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?
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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”….
Scarlett Letter #6: Stellar Client Service–It doesn’t get better than this!
If your firm is cognizant (and respectful of) your clients' perspectives and testimonials, then you likely conduct frequent Client Perception Surveys to ensure your clients recognize the value in your services. Architects, engineers, planners, designers, building contractors, and real estate … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #6: Stellar Client Service–It doesn’t get better than this!
Scarlett Letter #5: Surefire way to hold yourself accountable
If you want to accomplish a big goal, tell people --lots of people-- your plans. Yea, sure, you could just write it down on a private master list (I do that, too). But if you don't show that list to anyone, so are you really completing everything you want? I have two plans to share with my … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #5: Surefire way to hold yourself accountable
Scarlett Letter #4: When networking…Generosity takes hold…watch how the impact sticks!
Six weeks ago, I dragged myself to a networking function. As an introvert, I wasn't really up for going, but I knew it was important to do so - this one was on Green/Sustainable Design, and I knew it would be highly attended by prospects, networking opportunities, and colleagues alike. Sure … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #4: When networking…Generosity takes hold…watch how the impact sticks!
Scarlett Letter #3: Exploring acceptable (?!) pricing strategies when competing for low bid…
Mark Buckshon writes the Construction Marketing Ideas blog. Recently, he published: Seven Ideas for Construction Marketing Success. His second idea took me by surprise, and yet, I am guessing that he's seen it work again and again, so it must make some sense. Here it is: 2. Great marketing gives … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #3: Exploring acceptable (?!) pricing strategies when competing for low bid…
Scarlett Letter #2: “Business appropriate” equivolent to tourette’s syndrome
In business, what can provide the same sort of ‘release’ as tourette’s syndrome? I took the bus downtown today. I had a meeting at 1pm, and allowed plenty of time for normal Chicago public transportation delays. The obstacles our ride experienced went far beyond ‘normal’: multiple construction … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #2: “Business appropriate” equivolent to tourette’s syndrome
Scarlett Letter #1: Announcing Launch of Scarlett Letter Blog
The Scarlett Letter will be issued bi-weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays. Expect red hot anecdotes, insights, challenging questions to ponder, and reliable intelligence regarding the architecture/engineering/construction industry. … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #1: Announcing Launch of Scarlett Letter Blog