Above and Beyond Networkers

10/13/2026

At our October 7th networking breakfast, Chad Holstead from BKS (Business Knowledge Systems) gave us a presentation on Cybersecurity Awareness, with some practical advice that applies to both our businesses and our personal lives.

BKS specializes in managed IT and cybersecurity, helping businesses turn technology from a headache into an asset for growth. Chad also shared that BKS is GTIA-assured, making them one of fewer than 100 IT companies in the country to undergo independent audits of their own security practices.

One of the big topics was protecting our accounts. We've all heard about Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), but Chad also talked about passkeys and how they're becoming another way to keep our information secure.

He shared 10 things we should be doing to protect our businesses, and another 10 for our personal lives. There was a LOT of good information, so here are some of the highlights.

For your business:

- Turn on MFA everywhere, especially email, banking, and accounting.
- Use a password manager so every account has a unique password.
- If someone requests a change to payment information, verify it by calling a phone number you already know. Don't just reply to the email.
- Keep your devices and software updated, including your router.
- Back up your data AND test those backups. Having a backup doesn't do much good if you can't actually restore it.
- Limit administrative access and regularly review who has access to your systems. Former employees and vendors shouldn't still have access.
- Have a plan for what to do if something goes wrong. Even a one-page document listing who to contact is a good start.
- Train your team regularly. Short, consistent reminders can be more effective than one annual training video.

For your personal life:

- Freeze your credit with all three credit bureaus.
- Use passkeys or authenticator apps when possible instead of text message verification.
- Never reuse passwords, especially for your email.
- Think before clicking links. When in doubt, go directly to the website yourself.
- Establish a family code word to help protect against scams involving AI-generated voice cloning.
- Be mindful of what information you're sharing on social media.
- Secure your home Wi-Fi, keep your devices updated, and remove apps you no longer use.
- Avoid doing your banking on public Wi-Fi unless you're using a secure connection.
- Turn on notifications for banking, credit cards, and account logins.

Chad also recommended keeping smart home devices on a separate network from your primary devices.

What I appreciated about this presentation was that so much of the advice was practical. Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, especially for small business owners who are already wearing a dozen different hats. But protecting ourselves doesn't necessarily mean making huge changes all at once. There are plenty of small things we can start doing today.

And while most of the presentation focused on technology, Chad closed with a piece of advice that applies to just about any business:

Always ask, "What can I do for you today?" Then shut up and listen.

Sometimes the best thing we can do for our customers is give them the opportunity to tell us what they actually need.

10/06/2026

September 30th's networking breakfast presentation came from Mike Sherek, who talked about entrepreneurs, the different stages businesses move through, and EOS, the Entrepreneurial Operating System.

One of the first numbers Mike shared was that there are around 54 million entrepreneurs in the United States, but "entrepreneur" can mean very different things.

He broke it down into a few different types and stages.

Solo-preneurs make up a huge portion of entrepreneurs. They're doing their own thing, often without a larger organization behind them. For people in this stage, he recommended resources like Entrepreneurial Leap Academy and ENRG.

Lifestyle entrepreneurs have built their business around the life they want to live. They tend to be highly skilled or specialized in a particular niche, but the business exists to support their life rather than their life existing to support the business.

Then there's the founder-driven, growth-oriented business. This one particularly caught my attention.
The founder is the visionary and is usually very hands-on. They can see exactly where they want the company to go, but structure and processes may be missing. Accountability can sometimes boil down to "get it done." They expect other people to see what they see, even when they haven't necessarily communicated it. And letting go can be HARD.

Eventually, a business can transition into a founder-created, leadership-team-driven organization. The founder starts shifting from doing everything to actually leading. Processes are documented, used, followed, and updated. There's an environment of trust where constructive conflict can happen.

That's where EOS comes in.

EOS focuses on six key components:
• Vision: Creating shared values, direction, and culture.
• People: Having the right people in the right seats, with clear expectations, communication, and accountability.
• Data: Using objective measurements instead of relying entirely on feelings or assumptions.
• Issues: Getting the unsaid said. Creating enough trust to address problems and viewing failure as an opportunity for learning and growth.
• Process: Building structure that allows change and growth to actually be sustainable.
• Meeting Pulse: Creating an intentional rhythm for communication, problem-solving, and keeping everyone moving in the same direction.

There was a lot packed into a short presentation, but one idea that stuck with me was the transition from "doing" to "leading."

Having the vision is one skill.
Building the structure that allows other people to see it, understand it, and help carry it forward is another.

