International superstars Shabnam Suraya and Jonibek Murodov made their first ever USA concert appearance this past winter. TriVision Studios presented the artists and their band by hosting concerts in Virginia and New York, which were held on January 31st and February 6th, 2009, respectively.

Both the Virginia and New York concerts were a rousing success. Thousands of fans attended both concerts from Afghan, Tajik, Uzbek and Iranian communities, which was evidence of their cross-cultural appeal.

Shabnam and Jonibek held a captivated audience with songs and dances originating from Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and India. The artists had a unique ability to keep the audience engaged in their performance by doing different dance routines as they sang and at times directly interacted with audience members.

Overall, the two concerts earned rave reviews by those who attended, many of whom couldn´t wait to express their feedback on popular online sites like Facebook and YouTube with comments such as “Great concert in VA, it was worth every cent!” and “I have never attended an Afghan concert like this before. It was very entertaining and well-organized. The performers, TriVision, and everyone involved did an amazing job!”

To view clips of the shows, click on the links below.

Shabnam & Jonibek Virginia Concert
Shabnam & Jonibek New York Concert

Emerging Markets Group (EMG), formerly known as Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Emerging Markets, Ltd., applies business expertise to improve economic, social, and physical infrastructure that underpins communities around the world.  With their corporate offices based in Brussels, London and Washington DC, plus project sites around the world, EMG is an international development consulting firm that serves donor agencies and sovereign governments. As part of Cardno, EMG has access to over 3,500 international staff members who have lived or worked in over 100 countries and speak more than 40 languages.

Over the years, TriVision Studios has held an excellent professional relationship with EMG by providing them with design and printing services. From the printing of brochures, folders and booklets to the production and installation of signage and exhibit displays, TriVision has assisted EMG with their design and printing needs every step of the way. In addition, TriVision has provided official photography coverage of EMG´s top executives for its website and other marketing needs.

In a recent effort to provide environment-friendly printing, TriVision printed EMG´s latest folders, booklets and brochures using Toyo soy-based ink on recycled FSC-certified paper. TriVision´s vast line of services enables them to provide professional printing services using different processes customized to each client´s needs. In addition, TriVision´s objective to provide high-quality products and services gives its clients assurance that the printing job will be done accurately and on time. This core principle is what drives the professional relationship between EMG and TriVision Studios.

To find out more about EMG and its services around the world, visit them on the web at www.emergingmarketsgroup.com.

To find out more about TriVision´s printing services and products, visit our website at www.trivision.tv/marketing_printing.html or contact one of our representatives at info@trivision.tv.

Ayenda Foundation, the Afghan Children Initiative, is a non-profit public charity 501 (c) 3 organization with the purpose to support projects that enhance the welfare, education, health, shelter, safety, artistic and athletic abilities of Afghan children – especially girls. Founded by Shamim Jawad, wife of Ambassador Tayeb Jawad, its objective is to act as a bridge between U.S. based organizations, non-profits, their resources and the children of Afghanistan.

Having already had a close relationship with the Afghanistan Embassy in Washington, D.C. over the years, TriVision Studios was given the opportunity to assist in the effort to build the Ayenda Foundation brand and marketing objectives. TriVision´s work with Ayenda includes the design and creation of its website www.ayendafoundation.org, brochures, business cards and business stationery. In addition, TriVision designed and printed invitation cards and programs for Ayenda´s benefit dinners, one of which was held at the Afghanistan Embassy where former First Lady Laura Bush was the Honorary Chair and speaker. Khalid Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner, was also a featured guest speaker in this benefit dinner, which was officially photographed by TriVision. Last year, TriVision designed and printed program booklets for another dinner reception held at the Canadian Embassy, Washington, D.C. where Laura Bush spoke through a video message.

Ayenda selects projects for funding based on critical needs, potential for high impact, efficiency and visibility, among other factors, for Afghan children. To date, over $400,000 has been raised through the Ayenda Foundation. The organization has funded Afghan music learning books, supported the Aschiana Foundation, a landmine-free soccer field, and will be establishing the Ayenda Learning Center in Bamiyan, which will have its grand opening in spring of 2009. The Ayenda Learning Center is an orphanage and school in the Bamiyan province planning to teach over 400 students who will be receiving standard education, as well as vocational training to attain knowledge and skills needed for obtaining jobs and the ability to support themselves and their families.

To read more about the Ayenda Foundation and its projects for the cause of Afghan children, please their website at www.ayendafoundation.org.

First Impression is Everything

It´s important in business not to underestimate the power of a first impression. Simply put, a first impression is what people see first. A negative first impression can often times be the most powerful obstacle to overcome. In advertising, people form opinions in a flash, thus the key is to create ads that catch attention without coming on too strong.

It is like this: if you walked into a formal event dressed disheveled and unkempt, do you think people around you would take you seriously? Or what if you were giving your first job interview and you walked in with casual clothes and an indifferent attitude? Do you think they would look past their first impression of you despite what is on your résumé?

The same notion is applied in advertising. Whether it is your company´s image, or the way you present yourself to people, first impressions could essentially be the deal breaker. If people are not impressed the first time they see you or your company, chances are likely that they will not want to take a second look later.

First impressions are especially important in website design. Given web surfers´ decreasing attention spans, it is essential to make the biggest splash on your homepage. Considering that the website has increasingly become the primary advertising and marketing tool for a great number of companies, having a site that makes a good first impression is highly critical for a company´s image and overall success. A good website not only builds a good impression, but also credibility for your business.

The same rule of thumb applies to a company´s logo or business card. If you meet a potential client at a networking conference yet you do not have a business card to give them, what kind of impression do you think you will leave them? Looking at it from another perspective, if you did have a striking business card to give out, how much do you think that would help you in creating a good impression and establishing your business as a legit company?

In essence, first impressions vary considerably between individuals because not everyone will be impressed the same way with everything. No matter how powerful and persuasive your advertising is, it may not reach most people you are paying to reach. However, if your advertising at least makes a good and lasting first impression, chances are people will remember it when they need you later. In other words, don´t let your first impression be your last.

The Rise of Twitter

Social networking websites aren´t just for teenagers and college students anymore. More so than ever before, online enterprises, such as Facebook and MySpace are being used by businesses and professionals alike to promote public awareness and spread the word about company events and promotions. The latest 2009 rankings show that while Facebook has captured the number one ranking, Myspace has fallen to the number two spot, with Twitter taking a steady climb up to number three.*

Twitter, a comparatively new online social networking enterprise is gaining recent attention and popularity amongst professionals and individuals seeking to bolster awareness on current activities. Classified as a “micro-blog”, Twitter allows users to update and publicize their current status by posting 140 character messages that can be seen by other Twitter users and can also be sent to the cell phones of subscribers. These messages, called tweets, help Twitter subscribers stay connected and informed about the whereabouts and activities of other Twitter users they have signed up to receive messages from.

Twitter is a great example of how technology has dramatically progressed to allow for a broader dispersion of information among otherwise disconnected entities. The website demonstrates the power of technology, as well as information sharing´s impact on the success of a company.

TriVision Studios uses Twitter to update followers to its current projects, allowing users to have a more adequate grasp on the company´s activities and business practices. TriVision´s Twitter account can be accessed at http://twitter.com/trivisionstudio.

* http://blog.compete.com/2009/02/09/facebook-myspace-twitter-social-network/