It's 2010. Are our clients finally settling into a 'new normal'? How does each industry define trends within its new normal? What challenges are they anticipating in this new normal, and how might the design and construction industry be able to provide support in tackling those challenges? Further, … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #90: New Normal for AEC clients = New Normal for AEC industry
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Scarlett Letter #89: LinkedIn; Facebook; Twitter — Add warmth!
Mr. Who-Knows would like to connect with you on LinkedIn. Ms. Never-Seen-Before added you as a friend on Facebook. Do these email messages look familiar? Lately, I've been receiving some invitations from both LinkedIn and Facebook where not only do I have no clue who the person is, but I also get a … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #89: LinkedIn; Facebook; Twitter — Add warmth!
Scarlett Letter #88: In-house AEC controversy–positive or negative?
Design and construction firms often have some *big* personalities within. *Big* personalities could potentially encompass those who are: outspoken, bold, egotistical, always-right, impassioned ....you get the point. As well, firms in the AEC industry almost always have a few *non-descript* … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #88: In-house AEC controversy–positive or negative?
Scarlett Letter #87: Bringing AEBL to the Midwest…what are we waiting for?!
AEBL, the Association of AE Business Leaders, is an essential leadership forum on the U.S. west coast, as well as various pockets across the country. Originally called the Professional Services Management Association (PSMA), this organization has been around since 1975. Yet, Chicago is still missing … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #87: Bringing AEBL to the Midwest…what are we waiting for?!
AEC Team-Building in Tough Times
Three ingredients to make it happen. Published in Modern Steel Construction. Everyone feels the pain of layoffs. Everyone. In the earlier rounds, we rationalize by painting a silver lining: “Our firm got rid of fat, and subsequently, operational efficiencies have improved.” That version of layoffs … [Read more...] about AEC Team-Building in Tough Times
Do what you do best—build relationships and sell!
Smart ways to delegate content development. Published in PSMJ's AE Rainmaker and RainToday. Quality content. It’s the darling of our marketing programs these days. Even the most stubborn of AEC firms cannot ignore the numbers indicating that new business opportunities---or at least strong … [Read more...] about Do what you do best—build relationships and sell!
Scarlett Letter #86: In AEC business, positive attitudes go a long way
Aruba....self proclaimed as "One happy island". Last week, I had the fortunate invitation to travel to Aruba as a guest for a one-week conference. While very grateful for this opportunity, Aruba is not on my top list of destinations. Relative to specific other Caribbean islands (i.e. Dominica and … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #86: In AEC business, positive attitudes go a long way
Scarlett Letter #85: Expressing Appreciation to Design and Construction Industry
This year, I decided to send out business valentines to uniquely 'touch' my prospects, clients, and business partners. I'm pleased to report that these handwritten cards (only sent to about 1/10th of my mailing list) were well received. Hopefully, they provided a surprise diversion from what one … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #85: Expressing Appreciation to Design and Construction Industry
Scarlett Letter #84: Opportunities will be missed if they don’t hire your firm!
Recently, I attended You've Got The Look: Branding and PR forSmall Business. Sally O'Dowd, founder of Sally On Media, and Emily Lonigro, founder of design firm LimeRed Studio, discussed how small-business owners can get recognized for what they do best. Excellent in their respective crafts, these … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #84: Opportunities will be missed if they don’t hire your firm!
Scarlett Letter #83: Phone and voicemail etiquette
I respect callers that include the *nature of the call* within their voicemail. Admittedly, I should respond to every call within 24 hours. Hands down, I do this with my clients. But when I receive a message that simply says 'call me', then I'm less likely to call right back because that message … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #83: Phone and voicemail etiquette