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