Rotary International, a global service organization, is known for its dedication to humanitarian efforts and community service. However, beyond its philanthropic work, Rotary also offers a unique platform for Rotarians to connect and promote economic growth within their communities. Rotary Means Business is an initiative within the Rotary framework that encourages Rotarians to support the success of their fellow Rotarians by doing business with them and referring others to their services. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why networking at Rotary Means Business can be a game-changer for your business and your local community.

1. Building Trust and Solid Relationships
One of the key principles of Rotary Means Business is building trust and solid relationships among Rotarians. The Rotary network is comprised of dedicated professionals who are committed to the organization's values of service and ethical conduct. When you engage in business with a fellow Rotarian, there's an inherent level of trust that you can rely on. This trust forms a strong foundation for successful business relationships, making it easier to collaborate and support each other's endeavors.

2. An Extensive and Diverse Network
Rotary International boasts over 1.4 million members across the globe. This vast network presents a unique opportunity to connect with people from various professions and industries. By networking at Rotary Means Business events, you can tap into this diverse and extensive network, opening doors to new business opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations that you might not have encountered elsewhere.

3. Word-of-Mouth Referrals
One of the most valuable aspects of Rotary Means Business is the culture of referrals. Rotarians actively refer other Rotarians to their business contacts and associates. This word-of-mouth marketing can significantly boost your business's visibility and credibility. When a fellow Rotarian refers you, it's often viewed as a strong endorsement, which can help attract new customers, clients, or partners.

4. Professional Development
Rotary Means Business not only helps with business growth but also supports your professional development. Networking events often feature guest speakers and presentations on a variety of topics, such as leadership, entrepreneurship, and industry trends. These educational opportunities can equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to stay competitive and thrive in your business.

5. Community Impact
As a Rotarian, your participation in Rotary Means Business also has a positive impact on your local community. When Rotarians support each other's businesses, it contributes to the economic growth of the community, creates job opportunities, and fosters a sense of camaraderie among local business owners. This, in turn, strengthens the overall community fabric.

6. Alignment with Rotary's Core Values
Rotary International is guided by the Four-Way Test, a set of ethical principles that emphasizes truth, fairness, goodwill, and beneficial outcomes. Networking at Rotary Means Business aligns perfectly with these values, as it encourages honest, fair, and mutually beneficial business interactions. By participating in this initiative, you not only uphold Rotary's principles but also contribute to a thriving and ethical business environment.

Conclusion
Rotary Means Business is a powerful avenue for Rotarians to leverage their professional skills and networks for the benefit of both their businesses and their communities. Through trust, a diverse network, referrals, professional development, community impact, and alignment with Rotary's core values, networking at Rotary Means Business offers a wealth of opportunities. So, if you're a Rotarian looking to enhance your business and make a positive impact, consider becoming an active participant in Rotary Means Business events – it's a win-win for you and your community.

​Register today!
https://form.jotform.com/232815720353149

The Daily Herald had some great facts to support last week's Blog about Illinois. 

Frank Manzo IV
Illinois Economic Policy Institute

"Beware the naysayers who allege that Illinois' economy is "upside down" and "struggling."

Midway through 2023, there is no evidence that the state is in recession..."

​Read the rest at the Daily Herald Website:

https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20230716/attention-naysayers-the-data-show-illinois-economy-still-growing

Lately, this seems like a contrarian point of view, but there are great reasons businesses come to and stay in Illinois. ​There are several reasons why you might consider continuing to do business in Illinois:

1. Strong Economy: Illinois has a diverse and robust economy, with key industries such as finance, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, agriculture, and logistics. The state offers a wide range of business opportunities and a large consumer market.

2. Central Location: Illinois is strategically located in the heart of the United States, making it an ideal location for businesses with distribution and logistics needs. Its central position allows for easy access to major markets in the Midwest and across the country.

3. Transportation Infrastructure: The state boasts a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including an extensive network of highways, railways, airports, and waterways. This infrastructure facilitates the movement of goods and services both domestically and internationally.

4. Skilled Workforce: Illinois is home to top-tier universities and colleges, producing a highly skilled and educated workforce. The state's talent pool provides businesses with access to a wide range of professionals across various industries.

