Small Business Workshop

Building Real Connections in the Age of AI

August 12, 2026 @ 12:00 pm EDT

Cost: $10.00

Duration: 120 minutes

LIVE ONLINE Workshop

Building Real Connections in the Age of AI

In a world where AI and automation are transforming how we work and market our businesses, one thing is becoming more valuable than ever: human connection. That shift is exactly why the smartest businesses are prioritizing networking right now — not in a salesy or transactional way, but as a powerful way to build real relationships that create trust, visibility, and opportunity.

Sue Kisiday, President of SmartWays Marketing Group, will share why networking has become such a critical advantage and how to approach it with confidence and clarity. Designed for business owners and professionals, this talk will cover how to identify the right rooms to be in, start conversations naturally (even if networking feels uncomfortable), and communicate what you do in a way that’s clear, memorable, and authentic.

Attendees will walk away with a simple elevator-pitch framework, clear criteria for identifying high-value connections, and a relationship-first approach to networking that supports visibility, opportunity, and long-term business growth.

$10 Non-Refundable Fee

About Our Instructor

Sue Kisiday

Sue Kisiday is the President and Founder of SmartWays Marketing Group and a Strategic Facilitator and Fractional CMO with over 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business strategy across private, public, and startup sectors. She works with business owners and leadership teams who have built strong businesses but feel stuck between where they are and where they know they could go.

Sue is known for her ability to quickly identify patterns, gaps, and bottlenecks beneath the surface—often spotting the real issue before others see it. With a calm, grounded approach, she blends logic and empathy to help leaders cut through noise, gain clarity, and make confident decisions. Her strength lies in turning scattered ideas and well-intentioned efforts into clear priorities and simple, actionable roadmaps.



Through facilitated sessions, strategic roadmaps, and practical frameworks, Sue helps clients align people, strategy, and systems so growth feels intentional rather than overwhelming. Clients often describe feeling more focused, confident, and back in control of their business after working with her.

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.