Strategic planning is a passion of mine. It’s a process that gathers input, asks leaders to think bigger, to imagine what’s possible, and commit to a common path forward.
To my great delight, we were able to gather the board in person just after the Gathering of the Guilds show and start this process for PNWS.
We started by reviewing the member survey results. About 1/3 of our members responded (thank you!). Survey results included:
– 60% are interested in increasing sales of their art
– 51% want to build their reputations as artists
– 30% pay some or all of their bills with their art
This means at least some of our focus needs to be on helping members with marketing and sales efforts.
Amongst most survey respondents we also saw high or very high appreciation for:
– Meeting and socializing with sculptors
– Building a sense of community and acceptance within PNWS
– Sharing knowledge with/learning from sculptors
Armed with this information, we brainstormed PNWS strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and possible threats to the organization. It was a fun, interesting way to consider where we are as an organization at this moment in time.
We’re not finished with the planning process, but we’ve made a good start. Over the next couple of months I expect we’ll develop and publish a strategic plan – a roadmap for priorities for the next few years.
The other big finding from the survey was the number of folks who expressed an interest in volunteering to help. I’m heartened by this response, as PNWS has struggled with burnout of key volunteers. Sharing the work makes everything a bit easier.
Stay tuned for further updates as we make progress. In the meantime, MAKE YOUR ART! Share it however you can. Be brave. Know you have supportive friends here.
Until next month,
Leslie Crist
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