5. Business Support and Incentives: Illinois offers various programs and incentives to support businesses, including tax credits, grants, and low-interest financing options. The state also provides resources and assistance for startups and small businesses through organizations like the Illinois Small Business Development Center.

6. Innovation and Research: Illinois has a vibrant innovation ecosystem, particularly in the Chicago area. The state fosters collaboration between businesses, universities, and research institutions, providing opportunities for partnerships and access to cutting-edge research and development.

7. Quality of Life: Illinois offers a high quality of life, with diverse cultural attractions, vibrant arts and entertainment scenes, and a range of recreational opportunities. The state is known for its world-class museums, professional sports teams, music festivals, and renowned restaurants.

8. Access to Capital: Illinois has a strong financial sector and access to venture capital and private equity firms. This makes it easier for businesses to secure funding and attract investment for growth and expansion.

9. Infrastructure and Utilities: Illinois has a reliable and modern infrastructure, including a robust energy grid, advanced telecommunications network, and access to high-speed internet services. These factors are crucial for businesses that rely on efficient and reliable utilities.

10. Supportive Business Community: Illinois has a thriving business community with numerous industry associations, chambers of commerce, and networking groups. Engaging with these organizations can provide valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and business development.

It's important to conduct thorough research and evaluate your specific industry and business needs to determine if Illinois is the right fit for your company. Consulting with local business experts or economic development agencies can provide further insights and assistance in making informed decisions.

There is no inherent reason why businesses shouldn't be in Illinois. It is important to assess various factors when considering the location for a business, including market demand, infrastructure, taxes, regulations, and the overall business climate.

However, it's worth noting that Illinois has faced some challenges in recent years that may have an impact on businesses. Here are a few factors that some businesses may find less favorable:

1. High taxes: Illinois has been known for its relatively high taxes, including income taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes. This can place a burden on businesses, particularly small businesses and entrepreneurs.

2. Fiscal challenges: Illinois has faced significant fiscal challenges, including large budget deficits and a growing pension crisis. These issues have led to concerns about the state's financial stability and long-term economic outlook.

3. Regulatory environment: Like any state, Illinois has its own set of regulations and bureaucratic processes that businesses must navigate. Some businesses may find the regulatory environment to be burdensome or restrictive.

4. Political climate: The political climate in Illinois can vary, and it may not align with the preferences or priorities of certain businesses. Political instability or policies that are unfavorable to businesses could potentially be a concern for some.

5. Economic competitiveness: While Illinois is home to Chicago, a major economic center, the state has faced challenges in maintaining its economic competitiveness. Businesses may consider factors such as access to markets, talent pool, and industry clusters when evaluating their location options.

It's important to note that these factors may not be deterrents for all businesses, and many companies continue to thrive in Illinois. Each business has its unique circumstances and requirements, so conducting thorough research, considering the specific needs of the business, and seeking professional advice are essential steps in determining whether Illinois is the right location for a particular company.

​Leadership plays a critical role in the success and growth of any business. It sets the direction, inspires and motivates employees, and guides the organization toward achieving its goals. Here are some key reasons why leadership is important in business:

1. Vision and Goal Setting: Effective leaders have a clear vision for the future of the business and can articulate it to the team. They set strategic goals and objectives that align with the vision, providing a roadmap for the organization to follow. This clarity of direction helps employees understand their roles and work towards a common purpose.

2. Inspiring and Motivating Employees: Leadership is about inspiring and motivating individuals to give their best effort. Strong leaders create a positive work environment, foster trust, and empower employees to take ownership of their work. They provide guidance, support, and recognition, which boosts morale and increases employee engagement and productivity.

3. Decision-Making: Leaders are responsible for making important decisions that impact the organization. They analyze information, evaluate alternatives, and choose the best course of action. Effective leaders are decisive, considering the long-term implications of their choices while balancing risks and opportunities. Their ability to make informed decisions guides the business toward success.

4. Building and Developing a Team: Leaders recognize that success is not achieved in isolation but through a cohesive and high-performing team. They recruit, train, and develop talented individuals, leveraging their strengths and fostering collaboration. Effective leaders also provide mentorship and coaching, helping employees reach their full potential and grow within the organization.

5. Adaptability and Change Management: In today's fast-paced and dynamic business environment, adaptability is crucial. Leaders must be flexible and open to change, anticipating market shifts and embracing innovation. They lead by example, encouraging a culture of learning and continuous improvement. Effective leaders also manage change effectively, minimizing resistance and guiding the organization through transitions.

