5 More reasons for Future Proofing – By Anita van Mil

Henrietta set us up nicely yesterday with our first 5 reasons for future proofing. We promised 5 more, so here you go. Our reasons are based on tried and tested approaches as well as new ways of working we all need to embrace to be effective in the 21st century.

6. Maximising benefits

Henrietta and I have long been advocates of marketing and advocacy strategies which focus on the benefits to the users and visitors of a museum, library or archive rather than the features.  Of course people need to know the opening hours and the kinds of things offered, but they are more likely to visit and become long-term users of services if they understand the benefits being offered.  What will they gain from their visit and how can we make sure this is the key message we bring across in all our communications?

7. Generating income

Of course one of the areas which needs a concerted effort in the age of austerity is income generation. The government is encouraging philanthropic giving; trusts and foundations are still operating in the cultural sector and funding is still available despite the cuts.  But the problem has always been, and is increasingly, how do very over-stretched staff operating on fewer resources take on fundraising and income generating activities which are long-lasting and sustainable?  At Future Proofing your organisation, Creating Capacity’s Action Planning and Networking event on 2 February, Nick Poole from the Collections Trust will propose solutions for capitalising on the assets of your organisation, including collections and human capital.

8. Creative thinking

Running a cultural organisation in the current climate requires a whole load of creative thinking.  In our experience many museum, library and archive professionals have heaps of ability in this area.  Running a training course for GEM Cymru recently the group came up with at least 15 excellent targeted messages for funders in as many minutes.  Future proofing your organisation is an excellent opportunity to think on your feet promoting what your organisation does best and galvanising support from peers along the way.

9. Being an asset

It’s hard to believe that anyone working in museums, libraries or archives would do it for anything other than a vocation.  We do it because we are passionate about ensuring that our cultural assets are available for everyone to access for now and the future.  But is that enough?  Can passion see us through?  Beverley Mason from medar pysden international will be guiding us through the issues in convincing our organisations that we add value as human beings and professionals.

10. Making the very best of the situation

Future Proofing your Organisation is all about making sure we make the very best of our current situation. Using the tools available to museums, libraries and archives to challenge the difficulties; face up to them with courage; and apply tried and tested techniques which nevertheless bring creativity and innovation to our users.

Why not give us your tips for future proofing your organisation. What are you doing to thrive and survive in the current crisis?