Earlier this week, I attended a BNC networking function where fellow attendees spanned various service and product industries: architecture, engineering, construction; legal; advertising; executive recruiters; management consultants; financial advisors; technology sales; social media … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #29: Mini-mini vacation…how about a playcation?
Archives for July 2009
Turning lemons Into lemonade, Part I
Mobilizing under-utilized staff to contribute to your firm's business development solution. Published in PSMJ Rainmaker and RainToday. Of course, in theory we know that ‘every person in the firm is a marketer.’ Savvy architecture and engineering firms go the extra mile to train their people at all … [Read more...] about Turning lemons Into lemonade, Part I
Get the skinny from those who matter.
Techniques to gain industry insights and feedback. Published in Modern Steel Construction. Remember the game Telephone, where you told someone and they told someone and so forth and by the end of the line, the final version only slightly resembled the original story? This simple game illustrates a … [Read more...] about Get the skinny from those who matter.
Scarlett Letter #28: Lessons from faraway lands…
What do AEC professionals have in common with the people of the Omo River Region in Ethiopia? Ok, nothing much, really. But what we can learn from them is abundant. We hear about African tribes all the time. We watch documentaries, and some of us have had the pleasure (and even life-altering … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #28: Lessons from faraway lands…
Scarlett Letter #27–**Special post** 2009 Construction Economic Forecast
Just listened to an excellent webinar discussing the predictions for the various markets as we enter this economic 'recovery'. Content is highly specific to the built environment (AEC) industry. Click here to view the archived presentation (should be posted shortly): Description: The 2009 Market … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #27–**Special post** 2009 Construction Economic Forecast
Scarlett Letter #26: In AE firms, as a metric of success, what emphasis should firm/office profitability have on the overall assessment?
Earlier this year, I delivered a session to the SMPS Southern Regional Conference. I met a gentleman (Greg) in the audience that works for a large, multi-disciplined engineering firm (XYZ Engineering). I don’t have their exact revenue figures, but they have multiple offices across the U.S. and … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #26: In AE firms, as a metric of success, what emphasis should firm/office profitability have on the overall assessment?
Scarlett Letter #25: AEC layoffs – Determining the criteria; ways to help
Although the economy is showing signs of imminent improvements (according to some sources), I continue to hear from AEC industry folks about more downsizing at their firms. Because many of these companies have had one (or more!) round of layoffs in the past nine months, they have already eliminated … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #25: AEC layoffs – Determining the criteria; ways to help
Scarlett Letter #24: Mid Year Marketing Assessment
Are you the type of AEC firm that makes a commitment to planning (both business and marketing strategy)? If no, then this blog entry will not apply to you. If yes, then now is the time to conduct your Mid-Year Marketing Assessment against your original 2009 Strategic Marketing Plan. Subsequently, if … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #24: Mid Year Marketing Assessment
Scarlett Letter #23: Charmed, I’m sure…making a big impact from handwritten notes & hardcopy pics
In these days of easy electronic communication, where firing off an email is a breeze (but yes, it is one worthwhile way to express gratitude and connections), the handwritten note has become--at least in my mind--a treasured and memorable token. Mind you, I have always taken joy in receiving a … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #23: Charmed, I’m sure…making a big impact from handwritten notes & hardcopy pics
Scarlett Letter #22: Getting by with a little (business) help from a friend…
Yesterday, I noticed that someone had entered my website using the search string “how to ask friends for business”. Now, as a business development professional for over 19 years, you’d think that I’d have great answers to that question. But for some reason, it’s always been a bit tricky for me to … [Read more...] about Scarlett Letter #22: Getting by with a little (business) help from a friend…