MONDAY BYTES – April 18, 2011
Last week I suggested folks write out their project descriptions in 2-3 sentences. (Thanks to all who sent me theirs—great stuff!)
The real reason to write down your project description (or any goal) is that what we write shows how clear our thinking is (or isn’t). Unfocused writing reveals unfocused thinking. The follow up questions to a “fuzzy” project description can then help the writer clarify his or her thinking and bring the project into focus.
For example, I’ve had many conversations over the years with musicians wanting to know how to raise money (for a CD, an instrument, a festival, etc.). When I ask them to tell me about the project, I typically get a vague description with a lack of details, padded with ambition, fear and/or frustration.
Can writing help? Writing things down is the first step to clarifying your thinking and planning. In order to raise money for anything, you need to work through the details, mapping out the who, when, where, why, how, and how much? Follow up questions I have are typically: Do you know exactly how much money is needed? Have you done a budget? If it’s for a CD, what repertoire are you planning to record? Why? Who is the intended audience? What do you plan to do with the recording specifically? Do you have a marketing plan? A timeline?
Want some examples of project descriptions? Take a look at http://www.kickstarter.com—the social media fundraising platform. Kickstarter has plenty of project descriptions, many of which are clear, compelling, and effective. Oh, and there’s a chapter in my book, “Beyond Talent” on mapping your project, fundraising, and grantwriting, too.
Your comments and feedback are appreciated!
And anyone else who wants to send in a project description this week for some feedback, please do (FREE for first 7 participants!)
For info on working with me: details are HERE.
Dream big, Plan smart, Live well!
