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The Artful Manager

Andrew Taylor on the business of arts & culture

Learning the tricks of the retail trade

December 10, 2010 by Andrew Taylor

I know nonprofit arts organizations are supposed to use their powers for good, rather than for misdirection and tomfoolery. But, from time to time, it’s really useful to know what motivates people to spend time, money, and attention on anything — as consumers, as donors, or as volunteers. So, a keen eye on an industry that’s designed to separate people from their money, time, and attention, can serve a public good.

Case in point, the retail industry, and their frantic efforts to attract as much money as possible from consumers before the holiday. 
Fortunately, the LA Times provides some of the tricks and tips retailers use to coax more cash out of people. How many might be applicable to your box office, your mailers, your public displays, your online offers, or your physical spaces?

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Comments

  1. Tommer Peterson says

    December 12, 2010 at 10:43 am

    Fellow Jedi knights beware, Andrew may be crossing over to the dark side.

About Andrew Taylor

Andrew Taylor is a faculty member in American University's Arts Management Program in Washington, DC. [Read More …]

ArtsManaged Field Notes

#ArtsManaged logoAndrew Taylor also publishes a weekly email newsletter, ArtsManaged Field Notes, on Arts Management practice. The most recent notes are listed below.

RSS ArtsManaged Field Notes

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The Artful Manager BookFifty provocations, inquiries, and insights on the business of arts and culture, available in
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Recent Comments

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