Monday, November 26, 2012

Branding for not for profits

I often think of branding as being a commercial marketing issue only for big business. Is it not taking valuable time and resources away from our services and helping people? Oscar Abello has written an interesting article on why branding is important for small nonprofits He argues that a lack of branding means that small grassroots groups don’t get the credit they deserve for being the world’s frontline soldiers in the struggle against poverty. Fundraising platforms gives organisation access to tools to be able to tell their story, connect with people and organisations and attract more resources for their work. Branding gives the organisation the opportunity to tell their stories about their place in fighting poverty, highlight successes and the people they have helped and encourage key partnerships with other organisations and the community that they serve.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

the importance of educating the audience

Misson Paradox is a wonderful blog which addresses arts marketing. I found this post to be very interesting and helpful. This post reminds me of the initial purpose of encore - to educate and inspire people to support our local arts. Nice to know that an instinctual response is on track.

A vital element of good arts marketing is the ability, and willingness, to teach. People don't engage with things they don't understand.

That's a barrier that separates people from art.  This is especially true for more traditional art forms like opera, classical music, ballet and theatre.  Art has it's own language and customs.  You may not notice them anymore because you have become so close to the art.  That's understandable, but it's also a problem.

When you start the marketing process it's helpful to see yourself as a teacher and your audience as smart, but slightly anxious, students. So maybe you shoot a series of videos explaining exactly how musical theatre gets made. Maybe you find an entertaining way of explaining a complex opera. Maybe you do a series of blog posts with dancers explaining moves common to the work.

Just remember that your goal here is to be a good teacher.  Your goal isn't to lecture.  Your goal isn't to make yourself feel smart at your student's expense.  Your goal is to make them a smarter, more informed, consumer of the artform in general.

Why?  We remember and value great teachers.  If you become one your value to your audience increases.

The art we do comes and goes.  One play today, another tomorrow. Great teaching remains.

Use your marketing platform as an opportunity to teach.  It will make your work much more effective.



Tuesday, November 13, 2012

7 things every leader needs to quit

Being a leader is not easy, especially in an arts organisation. I found the article below interesting and useful - hope that you do too.
1. Measuring success compared to another’s success
Your leadership will not be like someone else’s leadership. It’s not designed to be. You’ll likely be successful in ways other leaders aren’t. Some of those may be visible and measurable, but some may not be. The goal should be to be the best leader you can be.

2. Pretending to have all the answers
There’s an unfair expectation many leaders face to be the person with the answer in every situation. Seriously, how’s that working for you? The sooner you admit you don’t have all the answers, the quicker your team will be willing to fill in your gaps.

3. Trying to be popular
If you want to be popular, be a celebrity. If you want to be a leader, be willing to do the hard tasks to take people where they need (and probably want to go) but may be resistant to along the way. Leadership can be lonely at times. Be prepared.

4. Leading alone
Just because leadership can be lonely, doesn’t mean you have to lead alone. Good leaders surround themselves with people who care, people who can hold them accountable and sharpen their character.

If you have a tendency to separate yourself from others, stop now and reach out to someone. Take a bold risk of being vulnerable and release some of the weight of responsibility you feel.

5. Acting like it doesn’t hurt
When people you trust betray you…it hurts. When people rebel against your leadership…it hurts. On days where it seems you have more enemies than friends…it hurts. Don’t pretend it doesn’t. You won’t lead well if you’re a crybaby, but you should have some outlets where you can share your pain.

6. Trying to control every outcome
Three reasons not to: 1) It doesn’t work. 2) It limits others. 3) It’s not right. Leadership is not about control. It’s about relational influence.

When you control others, you limit people to your abilities. When you empower people, you limit people to their combined abilities as a team…and there’s strength in numbers.

7. Ignoring the warning signs of burnout
At some point in your leadership, if you really are leading through the deep waters of change, relational differences, or simply the stress of wearing the leader hat, you’ll face burnout.

When you start to have more negative thoughts than positive thoughts, when the pressure of leadership is unbearable for a long period of time, or when your leadership starts to negatively impact your physical or emotional health or your relationships, it’s time to seek help.

Be honest: Which of these do you most need to quit?

Our thoughts and comments on performances and the performing arts in the Western Cape, South Africa.