Chicago Franchise Networks Present Unique Opportunity to `Ripple’ Your Way to Professional Success
CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago chapters of the International Franchise Association’s Women’s Franchise Network/Franchise Business Network will hold a combined event from 5 p.m.–8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007 at Chicago’s newly opened English in the River North neighborhood, 444 N. LaSalle. The event will focus on how to build successful relationships in business, featuring author/entrepreneur/motivational speaker Steve Harper. Attendees will have a chance to participate in Harper’s unique interactive exercise, “The 8-Minute Ripple.”
Harper, author and founder of The Ripple Effect, travels nationwide to educate professional audiences on the importance of making personal-level connections that lead to high-level success in the business world. Harper’s book and networking technique gives new meaning to being “a people person.” Those interested in attending the Nov. 6 can contact FBN Chair Rick Morey at Richard.Morey@dlapiper.com; WFN Co-Chair Debra Vilchis at dvilchis@fishmanpr.com or WFN co-chair Amy Cheng at amy.cheng@chengcohen.com.
“People always talk about networking, but they really need to do is start connecting,” Harper said. “That’s what `rippling’ is all about. It’s about making deeper personal connections that lead to long-lasting professional success.”
Harper’s early involvement in a start-up company and his personal promise to one day own his own company came true when in 1993, he was selected by Xerox Corporation to be their Austin, Texas sales and service agent. For five years he ran Innovative Office Solutions (I.O.S.), becoming ranked by Austin Business Journal as one of Austin’s 50 Fastest Growing Companies. In 1998, he opened Complete Digital Solutions, which became an early market leader in the world of digital imaging and scanning. In 2003, Office Dealer Magazine selected C.D.S. as their Elite Dealer. It was through C.D.S. that Harper defined his new approach as The Ripple Effect.
Debra Vilchis, co-chair of the Women’s Franchise Network (WFN) of Chicago and Chief Operating Officer of Deerfield-based Fishman Public Relations, said the quarterly events held by WFN and the Chicago Franchise Business Network (FBN) are open to anybody with a professional connection to franchising, including franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, attorneys, franchise brokers, or those interested in getting to know the industry.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of our own work, and we run the risk of operating in a vacuum,” Vilchis said. “These local franchise networking groups bring people in the same industry together in a fun setting where they can share ideas and make connections. In one evening, if you could learn just one thing or make one connection with somebody that helps you become more successful in business and in life, than it’s worth taking time out of your schedule to attend.”