On Thanksgiving 2009, it seems fitting to list just a few reasons (of many) that I am thankful to belong within the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) industry.... Not in any particular order, I'm thankful to work in the AEC profession because I'm: -Working with smart, well-educated … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #63: Giving thanks for working in the AEC profession…
Blog
Scarlett Letter #62: Wacky creatures of habit…helpful or harmful?
To date, I have taught about a dozen semesters worth of college level courses. Strangely, I have been both fascinated and baffled by the fact that my students seem to sit in the same seat or at least same general vicinity during every single class. The very first day of class, seating is completely … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #62: Wacky creatures of habit…helpful or harmful?
Scarlett Letter #61: Is your work a mystery? Or, do people clearly understand what you DO?
It's easy to assume that people really know what we do. Trust me, they probably do not. This includes internal colleagues, especially those at the C-level (even if you, too, are senior)! In your work environment, even if a professional colleague has watched you in action, they may not really know: … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #61: Is your work a mystery? Or, do people clearly understand what you DO?
Scarlett Letter #60: Organizational involvement—What “grade” do you deserve?
There are three general buckets of organizations to which you can get involved: Professional: Organizations where you gain continuing education, plus the opportunity to network with peer groups and potential business partners. In the AEC industry, these organizations are plentiful, including AIA, … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #60: Organizational involvement—What “grade” do you deserve?
Scarlett Letter #59: Are you satisfied with your online reputation?
When is the last time you did a vanity search to monitor your online reputation? {In short, vanity search means you search for your own name (or as more of a stretch, your company name) on the internet to see what pops up, and in what order.} (Online) reputation management has become a true-blue … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #59: Are you satisfied with your online reputation?
Give ‘em something to talk about
Identifying value propositions so they will listen, and buy! Published in PSMJ's AE Rainmaker. In any economic climate, it’s important to offer value propositions that will both intrigue---and ‘stick’ within the minds of---your prospective clients. But in an economy where more competitors are … [Read more...] about Give ‘em something to talk about
Demystifying social media, Part 2
The intent is simple: give value, get visibility. Published in Modern Steel Construction. Part one of this article addressed the question of what social media is, and what makes sense for the AEC professional. Part two covers making wise decisions on how and where to become active within the social … [Read more...] about Demystifying social media, Part 2
Scarlett Letter #58: Help your network to help you! Request precise, simple steps.
In this tough economy, our professional acquaintances sincerely want to help one another---more than ever! Whether your business is struggling for new business, or you are now unemployed, your professional friends (and personal friends too) really do want to help. Simultaneously, those same … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #58: Help your network to help you! Request precise, simple steps.
Scarlett Letter #57: The harder you try, the more I’m willing to give…
This statement is true, whether it's with clients, business networking colleagues, students, or even personal friends. Self-recognition of this attitude became evident earlier this week while I was teaching at Columbia College. Throughout the course of the semester, I ask the students track their … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #57: The harder you try, the more I’m willing to give…
Scarlett Letter #56: When your firm has something ‘new’ and different…
We are well into Q4 2009. Now is the time that most of you are (or should be!) developing your strategic plans for 2010. No doubt you are taking a hard look at your business to determine what you can do to be better, brighter, faster, more profitable. Let's face it. It's exciting when your firm … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #56: When your firm has something ‘new’ and different…