
email Bill Himmelstein at Bill@TagCommercialBroker.com.
TAG Executives Breakfast Guest List
Keith Glantz, President & Chief Creative Officer, Glantz Design
Jay Sharman, CEO/Founder, TeamWorks Media
Paul Pagel, CEO, 8th Light
Bill Gimbel, President, LaSalle Benefits
Michael LaVista, Founder & CEO, Caxy Interactive
Steve Brown, President Stratego, Partners
Zori Haouchine, Founder & Creative Director, ZOHA Architecture & Design
Jay Sharman, Founder & CEO, Team Works Media
Dan Dooley, CEO, Morris Anderson
Mike Olson, Director of Acquisitions, DecisionOne Dental
Domenic Rinaldi, Managing Partner, Sun Acquisitions
Ken Daemicke, Partner, Mueller
Paola Meinzer, Partner, Manning Silverman
Ben Olson, Founding Partner, Faircourt Partners
Charles Franklin, Managing Partner, Franklin Law Group
Jay Page, Co-Founder, CEO, Grey Street Capital