How refreshing to see the design and construction industry show true commitment to technology! Check out Design and Construction Network's contest for the best website in our industry: 2009 Best Website Competition. Congratulations to all of the finalists! A special Chicagoland shout-out goes to … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #36: Design and construction industry gets tech savvy
Architecture
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 # 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?
Scarlett Letter #8: Part II — When your services are “Nice-to-have” versus “Gotta-have-it-or-else”….
What 'idea' person hasn't been disappointed at some point when they realized their idea was good (acknowledged as 'good' by others as well), but not 'absolutely necessary'? I once had an invention that I thought for sure was going to make me a rich woman and an early retiree! Due to the above … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #8: Part II — When your services are “Nice-to-have” versus “Gotta-have-it-or-else”….
Scarlett Letter #7: Part I — When your services are “Nice-to-have” versus “Gotta-have-it-or-else”….
Had a conversation today with the CFO of a software company (focusing on the healthcare industry). We discussed his firm’s products/service offerings. They sounded pretty cool. But, there was a But. Their offerings are “nice and helpful” but not “absolutely necessary”. Why is this? 1. Lack of … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #7: Part I — When your services are “Nice-to-have” versus “Gotta-have-it-or-else”….