The most successful groups that survived change over the long term have been able to constantly reposition themselves; rein inventing and staying economically focused are those who have successfully developed and launched toolkits. These groups constantly “reframe” and have active advisory councils. A toolkit is a set of resources and skill development tools to be used together for a particular purpose. The goal is to provide access to information or knowledge needed to succeed in certain areas. To “frame and reframe “is a technique to make sense of how a group or organization works effectively. This chapter explores toolkits, framing, and advisory councils.
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The tools and technologies we've developed are really the first few drops of water in the vast ocean of what all I can do- Fei-Fei Li
Is important to understand how a group or organization is organized to work at optimum performance. If not at optimum performance, the organization needs change to reach its goals and achieve success. Often this is achieved with outside expert advice. Advisory councils often can point out glaring mistakes or see opportunities that those in the daily operations are too close to the group or organization to see.
In development and launching of toolkits, industry and community experts are needed for mentoring. Mentors advise and guide. The three C’s of mentorship are consultant, counselor and cheerleader. Mentors share information about their own career paths or businesses. In addition, they provide guidance, motivation, emotional support and role modeling. Mentors often provide a rich learning experience for the mentee. To help entrepreneurs develop the skills sets to succeed the toolkits offer the basic skills but mentors provide first hand practical knowledge.
After interviewing state agencies who are, all on the forefront of developing their creative economies it became apparent that the most successful groups were all disruptive leaders who had very clear goals and strategies to be successful. They had high energy and heightened creativity. Each group had something in common. They were collaborating with other groups, and they had developed toolkits to teach the skills needed to succeed in entrepreneurial opportunities. In addition, groups all had mentors and advisory councils working hard to develop launch and teach the toolkits.