One of my favorite quotes is by Willie Pieterson, former CEO of Tropicana. Willie says, "You can't cure a value problem through cost reductions." Amen! This cost cutting scenario is rampant among arts and cultural organizations and educational institutions - especially public education. In most cases, we've cut expenses so deeply, there really is no where else to cut. I constantly wonder why arts and cultural organizations and public school districts don't do more to engage people - all the time, not just when we want them to buy a ticket or pass a levy to raise their property taxes. The most common excuses I hear for not engaging the community is lack of time and money. I believe that consistent, authentic dialogue will result in fans who will engage with your organization, tell their friends about the great work you do, and support you with their money. Are you identifying the value you provide that changes people's lives and ways to leverage it? Or, are you focused on finding the next line item to cut?

Aug 23, 2019

When Marketing Isn't Enough

All of our marketing efforts can be blown up in a second if we encounter a grumpy usher or an uninformed ticket seller, if we can’t easily find parking, or if we aren’t thanked for our gift. The list of experience faux pas could go on and on. We’ve all had them with other products and services we purchase.

Jul 15, 2019

Engaging Millennials

Millennials are tech-savvy, and tend to be extremely passionate about issues nonprofits work on. Some of these promising young people will be the next nonprofit leaders and recipients of nonprofit services.

Jun 20, 2019

Are You Delighting Your Audiences?

As I’ve written before, engagement is NOT about us and our organizations – it’s about our audiences. In what ways are we delighting them, and exceeding their expectations once they buy a ticket or make a contribution? Do we even know what their expectations are?