A good example of going the extra mile

Posted on May 8, 2016 by Shoshana

I am still processing my experience at the Colorado Creative Industries Summit, and instead, I would like to share a really good example of going the extra mile. I have often commented that it is best to go the extra mile for your audience members and donors when the occasion calls for something extra. This morning I was watching CBS…

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Being Authentic, not always the easy choice

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Shoshana

To follow up on my last post about organic reach, I realize that being more authentic is not always the easy choice. The decision to be authentic is a tough choice at times since the enactment of being authentic takes more time and effort than simply relying on the old methods, messages and marketing campaigns. When you are authentic, you are more…

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Organic reach is worth reaching for

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Shoshana

Knowing who you reach is better than scattering your message hoping you reach!  I wasn’t expecting to post today, yet I saw a few articles about how social media is dead, or at least a dead-end for organically reaching people. What happened? Well, social media became less social. We keep using it incorrectly, marketing the heck out of people’s feeds,…

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The hidden people of the organization?

Posted on April 14, 2016 by Shoshana

I am going to show my age a little here, but I have been in the marketing arena for over 20 years now. I enjoy spreading the word, and adding the audience development relationship building into the mix to help sell out arts events. I have been staff at organizations as well as a consultant. In either case, I have…

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Personal emails in the mix

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Shoshana

This morning I would like to share with you an idea that doesn’t get used as often anymore – sending out personal emails. This is an especially good idea if something has gone wrong, and you need to communicate your apologies and next steps for action to correct the issues. I came in on the tail end of subscriptions for…

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Blizzards and audience development

Posted on March 25, 2016 by Shoshana

  During this week, I was involved in a blizzard. Yes, where I live is extreme Colorado living. I was trapped for 2.5 days with more snow coming on its way. My driveway is a beast! Last round it took me 6.5 hours to shovel myself out over 2.5 days. This time, with the snow being super wet and heavy, I…

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Customer service points!

Posted on March 22, 2016 by Shoshana

I have been thinking about good customer service today. Sometimes I think of a customer’s thoughts in regard to service in terms of points. They probably are not thinking, “You just lost 10 points!” but I know they are keeping a tally in their head to weigh the pros and cons of remaining a customer. This is an ongoing process too….

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Elitism – a view from both sides

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Shoshana

How ironic! Today there were two articles that, side by side, give a full spectrum of thought on arts and elitism. Since this has to be another quick post, I give you the articles. What are your thoughts?  Adelaide Fringe complaints: Artists can’t tell audiences what to like, says Naked Magician http://ow.ly/ZgjQR vs. Marketing Intellectual Pursuits to an Anti-Intellectual Public, Right-Cheer…

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Mini arts breaks

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Shoshana

I am working on a proposal with a colleague regarding this subject matter for NAMPC 2016, but I wanted to share something quickly and ask you – Do you take mini arts breaks?  As arts administrators, we ourselves have arts backgrounds. In order to get into the creative side of our brain, I do suggest taking mini arts breaks. I like…

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Another case for audience development for the arts

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Shoshana

I am all excited today! Yesterday a past client, VOCI (Voices of Canton, Inc.), has informed me that the audience development work we did together, which they completely implemented, has increased their audiences by 71% over a year’s time! Audience development works! I have big hopes that more artists and arts organizations will make the switch to this mentality. Carol…

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