6. Communication and Relationship Building: Leadership involves effective communication skills to convey the vision, goals, and expectations clearly. Leaders listen actively, seek feedback, and maintain open lines of communication with employees at all levels. They build strong relationships based on trust and respect, creating a positive work culture where ideas are freely shared and collaboration thrives.

7. Strategic Planning and Execution: Leaders are responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve organizational objectives. They analyze market trends, identify opportunities and threats, and devise strategies to capitalize on them. Effective leaders ensure that plans are executed efficiently, monitoring progress, and making adjustments as needed to stay on track.

8. Crisis Management: During times of crisis or uncertainty, strong leadership becomes even more crucial. Leaders provide stability, instill confidence, and make tough decisions to navigate through challenges. They rally the team, keep them focused, and communicate transparently to address concerns and maintain trust.

In summary, leadership is essential in business because it provides direction, inspires employees, facilitates decision-making, builds teams, drives change, fosters effective communication, ensures strategic execution, and manages crises. Effective leaders create a positive work environment, unlock the potential of their teams, and steer the organization towards success.

​Approaching the halfway point of the year is a great opportunity to reflect on your progress and make adjustments to ensure you achieve your goals. Here's a step-by-step approach to help you:

1. Reflect on your goals: Review the goals you set at the beginning of the year. Assess your progress and identify which goals you've achieved, which ones are in progress, and any that you haven't started yet.
   
2. Celebrate your achievements: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments so far. Recognize the effort you've put in and the milestones you've reached. This will boost your motivation for the rest of the year.
   
3. Assess your current situation: Evaluate where you stand at the halfway point. Consider factors such as your personal life, work, health, and relationships. Determine if anything has changed or if new opportunities have arisen.
   
4. Review and adjust your goals: Based on your assessment, consider if your original goals are still relevant and realistic. Are there any goals you need to modify, add, or remove? Make adjustments that align with your current circumstances and aspirations.
   
5. Break down your goals: Divide your revised goals into smaller, actionable steps. This will make them more manageable and increase your chances of success. Set deadlines for each step to create a sense of urgency.
   
6. Create a plan: Develop a clear plan outlining the actions you need to take to achieve your revised goals. Prioritize your tasks and allocate time for each of them. Consider using productivity tools or techniques like time blocking or creating to-do lists.
   
7. Seek support: If you need assistance or collaboration to achieve your goals, reach out to others. Seek guidance from mentors, collaborate with peers, or delegate tasks when necessary. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can provide motivation and valuable insights.
   
8. Track your progress: Regularly monitor your progress towards your goals. Set milestones along the way and evaluate your achievements. This will help you stay accountable and make adjustments if needed.
   
9. Stay motivated: Motivation can wane over time, so find ways to stay inspired. Set reminders of your goals, create a vision board, or find an accountability partner. Celebrate small victories and remind yourself of the benefits and rewards awaiting you at the end.
   
10. Practice self-care: As you work towards your goals, don't forget to take care of yourself. Prioritize your physical and mental well-being by getting enough rest, eating nutritious food, exercising, and practicing self-reflection or mindfulness. Taking care of yourself will enhance your productivity and overall happiness.
    

By following these steps, you'll be able to approach the halfway point of the year with clarity, purpose, and a plan to make the most of the remaining months.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) play a crucial role in the success of any business. They provide measurable and quantifiable metrics that allow organizations to assess their performance and progress towards their goals. Here are some key reasons why KPIs are important in business:

1. Goal Alignment: KPIs help align business activities with strategic goals. By defining specific and measurable targets, KPIs enable businesses to focus on what truly matters and direct their efforts towards achieving desired outcomes.
   
2. Performance Measurement: KPIs provide a means to measure performance objectively. They allow businesses to track progress, identify areas of improvement, and assess the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives. Without KPIs, it becomes challenging to gauge success or failure accurately.
   
3. Decision Making: KPIs offer valuable insights for informed decision making. By monitoring key metrics, businesses can identify trends, patterns, and potential issues early on. This enables timely adjustments, course corrections, and resource allocation based on data-driven analysis rather than guesswork.
   
