As mentioned, I wanted to give you a list of ways you can reconnect with people.  Evaluate what you are doing to attempt to build an audience and the items that are not working, kick to the curb and adopt some of these approaches instead:

• Follow up with ticket buyers before the show and offer them an email that provides helpful information.
• Follow up after the event to thank them for attending, to get feedback, and to invite them to the next event.
• Call your subscribers during your season (not just when you want their money).  You can call a few at a time over the course of the season so it doesn’t become too overwhelming.  Have conversations with your subscribers (or members).
• Do the same with your donors.  Quick five – ten minute conversations show you care to listen to what they want to tell you.
• Have coffee with people again!
• Schedule “after the season” parties to invite people to give you town hall style feedback.  You also will have the opportunity to give them advanced information about the next season.
• Artists – contact your purchasers after a sale to thank them and see how they are enjoying their art. Have a real conversation with them.
• Schedule a few outreach events in your community so you have a chance to talk with people that will stop by your booth.  Many will be people that are interested, but they are not attending yet.  This is your opportunity to talk with people that are not attending.
• Connect with community leaders and collaborate on projects that will benefit your community.
• Kick format letters to the curb or at least add personalized notes.  Ask authentically again for support instead of generating computer cloned asks.
• Form relationships with people in the media.  Send out individual press releases with a thoughtful email to the main folks!
• Have extra, trained volunteers at the events to make sure there is someone available to answer questions.
• Wear an eye catching button that represents your art/organization to help start conversations wherever you go.
• Volunteer in your community.
• Join meetups and other groups.
• Throw house parties.
• Choose intimate venues where you can talk to audience members.
• Get to know your volunteers well.
• Form an audience committee for audience members to give you feedback on your marketing, programming, etc.
• Have conversations on social media.
• Give your audiences the opportunities to connect with your artists!
• Your idea here!

So get out there and meet people, talk with people, do things with people, share with people, be with people again.  I said in my main post how connections are the backbone of a healthy arts business. Connections are made up of people.  People provide the energy of a healthy arts business.  Connect well, connect wisely, and connect fully with people, and you will see the benefits!

Cheers to happy and loyal audiences,
Shoshana

Shoshana Fanizza
Chief Audience Builder