Presented December 1, 11:30-1:00
Chez Zee, 5406 Balcones
Before you launch, expand or move your business, there are a few things you need to do for a successful outcome. It’s time for a checklist and we’ll help you create one. Your checklist might include a new or updated business plan, branding for a new business or an outline of your transition. We’ll help you identify your ducks and get them lined up and ready! Presented by LB Thomas, partner of the LBTJ Group and SBDP.
LisaBeth “LB” Thomas, The Big Cheese, LBTJ Group
Television producer, former motivational speaker, marketing specialist and more. Ms. Thomas heads up the creative department of her ad agency, the LBTJ Group where she produces commercials, promotions and PR for her clients, some of which include; Amy’s Ice Creams, D.R. Horton Homes, Hissey Kientz LLC, Precision Camera and Video and The Hospital at Westlake Medical Center. She is currently producing a syndicated kid’s travel show, The Traveling Trio which is airing on 250 stations in the US and set for syndication internationally this year. Ms. Thomas also gets to sneak away to interview celebrities and shoot “behind the scenes” for E!, HBO, Miramax, Discovery, Warner Bros., etc .
Ms. Thomas is one of the founding members and first President of Texas Women IN Business, which in just one year has over 425 members.
She has proved to be unique and invaluable to clients, colleagues and contacts. A quick warning though, she is liable to say anything at anytime. To call her irrepressible would be an understatement.
Vicky Valdez
Small Business Administrator
City of Austin’s Small Business Development Program
Vicky Valdez, administrator of City of Austin’s Small Business Development Program (SBDP) speaks to area entrepreneurs with the voice of experience. Ms. Valdez joined SBDP in March 2001 after 2 years in the City’s Planning Department. Prior to joining the City she was Deputy Director for a local non-profit agency and was a successful small business owner for six years.
Presented Tuesday, November 15th, 8:45-10am
Lauterstein-Conway Massage School
4701-B Burnet Rd.
Though conflict is an inevitable part of life, during the holidays it often seems to increase. This session will help you understand the conflict cycle and five different approaches to conflict. Learn and practice the five steps in collaboration and you might just have a smoother, happier holiday season and a better 2012! Breakfast graciously provided by Tacodeli and Texas Coffee Traders. Free for members and prospective members. RSVP.
Juli Fellows, Ph.D. is a trained, experienced mediator who has taught Conflict Management to businesses and nonprofit organizations for almost 20 years. She designs and facilitates collaborative meetings, often with large groups of highly opinionated stakeholders, and has (mostly) been successful in helping them reach decisions that all can support!
CityBusiness: A four-luncheon series presented by AIBA and the Small Business Development Program designed to help you understand and navigate the departments and processes that regulate and assist you in your business. These topics were chosen from areas of interest voiced at the 2010 Small Local Business Summit. The Summit resulted in ElevateAustin, a program to address the challenges expressed by local business.
Who You Gonna Call?
Thursday, October 26, 11:30-1:00
Nuevo Leon, 1501 E. 6th St.
Where to start? Who to call? Who does that? With 35 departments and 10,000 employees, the City of Austin is a complex organization. Finding the resource you need can be a challenge. Friendly and knowledgeable guides will provide you with an overview of how the City works and how to find what you need. The Small Business Development Program and Austin Independent Business Alliance (AIBA) are partnering to provide local small business owners with beneficial information about everyday issues they face. This informal setting is ideal for sharing information.
CityBusiness: A four-luncheon series presented by AIBA and the Small Business Development Program designed to help you understand and navigate the departments and processes that regulate and assist you in your business. These topics were chosen from areas of interest voiced at the 2010 Small Local Business Summit. The Summit resulted in ElevateAustin, a program to address the challenges expressed by local business.
Presented Wednesday, September 28, 11:30-1:00
Nuevo Leon, 1501 E. 6th St.
Whether you’re opening a new location or expanding your current one, you’ll need information and permits for construction. If you’re doing this yourself, there’s lots to know about permitting, the development process and even transportation. If you’ll be working with a contractor who will handle many of these processes for you, it’s important to select a knowledgable person or company. We’ll share tips on selecting a good contractor. Either way you go, we’re here to help! Bring your questions because we’ll be ready to give you answers.
Presented Tuesday, September 20th, 8:45-10am
Lauterstein-Conway Massage School
4701-B Burnet Rd.
What if there were no gap between your ordinary work life and your deepest spiritual aspirations? Interestingly, narrowing the gap between the greater whole and everyday life is the active function of spirituality. To actualize and invigorate the function of spirit we require thoughtful practices, some discipline, and a perspective that is radically different from what we usually find in traditional models of management and leadership. In our brief time together we will open some possibilities for closing the gap and in doing so, discover how to make your work a transformative spiritual practice. Breakfast tacos graciously provided by Tacodeli. Coffee graciously provided by Texas Coffee Traders.
Flint Sparks is a Zen teacher and psychologist dedicated to assisting people in the unending path of growing up and waking up. He is an experienced therapist and a master teacher whose work assists people in the skillful removal of blocks to love. He is a clear and caring resource on the path of freedom from unnecessary suffering. He is a resident teacher at Appamada, a center for Zen practice and Inquiry in Austin.
