Books Informing our Practice Part III
The recommendations we’re sharing today have been selected with those in mind who are currently concerned with the development of their creative business, marketing issues, growth models and public funding for their projects.
The first, “How to Win Work”, is already a classic and, although written from an architectural perspective, is easily applicable to other creative sectors that have to work with both private clients and through competitions.
The second, Do Scale, serves as a slight counterpoint to Paul Jarvis’s “Company of One”, which we recommended in our previous post. However, like everything from “The Do Book Co”, it offers an ethical and sustainable perspective on growth, showing different paths to follow.
Finally, the new book by our friend Francisco Cipriano, which we have been recommending on our social media for a few weeks now, is an essential guide for anyone running a creative business or cultural organisation and seeking European funding for their projects.
How to Win Work - The architect's guide to business development and marketing - Jan Knikker, RIBA Publishing
“By directly confronting the burning question 'How do you win work?', this new edition of Jan Knikker's bestselling book addresses the key purpose of architects investing time and effort in public relations and marketing.
Written by one of the most influential and perceptive voices in business development, Jan Knikker, Partner for Strategy and Development at MVRDV draws on over 20 years' experience at the forefront of global practice at MVRDV and OMA, shaping their public images and business strategies. Bridging the distance between architects and marketing, he provides practical tips and best practice guidance, ranging from strategic business plans to the nuts and bolts of writing press releases and fee proposals.
Successful PR has to be more than skin deep. It needs to rest on strong and stable foundations. Knikker emphasises the importance of nurturing a creative and innovative practice culture, which also invests in core values, such as being a good employer and professional ethics. The result of extensive research, Knikker draws on fresh insights and approaches from a wide range of architects in the UK and internationally.”
Do Scale - A road map to growing a remarkable company - Les McKeown - The Do Book Co
“Scaling up is something most founders aspire to, especially once the tricky start-up phase has been navigated. It can increase your reach and futureproof your business. But how do you ‘scale’? And how does it differ from ‘flipping’ for a quick profit or slower organic growth?
Les McKeown advises industry leaders on how to achieve scalable, sustainable growth. In Do Scale, he draws from his decades of experience to provide a clear understanding of what’s involved, and the strategies needed to take your business to the next level.”
Financiamento Europeu para os Setores Culturais e Criativos: Guia para uma Candidatura de Sucesso - Francisco Cipriano - Caleidoscópio
“This guide provides a clear and practical overview of the main support programmes at European and national level, distinguishing between programmes under the principle of subsidiarity — such as Portugal 2030 and the Recovery and Resilience Plan — and programmes managed directly by the European Commission, notably Creative Europe, Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe.
In addition to presenting the characteristics and target audiences of each funding instrument, the book offers practical recommendations to increase the chances of success when submitting applications. Drawing on the author’s experience and enriched with examples of projects supported in Portugal and across Europe, this publication is an indispensable resource for artists, associations, businesses, and cultural and creative practitioners seeking to bring projects to fruition and broaden their horizons.”
