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SSTI, the State Science and Technology Institute, calls Larta University one of the "best programs in the country," having "helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, implemented innovative programs, and assisted client companies to raise hundreds-of-millions of dollars.

January 15: Entrepreneurship Series #7: Moving the Product: Sales & Distribution Strategies
You’ve got a great product, but how do you get it to paying customers? A proper sales and distribution strategy is key to taking a new company’s product beyond its initial test group or early adopters. Understanding of the basics of how to sell your product or service is the first step. Companies have managed to prosper immensely from building the right alliances, where businesses share valuable assets ranging from a customer base to marketing activities, from suppliers and procurement to product development. Topics covered in this course include: how to sell, getting the most out of distribution networks, and forming valuable strategic alliances.
Location: Los Angeles

January 27: Preparing the Financial Forecast Model
This workshop will show you how to build a financial forecast model. Using Excel, you will learn how to build your forecast from the bottom up, translating the primary elements of your business (sales, cost of goods sold, staffing and overhead) into a forecasted Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement and Balance Sheet, all in a format that potential investors will find attractive.
Location: Los Angeles

February 12: Entrepreneurship Series #8: Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Business Presentations
Many business presentations contain too much of the wrong information and not enough of the right information. Entrepreneurs and technologists have to translate complex, broad technology business concepts and plans into succinct messages that intrigue and interest venture capitalists, customers and corporate partners. This workshop will help you effectively communicate your value proposition to your audience and understanding what audiences respond to. You will have an opportunity to practice your elevator pitch with mentors and peers so that you can leave with an effective, tried and tested pitch.
Location: Los Angeles

Larta University's full course schedule >

Top Stories in Hot Technology Sectors

Biotech
IPOs for Biotechs Face Skepticism After a Rough '03 (Wall Street Journal - registration)
Biotechnology may have given venture capitalists something to crow about in 2003, but a reprise this year is looking unlikely.
more Biotech news

Consumer Electronics
Apple, HP Strike Deal On Digital Music Sales (Washington Post)
Computer maker Hewlett-Packard Co. announced yesterday that it will begin selling an HP-branded iPod and will start installing Apple Computer's iTunes software on its consumer desktops and laptops.
more Consumer Electronics News

Internet
Kazaa Delivers More Than Tunes (Wired)
Forty-five percent of the executable files downloaded through Kazaa, the most popular file-sharing program, contain malicious code like viruses and Trojan horses, according to a new study.
more Internet news

Security
U.S. Says South Korea Is Soft on Film, Music Piracy (Los Angeles Times - registration)
South Korea isn't doing enough to stop music and film piracy, US trade officials said, and will be put on a special watch list that could lead to economic sanctions.
more Security news

Investment
Venture-Capital Industry Stops Hemorrhaging (Wall Street Journal - registration)
Business begins to pick up after three years of decline; faith in start-ups returns.
more Investment news

This events calendar is provided as a service by Larta about events vetted and endorsed by Larta.

January 13: Technology Transfer
Los Angeles Venture Association (LAVA) presents a forum on technology transfer with Bill Crookston, Ph.D., USC-Marshall School Of Business and George Abe, UCLA Office of Research.

January 13: An Evening of Entrepreneurship
UCLA Anderson School Alumni Los Angeles Chapter invites you to network with an impressive roster of current entrepreneurs and business leaders while you learn what has made these individuals successful and what any budding entrepreneur should know before taking the plunge.

January 14: How to Keep Your Cool in Any Negotiation
This Women's Advancement Network event features co-author and keynote speaker Mimi Donaldson, a renowned expert on negotiation.

January 15: Entrepreneurship Series #7: Moving the Product: Sales & Distribution Strategies
Topics covered in this Larta University course include: how to sell, getting the most out of distribution networks, and forming valuable strategic alliances.

January 16: American Export Business Intelligence
Organized by Intelligizer, Inc., American Export Business Intelligence features a top-class line-up of speakers delivering concise and highly practical presentations, a concurrent mini-exhibition, discussion sessions, evening yacht cruise, ample networking opportunities, and confidential business meetings.

January 20: The Next BIG THING: Business VC's are Looking to Fund
Orange Coast Venture Group presents a breakfast meeting event to guide companies toward successful relationships with venture capitalists and other investors.

January 20: California Nanotechnology 2004: Our Future Is Very Small
The Joint Committee for Preparing California for the 21st Century presents an extended policy briefing on California's hottest technology sector. Includes findings from the forthcoming special report "Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: Opportunities and Challenges In California," panel discussions, and policy recommendations from California 's leading nanotechnology thinkers.

January 20: Intellectual Property Insurance
Los Angeles Chapter of the Licensing Executives Society host a program on intellectual property insurance with David A. Gauntlett, Esq. of Gauntlett & Associates.

Larta's full event calendar >

Since 1993, Larta has been the leader in convening technology companies, researchers, and investors. We help our clients access the technology industry through world-class conference and training services, industry research, and capital-raising.

Companies helped by Larta have raised over $1.5 billion in capital. Larta's conferences and seminars provide insights to thousands of businesspeople each year. Larta's weekly magazine on business innovation is read by over 20,000 people.

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