Gabrielle Javier-Cerulli, of Rochester, New York writes:
“I just launched the Global Network of Expressive Arts Facilitators and need to get the word out about it and attract new members on an international scale.
“It’s a membership-based organization for facilitators, all non-therapists, who use the creative process (painting, drumming, singing, journal writing, collage-making) with their clients with the intent of self-discovery, clarity, enjoyment and healing.
“Our mission is to build community for these heart and soul-centered facilitators and also to publicize our members and what they do via listing them on the online directory, by highlighting them in the Member of Week, a BlogTalkRadio show, and opportunity to submit their articles on videos to the website.
“We have Twitter and Facebook pages and a blog. I’d love to hear other ideas of getting the word out to this global niche market. Also, how do we go about finding speaking engagements to talk about the network?”
Because these are heart and soul centered individuals, the cost factor will come into play, especially on a monthly basis. You will have to show a great deal of value for a palatable price for them to join. Also be aware that your community will change monthly. You will add and lose approximately 20% of your members on a monthly basis. Get a few champions and that will make a difference.
Thanks Gayle,
The membership is actually a yearly fee since there are products and discounts that come with membership and it wouldn’t be fair if someone got all those and ended their membership after 2 months. maybe next year, i’ll switch to the monthly plan without the products.
First thing is that just having a facebook and twitter profile is not enough. Are you creating video content? If you are, do you have your own youtube or vimeo channel?
Do you have enough members in one geographical area to run exhibitions? Do you have any “high profile” members that can act as spokepersons for you?
There are many coaches and facilitators that have teleconferences all the time. Have you approached them for the opportunity to partner or interviews?
I am looking at your website and it is very appealing. The landing page is a little intimidating, so much to look at I did not know where to go.
I wish you all the best.
I’m not sure if this would work, but what about trying to partner with a life coach association or organization? Both lines of work focus on individuals reaching for fulfillment, so perhaps working together is a viable option.
I’m wondering if contacting park districts, community centers, the YMCA, the YWCA, and other organizations would also be a good idea. Often there are arts classes (painting, dancing, writing, etc.) offered with the goal of helping people discover something new and exciting about themselves. Maybe these instructors are part of the audience you seek for members.
Good luck with your work!
Gabrielle, this is an ambitious project with a well defined niche.
My concern, like another commenter, is that your website does not identify why I would care to click through to anything.
“Find An Expressive Arts Facility Near You” only works if you have first clued me into why I would want to or need to.
The same is true for the “Join…” link – why should I bother? It’s just not enough to say “Benefit immediately.” I’m busy. I don’t have to figure this out for myself…what benefits?
It’s also not enough to identify as a “Global Network.”
First, I want you to speak to me, the one and only person looking at that home page. This is something I tell my artists all the time: there is always only one person looking at your home pg at a time.
Does that one person feel that you are connecting with them? That you care about what they care about?
What do I care about an “expressive arts facilitator.” Yikes…even the term is slightly mysterious, can’t be unpacked in a heart beat. (But not to you because you are living inside that skin.) And since you only have 3 to 9 seconds to keep someone on your website, it’s pretty important to have them saying yes to something right away…
Once you have this down, then comes the reaching out to partner with other organizations and individuals.
Ariane is right.
Walk up to 10 people and ask them, “What’s an expressive arts facilitator,” and their eyes will glaze over.
Even if this is what your industry calls them, you need to come up with a snazzier, fun title that’s memorable.
Thank you EVERYONE!!
Your advice is much appreciated.
I put a welcome blurb on the page so maybe that will explain why someone should stay and make it less “intimidating” – i worked with a designer for 4 months, we were going for artistic, welcoming, and expansive. hmmm….maybe a splash page?
As for the term “expressive art facilitator”… i know it’s a mouthful but a real title…people get degrees (like me) and certifications in it! Membership is open to anyone who uses the creative process in their work for healing, self-discovery, pure enjoyment, and getting in touch with their creative Self.
it’s such a vast field that no other unifying term seemed to work. but this is something i will continue to think about.
you guys are awesome. many thanks.