Thursday, 31 January 2008 | 6:30-9:30 PM

THU 31 Jan 2008 | 6:30 - 9:30PM

West LA, 405 & Sunset; call the number below to register and for full location details.

Managing your Client, Managing You with Sasha Strauss

In a world where "expertise�? is just an internet search away, it's inevitable that clients think they know everything about everything. The result: too much guidance, no perspective and rounds of revisions that send us all to the nut house.

In this dynamic presentation, we'll discuss contemporary protocols of brand strategy, practices for managing client expectation and results that focus your customer on the strategic needs - not their personal preferences.

In line with AIGA/LA's vocation to bring added-value to membership, this season's BusinessMatters will be offered free to members on a first come, first serve basis. Join us and participate in this popular series designed to help you establish yourself and your career.

Reservation & Ticket Information
AIGA members: FREE (up to 50 members, first come, first served)
Non-AIGA members: $40 per event, $110 for entire series of 3 events

Individual tickets will be available a few weeks before the event date. Only 75 tickets are available for each event and priority is given to AIGA members. Call 818.558.3968 to reserve your seat, no tickets will be available at the door.

Confirmation Via Email
You will be sent confirmation of your reservation via email with specific details such as location, parking and advance preparation materials. Please provide your phone number and email address when reserving your seat in order to receive timely confirmation. Do not attend without confirmation as seating is limited.

BusinessMatters Series Overview
Increasing access to creative software has convinced many that graphic design is basic administrative work and innovative talent isn't necessary to devise creative business solutions. This sentiment, coupled by budget-conscious clients and a sluggish economy, has made it imperative for designers to affirm their roles as valuable members of a company's marketing process.

BusinessMatters is designed to address these issues, using an intimate and open forum for discussion. Emphasis will be on developing new business, career management, enhancing strong rapport with clients and educating clients about the value of design.

In the first three presentations of the series, the central theme will be business development: the logistics of setting up a business, finessing a business plan and generating new business.

January 31, 2008
Managing your Client, Managing You with Sasha Strauss

Feburary 21, 2008
Taking Your Career to the Next Level with Tony Luna

March 19, 2008
Best Practices in Client Service with Markus Almer

Speakers
Sasha Strauss is an Adjunct Professor at USC's Annenberg School for Communication where he teaches graduate brand strategy. He also regularly guest lecturers at UCLA's Anderson School of Business, UC Irvine's Paul Merage School of Business, USC's Marshall School of Business and for organizations like The American Marketing Association. His clients are worldwide including China, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Singapore and the UK. Sasha is currently the Executive Director of Brand Strategy at Innovation Protocol, a Los Angeles based brand strategy consulting firm serving organizations that transform markets through innovation. Clients vary from executive recruiting market leader Korn/Ferry International to the world's second largest youth entertainment brand, Sanrio Inc. Previously, Sasha was part the Brand Development teams at Brand Sense Partners and SiegelGale.

Tony Luna is the President of Tony Luna Creative, a Creative Consultancy founded in 1971, and Artist Representative/Executive Producer with Wolfe and Company Films. Mr. Luna has been an Instructor at the Art Center College of Design since 1985 where he teaches "Career Perspectives�? in the Photography and Imaging department, and "Crafting a Meaningful Career�? and "Living the Dream�? in Art Center's Public Programs. He is the author of, "How to Grow as a Photographer: Reinventing Your Career�? (Allworth Press) an informational and inspirational guide to career evolution. Tony has helped many artist-entrepreneurs begin, sustain and enhance their careers, and even more companies to grow and prosper.

Markus Almer is president and co-founder of Almer/Blank, an interactive media agency in Venice, California. He helps clients like E! Entertainment Television, Clear Channel Entertainment, Comcast, IKEA, and Apple identify business opportunities and develop rich digital experiences to improve customer experiences, and Marketing-ROI. Markus is also co-founder of the Rich Media Institute in Los Angeles, which provides training, research and events to Digital Media professionals. He speaks frequently on events and conferences from the American Marketing Association, Digital Hollywood and FITC Hollywood. Markus began his career in digital media in 1999 by introducing patented multimedia card technology to the United States and over the past 8 years, he has gained extensive experience in Interactive Marketing and Rich Internet Applications. Markus grew up in Switzerland and has lived in Southern California since 1999.

BusinessMatters is organized by a committed group of design professionals whose experience has convinced them of the need for designers to think strategically about their businesses.

Zelda Harrison transitioned from a career in marketing consumer products to graphic design. She manages a diverse client portfolio, including Universal, The Downtown Los Angeles BID, The Aquarium of the Pacific and Cedars-Sinai.