4. Accountability and Responsibility: KPIs establish accountability within the organization. By setting clear targets and regularly measuring performance, individuals and teams can be held responsible for their contributions. KPIs promote a culture of ownership, motivation, and continuous improvement.
   
5. Communication and Alignment: KPIs serve as a common language across the organization. They facilitate effective communication, ensuring that everyone understands the organization's objectives and the progress being made towards them. KPIs promote transparency, collaboration, and alignment among different departments and stakeholders.
   
6. Benchmarking and Competition: KPIs allow businesses to benchmark their performance against industry standards and competitors. By comparing their metrics with similar organizations, businesses can identify areas where they are lagging and take proactive measures to improve their competitive position.
   
7. Continuous Improvement: KPIs drive a culture of continuous improvement within an organization. Regular monitoring and analysis of key metrics help identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for optimization. KPIs provide a basis for setting targets, implementing changes, and monitoring the impact of improvement efforts.
   
8. Motivation and Recognition: KPIs can be used as motivational tools. By setting challenging yet attainable targets and providing regular feedback on performance, businesses can inspire employees to strive for excellence. Recognition and rewards based on KPI achievements can further enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.
   

In summary, KPIs are essential for effective performance management, strategic decision making, goal alignment, and fostering a culture of accountability and improvement. They enable businesses to stay focused, measure progress, make informed decisions, and drive success in a competitive marketplace.

Here are some personal branding tips that you can consider:

1. Define your personal brand: Start by identifying your unique strengths, skills, and values. Think about what sets you apart from others and what you want to be known for.
   
2. Develop a consistent message: Once you have defined your personal brand, create a clear and concise message that accurately represents you and your brand.
   
3. Create a strong online presence: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to build a strong online presence. Make sure your profiles are professional and consistent with your brand message.
   
4. Share valuable content: Share valuable and relevant content that showcases your expertise and adds value to your audience. This could be blog posts, videos, podcasts, or social media posts.
   
5. Network and collaborate: Networking and collaborating with others in your industry can help you build your brand and expand your reach. Attend events, join groups, and connect with others online.
   
6. Be authentic: Authenticity is key to building a strong personal brand. Be true to yourself and your values, and don't try to be someone you're not.
   
7. Continuously improve: Finally, don't be afraid to continuously improve your personal brand. Keep learning, growing, and evolving to stay relevant and meet the needs of your audience.
   
   Tom Gosche is a Business Strategist dedicated to helping business owners be more profitable through customized business and financial strategy. His BRAND System™ is a process of creating and implementing effective brands, business building strategies, financial insight and business transition success. 
   
   Seeing Tom in action quickly impresses upon attendees his skills, knowledge and expertise in a lighthearted, even humorous, presentation. 
   
   Tom is a part of GLM, Inc. as a business consultant and business developer. He has formulated the idea of the BASiC Cycle of working with business owners. BASIC was formed with business owners in mind, by combining growth strategies, business planning and financial review on a regular basis.
   
   
   

Thanks to a slowing economy, SBA loans have been growing in popularity. So much so The Daily Herald had a Featured article about them in the March 19th, 2023 Sunday Business Section.

​www.dailyherald.com/business/20230319/thanks-to-a-slowing-economy-sba-loans-have-been-growing-in-popularity

No matter what, you need to talk with someone, an expert that helps business owners daily! We advise you to talk with one of the contact at the bottom of this Matching Ideas with Resources Blog.

Typical Situation: Our client is looking to expand their business or perhaps make a business acquisition.  They might be looking to purchase equipment, inventory, or real estate.  Maybe they also need working capital to expand.  We are primarily looking to lend to businesses in underserved areas to create quality jobs

When you hear a business owner say: 
• “I would like to expand but I my bank won’t lend the full amount I need”
• “I just got declined for a loan from my bank to buy R/E, equipment, inventory, working capital”
• “I want to buy out my partner (or purchase a business) but can’t get financing”
• “My bank approved the equipment loan but they only gave me a 24 month term, I’m afraid of a payment that large.”

SBA (Small Business Administration) Bankers serve as a trusted banking solution. They Make $1MM-$5MM loans to small businesses.

How they Work: They use Government loan programs, to businesses that meet SBA guidelines. They are  able to do this by treating the building acquisition as simply an extension of their existing business, rather than a new acquisition.  

Matching Ideas with Resources: