Often, I get inquiries from AEC industry prospects seeking consulting around internet marketing: social media; search engine optimization; website design and development; graphic design and branding; etc. While Scarlett Consulting does not provide those specific services, I know of firms that do. … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #151: Don’t forget to thank your referral sources!
AEC
Scarlett Letter #150: “I get the message. This is the last time I’ll reach out to you.”
Does this scenario sound familiar? You target a prospect. You connect with that prospect, and you take special care to execute all the 'right' steps to build a relationship. You develop what you feel is a robust, trusting rapport. You may even prepare a fee proposal, or feel that a request for … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #150: “I get the message. This is the last time I’ll reach out to you.”
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
Scarlett Letter #21: Surrounding yourself by people that inspire you?
Over the holiday weekend, I had a chance to spend time with a fairly new group of friends. In this case, I was the 'outsider'. They had all traveled together previously and had built solid friendships. I knew very little about any of them, so it was cool that they included me in their Michigan … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #21: Surrounding yourself by people that inspire you?
Scarlett Letter #19: Take a chance on a face…
I've never been good with names OR faces. Lately, I've had to reckon with this deficiency more than ever, as I've placed myself in many professional networking scenarios that are outside of my typical AEC-industry circle. For example, as I expand my own understanding and comfort with social media, … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #19: Take a chance on a face…
Scarlett Letter #18: ‘It causes me to consider multiple options,’ says she.
Last week, in the middle of volunteering for a St. Jude's benefit, we had some downtime during the event. I sat there, smack in the middle of two other women, both of whom started playing with their handhelds (iphone and blackberry, respectively). They struck up a conversation about Sudoku, the … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #18: ‘It causes me to consider multiple options,’ says she.
Scarlett Letter # 16 Part II – AEC team building in tough times: It starts at the top….
Hopefully, you’ve given serious consideration to the ‘what if’s’ team building suggestion that I mentioned in Part I. Yet, here’s a question: who facilitates those ‘what if’ dialogues? Listen, if you are a leader, then you need to be involved with these team building efforts—either as the primary … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter # 16 Part II – AEC team building in tough times: It starts at the top….
Scarlett Letter #13: Keep your good ideas from slipping away…
“When you want to get something done, write it down.” How often have we heard this piece of advice, or something similar? Recently, I’ve been getting more eyebrow raises and questioning looks from those who see me whip out my tiny notebook (in public) and start writing something down. I could be … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #13: Keep your good ideas from slipping away…
Scarlett Letter #10: Part II — In business, when does one become irrelevant?
Are you being honest about your professional relevancy level? Ask yourself these questions to gauge your situation: 1. Do people say to you often : "Great idea! Let’s roll with it?" Or, "We’d really like your insight/input on this?" 2. Or, are people saying: "You don't need to waste your time … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #10: Part II — In business, when does one become irrelevant?
Scarlett Letter #9: Part I — In business, when does one become irrelevant?
Last week, I gave a presentation to the ALA (Association of Licensed Architects) entitled “Beyond the Magic Bullet; Small Firm Marketing/BD Strategies to Tackle the Down Economy”. At one point, I posed this notion: ‘grey haired’ seasoned professionals are viewed as the lowest risk by most buyers of … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #9: Part I — In business, when does one become irrelevant?