I want to give you my art

For the last week or so I've been reading Seth Godin's latest (and, in my opinion, his best) book, Linchpin. I'll have to say, it's definitely made an impression on me. In the book Seth talks a lot about pursuing your art. And the crazy thing about art is...once you attach a price to it, it's really not art anymore. It's work for hire. Not that artists shouldn't be paid for their art--they absolutely should. But it's all in the spirit in which the art is created and given. Are you doing it to get paid or are you doing it because it's burning within you and you have no choice but to get it out and give it to others? (Okay, I'll admit I've also been influenced by another book I've been reading lately, My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok)

So I've been thinking a lot about this and asking myself this question, "What is my art?" Art is that thing...that thumbprint of God that lives inside all of us. It's the thing we were born for. It's that "flavor" we bring to any group or situation we happen to step into.

So with that in mind, I've come to this conclusion...God has taken me on a pretty incredible life-journey so far, and along the way He has allowed me to develop a very unique set of skills. My background in the non-profit community (20 years at a Christian camp) combined with my experience in marketing and my gift as a writer means I have some skills I could be using to help someone...maybe you and your organization?

Here's what I'd like to do. I want to get serious about giving my art away. I want to put it out there...I want to make it known that I'm available to help...at no charge.

Between now and March 1, I would like to offer myself to you and your organization by offering a 2-hour consultation at no charge. I'd love to sit with you and/or your team in an idea generation/problem-solving session. I can bring a fresh perspective to the things that maybe you and your staff have been struggling with for months.

Do you need to take a fresh look at your website? Maybe the copy needs to be evaluated with an eye to be more relevant and effective? Are you using the right photos on the site or in your brochure? I can help you determine that. 

Maybe you need an online social networking strategy in order to take advantage of some great free opportunities out there. Or maybe you're feeling like you need or want to start a blog and just don't know how or, more importantly, why. How about a spring strategy to fill camper beds for the coming season? I can help...and you won't pay a thing for a couple of hours of my time.

So if your beds are full for the summer or your organization is doing great with the latest direct mail effort or your website is just the way you like it and you're getting great results--this post isn't for you. You're doing fine.

But if you need some help (or know of an organization that does) let me know. You'll find the link to my email address on the left margin of this page under my pic. But hurry, the offer is only until March 1. I've got some art burning inside and I need to get it out and give it away.

Comments

[john]

Michael, What a great way to express your art for free. We often cringe at offering our art for free because there is a possibility that others will take advantage of us. But if we have nothing to hold back then nothing can be taken. We stand in a position to pour ourselves out with the assurance that a gift given never returns without gain to the heart of the giver. I hope your offer is met with many new revelations on the recipients part. Very cool

[Chris King]

ok- lets do it.
chris

[Michael]

Chris,
I'd love to. Email me at mstaires@gmail.com and let's set something up.