Philosophy
Our philosophy is very simple.  We will partner with you to help you to prosper.

1. Partnering With You
   Nobody will ever know your organization as well as you do. That's why we want to partner with you, truly partner with you. We do this by taking the time to get to know your organization very thoroughly before we begin to work with you.  Once we have a clear understanding of who you are and where you want to go, we will devise practical, measureable solutions to help you strengthen your organization.
   
   
2. Cost-Effective Prices
   You can't afford to spend a lot of money on consultants so our prices are very cost effective.  Our rate for consulting is just a flat fee of $50 per hour with no hidden charges.
   
   Before any work is done you'll get a written "Scope of Work" to define the project along with a cost estimate and regular updates.  Also - all of our prices include a free initial consultation.
   

Consulting Services

1. Mission / Vision
   We have a real bias about missions.  We think they need to be at the core of any strong organization.  They should inform every decision made.  The mission should guide the operational areas of your company to support your artistic vision.
   
   The process of drafting and implementing a mission statement begins by interviewing all staff, some Board Members, volunteers, and audience members about their perceptions and hopes for the organization.  A draft is shared with your organization's leaders who give their input into a second draft.
   
   Then the hard work begins - making it real.  The new mission statement is shared with everyone and they are asked to think of 3 ways that what they do can impact that mission.  A month later an all-hands meeting is held to discuss everyone's experience with the working mission and a final draft is written. 
   
   It is an exciting, dynamic process which can really galvanize everyone into a common mission and goal.
   
   
2. Staff
   The eternal dynamic for staff in performing arts organizations is the "Ensemble vs. Structure" struggle.  "We started out as a group of artists working together for a common goal, but now that we've grown, are in a larger space, and have more responsibility, our ensemble approach doesn't seem to work anymore." 
   
   We will work with you to help you put a staff structure in place that supports your organization and doesn't detract from your artistic goals, but actually gives those goals a foundation from which to grow.
   
   
3. Board of Directors
   We believe that the primary purpose of a Board is to raise money and develop resources for their organization.  Often, Board members just don't know how to do this.  We will work with your Board members and give them the training and resources they need to be an effective advocate for your organization.
   
   
4. Audience
   We will put together a comprehensive audience development plan that will help you bring in more audience members and develop them from one-time ticket buyers into ongoing members of your core audience.  We'll identify primary and secondary target audiences.  We'll find the most direct and potent media to reach those audiences.  Once they purchase a ticket, we will develop an efficient, customer-friendly mechanism that will continually entice them to become subscribers and/or donors.
   
   
5. Marketing
   We will work with you to make the most of every marketing dollar you spend.  Our formula is:  1) Target   2) Measure  3)Re-target.  We will build a marketing plan for you that is dynamic - that measures how each marketing outlet is doing and continually adjusts to what is happening to have more and more impact.
   
   
6. Public Relations
   We will put together a Public Relations Plan that will identify and target strategic media that can help to advance your mission.  We'll show you how to develop ongoing, positive relationships with media in your area that will help to get free publicity for your organization and increase public awareness about your mission.
   
   
7. World Wide Web
   We believe that web sites exist for 2 reasons:  1)  To sell tickets, and 2) to raise money.  We have reviewed the web sites of more than 10,000 arts organizations and will share with you what we have learned about building a web site that has maximum impact.  We'll also work with you to market your web site so it has high visibility and connects you with other organizations that are critical to your mission.
   
   
8. Fundraising
   We will work with our fundraising partner, Driml Development Resources, to develop a comprehensive fundraising plan for your organization designed to provide you with both short-term and long-term income.  The ultimate goal of the plan will be to put together a financial foundation for your organization from which your artistic vision can flourish.
   
   
9. Financials
   We will help you to build open, accountable financial systems that will provide you with the information you need to help you maximize your income and minimize your expenses.
   
   
10. Box Office
    We will help you design and implement a box office that is very accessible to your customers and is efficient and cost-effective. As a sales representative for a box office company, we helped install everything from web ticketing to full box office packages to more than 50 arts organizations throughout the U. S. and will use what we have learned to help you build a powerful box office.
    
    

Call us now at 847-529-8440 or send us an e-mail at  mike@ptrprosper.com to find out more.