There is. It’s called communication. And it’s the focus of NBMA’s Big Event on Thursday, January 17. Jim Lilie, a highly recommended consultant and author, will speak about “Communications for (and with) Creatives.” The presentation will focus on developing an awareness of what we say and how we say it, and the potential impact on the recipient.

NBMA is featuring this topic in response to popular demand. At the start of the new year, many of our members have resolved to polish skill sets that will enhance their professionalism. Others, given the current state of the economy, know that to sustain or grow their businesses they must expand their client base and pursue new business more proactively than in the past few years. Both groups will benefit from this presentation, for the ability to communicate effectively — to deliver dynamic presentations and negotiate successfully — with colleagues and clients is one of the most valuable skill sets in business today.

“Communication is to speaking what wisdom is to knowledge,” says Lilie, who is known for delivering constructive, enlightening, and engaging presentations. He adds, “It’s amazing how many people working in the ’communications’ industry today don’t actually communicate well. Even though effective interpersonal communication is the foundation for all relationships — business or personal — it has almost become a lost art.”

About three years ago, in response to this observation, Lilie developed a communications awareness program to help bridge the gap between “right brain” creative and “left brain” business professionals. His clients range from free agent artists to large advertising and design agencies, from universities to major corporations. His publications include The Basic Communications Skills Handbook and Goals, Priorities, and Time: An Awareness Workbook.

Lilie has been a featured speaker at the California College of Arts and Crafts, the San Francisco Art Academy, UC Berkeley, and Santa Fe’s Center for Visual Communication. His workshops garner praise, such as, “His ability to identify very subtle dynamics and to analyze communications-based issues is inspiring... to complete the process, he offers techniques to correct or fine tune specific behaviors to best achieve the desired goal.” Others say “He has the ability and experience to present business scenarios in an enlightening and common sense manner that is understandable to everyone.” That experience includes over 20 years in business management, communications, sales, and working as an agent and manager for creative graphic talent. He also was co-founder of the Flash Family Improvisation Company, working as a performer and workshop leader in their training division.

Lilie has asked NBMA to give a homework assignment to all those who plan to attend this meeting: Reflect on your experiences with clients and colleagues in your workplace. Reflect on your ability to deliver presentations, or, depending on your perspective, to effectively communicate with creatives, programmers, or suits. Think about your strongest and weakest communications skills. Bring a question or situation that you’re willing to share about bridging the culture gaps between business, programmers, and creative types. Or, for the brave ones among us, come prepared to share a horror story about a communications gaffe you’ve made in the workplace. Leveraging his improv talents, Lilie will tailor his presentation to what the audience wants to know.

Be sure to come early to converse with friends old and new and to enjoy the catered reception made possible by Polaris Interactive.

This meeting is a joint presentation with NBMA’s Entrepreneurs’ SIG. Thanks go to NBMA board member Candiece Lindstrom for introducing us to Jim Lilie.