Session 6: The Strategic Plan

Two and a half months ago we set out to inform the public and promote the town through the formation of a new entity: the Schuyler Media Network. Katie and I have facilitated five sessions to this point and are now ready to turn over the strategic plan. Empowering our community with reliable, relevant and accessible information is the vision. From the beginning, the SWOT analysis set us up well and we feel the long- and short-term goals will get the town of Schuyler, Nebraska to that vision in five years.

Today is our last trip to Schuyler for our 2:30–4:00 session. It’s bittersweet for sure. Been a ton of pro-bono time and we’ve had to navigate the challenges of facilitating a group of volunteers already over-committed in their day-to-day responsibilities. But we know good things will come from their hard work. And it’s been a great pleasure to work on something like this with my extremely talented wife and her father, who is quite a force for good in the community.

I also have to say, dinner afterwards with Katie’s folks at one of Schuyler’s authentic Mexican food restaurants has been awesome. Many options, all great. Best burrito in Nebraska: the Burrito House. It’s the real deal.

How likely is it that you will take on this ridiculously urgent project?

I’m thinking about a widget for independent folks that answers that question clearly and honestly. I mean, I do like my fast and furious projects as much as the next guy, but sometimes, it’s just not possible given the current workload. This widget would take into account what’s in the queue, self-confidence level, amount of active creative juices, and how well the last urgent project went: 

• Fuck-yeah-let’s-do-it!
• It’ll cost a shit ton, but we can make it happen!
• Okay, but we gotta focus this fucker.
• Oi vey, maybe if it was for the President.
• Seriously, no fucking way.

And there you have it. Simple and easy. The answer to one of life’s most pressing questions. Will iron out the kinks and let you know when it’s ready for primetime.

Fast-Cheap-Bad, Slow-Expensive-Great

How do you want your design? In reference to the infamous venn diagram and first thing I ever put on Pinterest, it’s an honest question. One that I think cuts right to the chase. In my design practice, at it now for 12+ years, I prefer to have nothing to do with the fast, cheap, or bad. On the other hand, I’m not all that interested in slow, expensive, or great. I do really want the steady, the appropriate, and the good. I suppose I’ve never been all that into extremes. Design in the middle of everything is what I’m after. So no, I cannot get you your urgent request for awesome next week. I’m also not gonna go slow, won’t overcharge, and will deliver something that’s meaningful. You want great, go here. Glad we got that out of the way.

Saying No Still Stings

O, what might have been. O, what could have been. O, what magic could’ve been made. In retrospect, taking on a particular project I said no to would’ve probably been great, it would’ve probably given me a heart attack from the constant working. I know it was best I declined, but it does still sting. I just don’t like saying no. I want all the awesome projects with awesome people always. But that doesn’t always work out because of timing and current commitments. Comes with the territory of independence I guess. Chalk it up and move on to the next. 

Platform, Network, Users, Revenue

The momentum is picking up. Today the 5th session for the Schuyler Media Network is going to finalize the concrete steps needed to get things done. Last time we put additional definition around our vision statement and began to define short-term goals as they relate to the long-term. Katie and I kept the format loose and feel we had productive discussion all around. 

We know a web-based, multimedia platform is needed and progress was made there in session four on how to make that a reality. Now we need to know what’s needed to build a partnership network, attract users, and generate revenue. We’re really proud of all the hard work the participants have put into this and we know their efforts are going to pay off.  

How to get a (modern) website

Omaha Creative Institute hosts an eight-week seminar called Artist INC. Started in Kansas City, the program is a great resource for Omaha artists looking to focus on professional development and business training. Myself and Jake Welchert presented a crash course on how to get a modern portfolio site up and running. From domains and hosting to platforms and CSS. Some philosophical ponderings on the meaning of an online presence as well as how to think about social media. All in all, a pretty good time sharing what we know about the modern web. 

Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 7:30pm
Omaha Creative Institute, Artist INC

Actions Speak Louder

The 5th annual poster show for Nebraska Appleseed is ready to go. The posters, 10 in all, will be unveiled at The Good Apple Awards on October 22nd. The theme, probably one of my favorites, is “Actions Speak Louder.” Each poster is designed around a specific area of focus in Appleseed’s day-to-day work. Health coverage for everyone, quality jobs that pay living wages, and new immigration laws that keep families together are just a few. Excellent designs from some truly wonderful Nebraska designers, it’s sure to be quite a show.