All businesses have a budget for professional development. This is a little chunk of money set aside so that the employees of the office can take workshops, attend conferences, seminars etc.
It's fascinating to me how little of this there is in the arts and entertainment world. We have a conference or two and maybe some seminars, but how many times do you see someone actually looking at the business side of the arts seriously? I think of when I first started Small Pond and what traps I may have avoided had there been someone to explain a profit and loss statement or someone to discuss the dangers of putting things on a credit card. Take a look at your industry today and see what types of professional development is available and most importantly, take a look at what you need from a personal professional development standpoint.
Feel free to post requests in the comments section below. What does your company need help with? What do you as an entertainment professional need help with? I look forward to your response.
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I think this is a really interesting topic. It's really no surprise that some of the most successful companies in the world are known for looking after their people and giving them many freedoms - see Google and Apple. As we move into what Stephen Covey calls this 'knowledge worker' age, away from the 'industrial worker age' I think more and more companies will need to adopt similar ways of thinking.
The creative industries have traditionally been very good at giving freedom to their people, primarily because many within these industries are actually freelance. But it's important that larger organisations take certain responsibilities for both personal and professional development to give something more than a pay cheque back to their staff, to build a more rewarding relationship.
I've known some organisations to be very committed to professional development but only in the area that individuals are working in. So if you're an administrator, they may fund a short course in how to be a better administrator for example. Sounds as if it makes sense. But if that administrator has other ambitions and desires for their wider future, why shouldn't organisations be encouraging and supporting this progress too? If it were me, I'd be falling over myself to give back to those who support me early on in life with my bigger picture.
For individuals, whether freelance or within organisations, the best way - as you suggest - is still to seek out your own training. I've had a go at all sorts - marketing courses, fundraising courses, company management courses. All good fun.
In the UK, you can look at the Theatrical Management Association website (if you are in an organisation), the Independent Theatre Council, The Society of London Theatre or Stage One, Stage Management Association for some great courses.
Posted by: Tom Atkins | January 29, 2011 at 11:50 PM