Taking the Team Seriously

David wants to know if Blair thinks it's harder for creative firms to find great prospective clients, or great employees, as they unpack how to attract the right candidates using a “lead generation” plan.

Ideas for “Lead Generation” of candidates:

• Social media presence
• Guest teach a single class at a known school that typically turns out a best student every semester
• Offer your facility as a meeting place for trade/association meetings
• Put a rotating art gallery with an open house when the display rotates
• Quarterly webinar for prospective employees on topics they would be fascinated with, including guests (or even a podcast)
• Skill-building workshops open to the community, bringing in expert teachers
• Build a model that depends on a steady rotation of contractors to test them out
• Keep a great relationship w/ employees who leave you—they are frequently your best people when they return after an interim education somewhere else