Download the materials from this presentation.
Social Media handout.pdf 
Groupon story.pdf
Thursday, September 8, 11:30-1:00
Cannoli Joe’s, 4715 Hwy. 290 W.
How to really make sense and use of a good social media strategy amidst all the hype with Nettie Hartsock, owner of The Hartsock Agency.
The Hartsock Agency is dedicated to “Helping Experts Shine Online.” We’re a brand and marketing strategy firm helping authors, businesses and experts create and empower their online visibility and strategic outreach efforts.
Clients have seen millions in YouTube views, features on DailyKos, Daily Candy, NYTimes, MSNBC.com, Entreprenuer.com, Pink Magazine, Inc.com, Allbusiness.com, Huffington Post, Wall St. Journal, BlogCritics and other online sites. Follow Nettie through Twitter at @nettiehartsock.
CityBusiness: A four-luncheon series presented by AIBA and the Small Business Development Program designed to help you understand and navigate the departments and processes that regulate and assist you in your business. These topics were chosen from areas of interest voiced at the 2010 Small Local Business Summit. The Summit resulted in ElevateAustin, a program to address the challenges expressed by local business.
The Big Event
Presented Wednesday, August 31, 11:30-1:00
Nuevo Leon, 1501 E. 6th St.
So you want to have an event to draw customers to your business? Great idea! Begin your planning with knowing the city rules and regs. We’ll cover what you need to know about sound, parking, alcohol, vendors and more. Bring your questions because we’ll be ready to give you answers. Click here to RSVP. $20 per person.
Download the materials from this presentation.
Hourglass Innovation Worksheet.pdf
Marketing Training Camp.pdf
Marketing with a Purpose Worksheet.pdf
Organizations that can foster and communicate a higher purpose, will always attract employees, customers and opportunities that are drawn to that higher purpose. Some of the most successful brands today—Apple, Zappos, and Southwest—have captured people’s hearts and imaginations around simple purpose. Now purpose doesn’t always mean a “noble” cause as we might traditionally think about it. Purpose can be an innovation that attracts, a culture that attracts, or a single idea like trust.
Rick L’Amie of Moxie Marketing will give examples of purpose-driven companies and share ways to create purpose for your business and in your marketing strategy.
Thursday, July 14, 11:30-1:00
Cannoli Joe’s, 4715 Hwy. 290 W.
A fascinating panel discussion of things that worked and things that didn’t from AIBA members who have successful, innovative marketing campaigns including Henri Mazza, Creative Director of Alamo Drafthouse, Steve Simmons, Co-owner of Amy's Ice Creams, Michael Portman, Co-owner of Birds Barbershop, Carol Huntsberger, Owner of Quality Seafood Market and Scot Maitland, Owner and Director of Communications for Live Oak Pharmacy.
Download the materials available at the luncheon:
6-23_Presentation_Overview.pdf
6-23Questions_and_Strategies_for_2011.pdf
Thursday, June 23, 11:30-1:00
Cannoli Joe’s, 4715 Hwy. 290 W.
An exciting presentation by John Russell of The Russell Consulting Group and a spectacular Italian feast at Cannoli Joe's.
Why do some businesses realize quick identity and create a following while others don’t? What is it about good branding that goes beyond the buzz into long-term customer loyalty and retention? How have some advertising campaigns cost large companies billions in lost revenue and market share?
In this presentation, you will hear why these questions are relevant to the growth and success of your own business. More importantly, why marketing itself is not enough unless the brand and expectations related to the brand are truly consistent.
John Russell, Principal of The Russell Consulting Group has overseen advertising and marketing campaigns since 1992. He has successfully guided clients through the branding and messaging process with creativity and sage advice. John's clients have included local and national businesses representing restaurants, consumer products, the service industry and non-profits as well as candidates for statewide political races.
He has also been instrumental in advising Central European businesses wishing to increase their market share of US and Western European consumers.
Contact John Russell at The Russell Consulting Group, 217-3205.
Tuesday, May 24 2011, 8:45am - 10:00am
Lauterstein Conway Massage School, 4701-B Burnet Road
Earlier this year we did some exploration of business goals with David Lauterstein. Now it's time for ALL members to regroup, revisit and refresh. During this session, you'll spend time with Executive Business Coach, Linda Glass, in an interactive session around business goal setting. You'll have an opportunity to work with your peers as you set the right intentions for the remainder of 2011. Whether you were in the January session or not, this will be an informative and important session for everyone.
Join veteran executive coach, Linda Glass at this great breakfast program for all members.
With over 16 years of experience in corporate leadership and management development, Linda Glass brings in-depth business acumen and corporate background to each of her professional coaching engagements. Glass and her team have worked across a variety of industries spanning Fortune 500 to entrepreneurial start-ups. Clients come from a diverse slate of companies including Citigroup, Whole Foods, Charity Dynamics, UBS, United States Tennis Association, Lance Armstrong Foundation, and Milk + Honey Spa. Contact Linda Glass at Glass Strategies.
