Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

Enough With The Predictions Already

Wed, Oct 10, 2021
Just a short and sweet post today to say there must be something in the air as I’ve seen a trio of classical music prediction articles over the last week. Usually, they don’t really bother me but while the field is still emerging from the pandemic and uncertainty runs rampant, now is not the time

How To Turn Your Diversity Initiative Into A PR Crisis In Three Easy Steps

Tue, Oct 10, 2021
In case you were wondering if process and diversity matter, just look at what’s been unfolding at the Art Institute of Chicago where they cut their entire 82-member docent corps go in an email on September 3, 2021. The Institute’s reason for dismissing the docents is they weren’t as diverse as they wanted. Perhaps unsurprisingly,

The Days Of Dedicated Fundraising CRMs Are Numbered

Mon, Oct 10, 2021
I’ve seen several friends and colleagues chatting about a 10/5/2021 article at thenonprofittimes.com which examines the rapidly changing environment of online development. With the subtle headline Fundraisers Wrestling With Tech As Giving Plows Forward, the article doesn’t shy away from addressing some of the biggest self-inflicted hurdles that prevent organizations from maximizing their development efforts.

End Your Week With A Little Acknowledgement And Gratitude

Fri, Oct 10, 2021
H/T to Joe Patti for bringing the #MyBreakthrough campaign to my attention. Nutshell: it’s an effort by UK based Arts Emergency to help realize how important it is to encourage and provide opportunities for emerging talent. By encouraging people to tag & tweet about the person(s) who “gave you some key advice or encouragement early

#TBT Zombie Program Activity

Thu, Oct 10, 2021
Back in 2014, I published a post about a trio of counterproductive practices that contribute to zombie program activity. You know, all those things you do for reasons no one really remembers but the organization does them anyway. As the field emerges from pandemic crisis mode, it’s an ideal time to re-evaluate what you’re doing,
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