FAQs
Some of us believe we need to do a history. Others see it as nice, but not necessary. What's the value?
Documenting history is a little like having children. If you did it strictly for the bottom line, you'd be doing it for the wrong reason. Nonetheless, company histories do provide tangible value. Use them to:
- Preserve and expand knowledge
- Reinforce core values
- Set yourself apart from competitors
- Motivate employees
- Foster loyalty
- Identify your company as a good corporate citizen
- Brag a little
- Celebrate a company anniversary
- Honor retiring executives or board members
Probably most important, a good history leaves a record of how you succeeded and what mattered to you — a record that may not exist otherwise.
How do we get started?
Discuss the project. Think through why you want to do a history, when you need it, and who your audiences will be. This will help determine format and scope.
A good first step may be to add a special history section to your Web site, or to enhance what's already there. It might include a brief overview, some photos, perhaps a timeline. This helps organize your material and gets the history juices flowing.
What's the best time to do a history?
To get the most mileage from a written or visual history, most companies link them to a major anniversary or a change in leadership. A history can also help launch a corporate citizenship initiative, fund-raising drive, new product rollout, or a financial turnaround.
But don't leash yourself to a particular event. For some businesses, especially those with aging founders, time may be of the essence.
Does it have to be a book?
The printed word still says "history" better than any other medium. Whether you need a full-fledged book or more of an illustrated booklet will depend on your scope, budget, and ambition. Media works best when created and viewed in the context of an event.
Both books and videos or DVDs can serve as centerpieces of a public relations and advertising campaign. Other possibilities include historical trade exhibits and lobby displays.
Will a traditional business book publisher be interested in our story?
Possibly. But if you pursue a standard publishing path, you will have no control over whether a trade publisher wants your history or when it will be published. Generally it makes the most sense for businesses to commission a privately printed work.
Where does the writer begin?
First the client and publisher decide on the project's direction and core messages. Then research begins. While each organization's source materials are different, they usually break down into these categories:
- Oral: videos, audios of speeches, newly done interviews with people whose histories are interwined with that of the company.
- Written: archival material, previous histories, annual reports, company newsletters, past promotional campaigns, executive speeches — plus the ubiquitous "stuff" waiting to be unearthed in boxes and files that no one has touched in years.
- Visual: photos, ads, memorabilia
Your project may also call for research at historical societies, libraries, and trade organizations. Family businesses may want to add a genealogical aspect.
I'm in a family business. Any special considerations for us?
Yes. Please read Marian Calabro's article, "Profiting from the Past: Company Histories for Family Businesses," on FamilyBusinessStrategies.com.
How long does the process take?
If history could be organized and produced overnight, it wouldn't be history. But if you plan well at the start, the project usually moves along smoothly and faster than you may think. There are only two rules:
- working well in advance of your desired end date will save time and money; and
- arriving at an approved outline, then sticking to it, will likewise expedite the process.
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