I second Dawn's observations. As a consultant I am FAR more likely to respond to an RFP sent to be directly or forwarded by a friend, particularly one who knows the museum or the people who work there. Consultants tend to keep track of colleagues who do other work, so I would ask any independent workers you know for names or to send your RFP around - folks who development, collections, etc. may also know planners. For planning, I think it's an asset to understand the community or region, so if your colleagues were happy with their planner, no reason not to consider them!
It is not uncommon for boards to want to look for planners who will bring fresh thinking to the process and go beyond people who concentrate on museums or arts and culture. That's often a good idea, particularly if your most critical issues are not museum-specific. So while you network among us, you might also ask other nonprofit leaders or service organizations near you.
Laura
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Laura Roberts
Principal
Roberts Consulting
Cambridge MA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-09-2019 11:58 AM
From: Dawn Salerno
Subject: Where to post an RFP for Strategic Planning
I did this a few years back and I recall using all the association forums that I was part of - I'm in New England so I used their discussion list; Museum-Ed has a list serve. We needed people in our region, so I focused more locally than nationally. I mailed it to some colleagues as well. Other professionals saw my post and rather than the actual consultant calling us direct, I had colleagues recommending people or passing along the RFP. Is there any reason you couldn't send it direct to some consultants?
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Dawn Salerno
Executive Director
Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum
New Bedford MA
Original Message:
Sent: 08-08-2019 01:04 PM
From: Keni Sturgeon
Subject: Where to post an RFP for Strategic Planning
Hi all,
We are finalizing an RFP for a consultant/consulting firm to lead our strategic planning process. In addition to this group, I've love some suggestions for where to post the RFP once it's approved.
Thanks,
Keni
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Keni Sturgeon
Executive Director
Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center
Wenatchee WA
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