09/30/2026

I meant to get this out sooner. Last week at our networking breakfast, Armando Seda from Top Appliance Repair shared some of the knowledge he's gained from more than 30 years in the service industry.

Armando started Top Appliance Repair in 2024 after years of watching businesses lose sight of how their customers should be treated. He wanted to do things his own way, with hands-on inspections, honest communication, and taking the time to actually talk to the people he's helping. For him, honesty and integrity are key. He also made a point to credit his wife, Tanya, and his faith for helping him get where he is today.

And, of course, he shared some appliance wisdom with us. A few things I wrote down:
• Research before you buy. Shop the deals, ask about installation and removal, and consider the extended warranty.
• Your washing machine probably has a self-clean function. Use it about once a month.
• Liquid fabric softener isn't doing your washing machine any favors.
• Don't just clean your dryer's lint trap. Lint can build up inside the dryer and vent system, creating a serious fire hazard. Those should be cleaned regularly, too.
• Your dishwasher needs cleaning, even though its entire job is cleaning things. There are detergents specifically designed for cleaning the inside of it.
• Clean the coils underneath your refrigerator. That's one of those maintenance jobs that's easy to forget about until there's a problem.

Top Appliance Repair works on residential washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, and more, serving a pretty wide area across the suburbs.

My biggest takeaway from Armando's presentation wasn't actually about appliances, though. It was another reminder that good customer service doesn't have to be complicated. Take your time with people. Communicate. Be honest. Do the job with integrity.

That applies to a whole lot more than fixing washing machines.

09/16/2026

Everyone has something to give. Connect with others. Build a foundation of connection and support.

Coach Adam Kotowski spoke eloquently today about Grundy Eunoia Wellness Center. They're a 501c3 non-profit with a mission of providing mental health care to kids and adolescents, and anyone else who many need it. They operate with the "St. Jude's Model" where they specialize in helping kids, but will treat anyone, regardless of their ability to pay. They may be located in Grundy County but they'll see people from anywhere in the state. And telehealth sessions are available.

"Its easier to built strong children than it is to repair broken people." - Fredrick Douglas

09/15/2026

When everything is working, it's easy to overlook the people who make it happen. On IT Professionals Day, we want to give a special shout-out to the incredible team at Business Knowledge Systems - your expertise, dedication, and problem-solving prowess are the backbone of our success.

To all the talented technology experts out there: your knowledge, patience, and unwavering commitment keep businesses operating at peak efficiency every single day. Thank you for everything you do.

09/10/2026

Open Office Hours and Networking Event next Thursday at BKS - Business Knowledge Systems

🤝 You're Invited to BKS Open Office Hours & a Networking Reception!

Join us on Thursday, September 17 for an exclusive in-person event where you can connect with our engineers for a discussion about an IT issue you're having with your business (please note, this is not a time for device diagnostics).

📅 2 PM – 4 PM CT | BKS Office - 15115 S. Illinois St. in Plainfield
⏰ Limited slots available – secure yours today at https://hubs.la/Q04xbPw60

Whether you want to master keyboard shortcuts, explore AI and Copilot, or discuss IT challenges, we're here to help. Enjoy 15-20 minutes of focused, one-on-one conversation with one of our talented team members.

Plus: Stick around at 4 PM as we join the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce with a light reception and networking until 5:30 PM.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect!

09/09/2026

Danielle Bronge from Messy To Clean gave a great presentation this morning. She is knowledgeable and experienced.
Messy to Clean treats every customer like family. Using all natural products with no harsh chemicals, to achieve a better clean for you. Whether its residential, commercial, or post-construction cleaning you're looking for, Messy to Clean will get it done right, the first time.

Treat yourself or give the gift of clean to a loved one.

09/03/2026

Our friends at Flavour Shave Ice have their Grand Opening this Saturday at Warehouse 109 in Plainfield between 12pm & 5pm!

09/02/2026

Great "fireside chat" style presentation by Shannon Doherty Sarmiento from Take Me Away Travels, LLC.
Shannon talked about all the ways you COULD plan a trip yourself, but when things hit the fan and problems arise, those are on you to fix for yourself and your family.
But with a travel agent who goes the extra mile to make sure you have everything you need, thinks about things you wouldn't have, and solves problems before you know about them... that mental load is taken off your plate.

Why travel any other way?
🧳🛳⛴️✈️

08/26/2026

Kyana Wilkinson was a wonderful presenter this morning, sharing with us the gracious way in which she approaches Home Health Care with SYNERGY HomeCare. The Q & A after her presentation was engaging, helpful and eye-opening. Great job, Kyana!