With all the (high quality!) content that we strive to produce to satisfy our AEC content marketing efforts, many of us find ourselves staring at the dreaded *blank page*. We fret about what to write, to share, or to comment on….all in an effort to create online engagement with future and existing … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #146: Desperately seeking inspiration (for content)!
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Scarlett Letter #145: Hard and Soft Social Media ROI. Return on Investment (and Impressions!)
In preparation for an upcoming NEOCON presentation, I recently calculated my social media ROI from 2012 YTD contracts. It was encouraging to discover that---relative to 2011---Scarlett Consulting's overall business has indeed grown from leads that originated online. This straightforward calculation … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #145: Hard and Soft Social Media ROI. Return on Investment (and Impressions!)
Scarlett Letter #144: Re-tracing the steps of how you won a client
In this current frenzy of content marketing to boost social media/online marketing engagement, AEC marketers often talk about 'crafting a story' or 'developing a narrative' to make their content more compelling. That's terrific, as it encourages our peers to present their opinions, insights, and … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #144: Re-tracing the steps of how you won a client
Scarlett Letter #143: “Yes, and” self-talk worked for me!
As seasoned professionals, we've all developed our own methods for coping with stress and negativity. This quarter, unusually high stress reared its ugly head in both professional and teaching situations. And no matter how many chill-out techniques I tried, I couldn't conquer my tension. I finally … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #143: “Yes, and” self-talk worked for me!
Scarlett Letter #142: Be specific on what your firm is NOT.
What is your firm about? What do you do? Tell us about your company. We are constantly communicating about what our firm does. It's woven within firm descriptions, networking pitches, fee proposals, introductory prospective client meetings, online profiles, ...you name it. Yet, how often are we … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #142: Be specific on what your firm is NOT.
Scarlett Letter #141: AE firms—don’t discount your price!
Architects, engineers, and interior design professionals.....why oh why do you acquiesce to clients when they ask you to 'sharpen your pencil', aka reduce your fee? Don't do it. Or, let me rephrase. If you honestly built your fee based on value (and perhaps cross-checked it with the man hours it … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #141: AE firms—don’t discount your price!
Scarlett Letter #140: Story of an exemplary networker
Recently, I was the lucky beneficiary from a generous referral source. Her approach was admirable, and I’d like to share it. She sets a great example of how I hope to be in my own business dealings. Karen, a fellow AEC marketing consultant, decided to accept a full-time, in-house position at an … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #140: Story of an exemplary networker
Does Your Presentation Team Behave Like a Team?
Use improv exercises to strengthen your team presentations. Published in PSMJ's AE Marketing Journal; RainToday; Modern Steel Construction. When your firm is making a presentation to win new business, are they behaving like a true team? Does the audience – composed of decision-makers and … [Read more...] about Does Your Presentation Team Behave Like a Team?
Scarlett Letter #139: Three tips to convert nervous anxiety into positive energy. Lessons learned from a dive!
I’m in the process of finalizing an article to answer a frequently-asked question (by both clients and students): "In business communications, how do I convert nervous anxiety into positive energy?" As I brainstormed an exhaustive list of tips and advice for that piece, I noted that controlled … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #139: Three tips to convert nervous anxiety into positive energy. Lessons learned from a dive!
AEC Job Search Tips for the New Economy
Find your confidence, then let it shine! Published in Modern Steel Construction. Many of us, especially in fragile economic times, look at the process of job searching with worry, even dread. Yet, we ultimately reach a point where we are “uber”-motivated to make a career change. Various actions can … [Read more...] about AEC Job Search Tips for the New Economy