EnTrends

The story of Susan K. Klutnick and
Associates is one of pure success that
comes from years of experience in a
particular industry. As a start-up this
past year, Susan Klutnick's consulting
company has experienced revenues far
beyond those of her initial budgeted
projections.

Located in Huntington Beach,
California, the company has a variety of
national and international clients in the
commercial printing, newspaper, and
publishing industries. Because of Susan
Klutnick's years of experience in the
business, she also does business for
industry associations in the Graphic Arts
Communication field.

What distinguishes Klutnick's company
from others, is the expertise she brings
to her clients in all phases of print
production, whether it is organizational
effectiveness and strategic management,
design, pre-press, press, post-press and
distribution areas.

Klutnick conducts investigations,
interviews, and manufacturing audits to
assess an organization's current
positions and future growth
opportunities. Other consulting
businesses offer a mix of novices and
experienced staff. Klutnick's company
focuses on, and delivers, expertise.

A typical work day for Klutnick is hard
to come by. However, the variety and
challenges of what her company does is
an attraction to her. There are a few
tasks that she accomplishes on a regular
basis though.

One of these is working at a client's
location. Klutnick usually provides her
services in the field. She often travels to
a client's organization in order to see
their operations first-hand and better
assess their needs. These trips often
require assembling information in
preparation or response to the client
engagement.

Another important part of Klutnick's
business, and that of many others, is
prospecting for additional clients. She
spends time planning new business
initiatives and attends industry
association functions. She networks in
person and through communication
media.

Klutnick credits her company's success
to the contacts she has made with over
thirty years of experience in the Graphic
Arts business. The mutual respect for
the requirements and capabilities she
and her contacts have are what enabled
her company to grow quickly.

Klutnick says, "The lifestyle of an
entrepreneur is of most benefit when
seen as part of an entire life's picture.
Being an entrepreneur is intellectually
and professionally challenging, but adds
the ability to control one's time and
efforts. It saves time that would
otherwise be wasted in bureaucratic
wrangling that seems to appear
relatively common in the corporate
world."

Living on the West Coast definitely
has its advantages for Klutnick. She

enjoys spending the free time
afforded to her as an entrepreneur
with her family and friends. Living in
Huntington Beach provides a
variety of activities. Because of its
location, in addition to local
attractions, one can travel to places
like Los Angeles, Hollywood,
Beverly Hills, and San Diego, all
within about an hour or more.

Klutnick enjoys both leisure and
business travel. She likes physical
exercise such as running, biking,
skiing, tennis, and hiking. Having the
Pacific Ocean and northern
California mountains in short driving
distance makes all these things
possible. In addition, Klutnick
describes herself as "a voracious
reader" in all categories.

When it comes to clothing, Klutnick
is somewhat eclectic, but she prefers
business casual dress most of the
time. It allows her the flexibility to
respond to clients' calls and
requirements quickly. She does feel,
however, that one must have the
capability to "power dress"
occasionally.

Some of Klutnick's favorite clothing
suppliers are, Nordstrom's, Eddie
Bauer, Coldwater Creek Catalog,
and Banana Republic for Women.
When it comes to office furnishings,
Klutnick suggests that one follow the
same personal preference as those of
their home. This is because people
spend most of their time there.