Business of Architecture Podcast

How to win more of the RIGHT architecture projects: the ArchitectCEO Daily Update. I live in California's Great Central Valley – a huge agricultural region that runs the entire length of California. The farmers around here produce billions of dollars of produce every year. As I was driving around recently, I looked over the endless orchards and thought about the difference between farming and hunting as it relates to business development for architects. A farmer prepares the ground, plants the seed and gives that seed what it needs to grow and produce fruit. After a time, the farmer harvests the produce of that effort. The hunter on the other hand has a tougher job. The hunter travels to a location where the target game is found and must find the prey. Waiting for word-of-mouth is like farming. After doing good work over time, past clients refer you. This process is slow but steady, and these referrals usually turn out to be good clients. However, there are scenarios where simply waiting for word-of-mouth (farming) doesn't work. Farming takes time. If you're getting hungry right now, it's time to hunt. To discover how to do hunting that actually works, attend my next free online architect Masterclass: http://architectresources.org/bshd7ya Carpe diem Enoch Bartlett Sears

Hello Architect Nation! This morning, as usual, I went to the Crossfit gym where I work out with my wife and 6 - 7 other people. Our coach was explaining today's workout, when suddenly he was interrupted by the deafening noise of the gas-powered blower the yard maintenance guy was using outside. The Crossfit gym where I exercise is housed in a metal building. Both of the rolling doors were up to let in the cool morning air. Coach Devin crossed his arms with a smile, "Guess I'll have to wait until yard guy is done." Eventually the noise from the blower died down as the yard guy walked away. Coach Devin continued to explain the workout and I had a successful session sweating, grunting and in general torturing myself. This experience with the noisy yard blower got me thinking - how often are we interrupted by figurative yard blowers throughout our day? An unexpected phone call or an email sends me on a wild goose chase of being reactionary instead of pro-active. What I'd have you consider today is this - where in your firm are you being distracted by the noisy blowers instead of focusing on the strategic moves that will put your firm on a solid and successful foundation for the future? Where do you need to shut down the outside noise and focus on what matters? Have you identified what matters? The number one thing you can do to help your architecture firm in the future is to build a solid foundation now. The DREAM Practice Accelerator is a program for architecture firm owners who want to build their dream firm - a firm that is in-demand and highly sought after because of the great work that you do. To discover how to create your bullet-proof firm, click here and register for my next 60-minute DREAM Practice training. Carpe diem. Enoch Bartlett Sears

Have you ever done something you regret? Of course not, right? I did - just two days ago when I blew up at my wife for doing me a needed favor. As I stood there, looking at my wife with tears in her eyes, I felt horrible for being such a royal jerk to the most wonderful lady in my life, my beautiful queen. I learned an important lesson that day. Hear the whole story in today's ArchitectCEO daily update: You Made Your Bed - Now Sleep In It.

Today I welcome Kevin Collins to the show. Kevin Collins is the Underwriting Manager for the Professional Liability program at Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, one of the largest providers of professional liability insurance for architects and engineers. We discuss the top 5 things you should consider when getting professional liability insurance. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

The Theory of Constraints is a management theory developed by Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt. He discusses it in his popular book, The Goal. The theory states that every system's output will be limited by it's weakest link. For instance, if you're doing an exercise - say squats, the amount you can lift will be limited by the muscle that gives out first when trying to lift the weight. In a building structural system, the integrity of the building is limited by the element that fails first. In a business system, if you can identify the constraint, you can work to pro-actively fix it, improving the efficiency and output of the entire system. This theory simplifies the improvement of your business - just find the weakest link, improve it, iterate, then find the next weakest link. Recently on a trip to the beach I had an experience that reminded me of the theory of constraints. My brother-in-law brought a fabric cooler he had gotten at Costco. The lid of the cooler is sealed shut with a zipper. The zipper broke, and now the entire cooler is useless. The cooler fell prey to the Theory of Constraints. If the manufacturer had designed a sturdier zipper, the cooler would have lasted longer - and another part would have failed first. What I'd have you consider today is what is the constraint in your business that is holding you back from getting the outcome you want? Identify this constraint and fix it. If you don't know how to fix it, consult with someone who does. If you want help fixing the constraints in your architecture firm, apply for the DREAM Practice Accelerator. Go to https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/reviews to find out more.

What is holding you back? You're working hard to get specific results, but there are so many obstacles in your way. The ArchitectCEO Update: What if I told you that the only thing that is holding you back is you?!? It isn't what's on the outside – your employees, your spouse, your education or lack thereof – You're the one that is responsible for your results in your life. You're the one that is holding you back. This can be a hard pill to swallow, but it's also empowering because you have 100% of the power needed to change your situation and the life you're living. To learn more about how to create your DREAM Architecture practice, go to http://architectresources.org/9mjd7s

This morning as I was doing my daily workout, I looked up and saw a little sparrow chasing a crow. This brought to mind the parable of the crows vs the eagle. Listen and let me know what you think. Enoch

On this episode, you'll discover the parable of "Red on Right on Return" and discover one simple way to differentiate your architecture firm.

This morning as I pulled into my neighborhood, I saw a stack of white papers littering the side of the road. They had begun to blow down the street creating a huge eye-sore. As I drove past I wondered, "who will clean up those papers?" My initial reaction was to leave them for someone else to clean up. Then I realized that no one else would clean them up. They would likely sit there for days littering the street and blowing into adjacent yards if someone didn't collect them up. I realized that if they bothered me, it was up to me to clean them up. So I turned my car around, parked on the side of the street and collected the stack of papers and all the strays. This experience is similar to all areas of life, including business. I have figurative 'papers' littering my life, my business, my relationships and my health. These are the things that are keeping me from getting the result I want in life. Instead of recognizing them and cleaning them up, I continue to let them blow around in the wind. For example, in my business one team member has the duty to fill out a spreadsheet at the end of the day. The reason for doing this is so that I can see where the business is headed and make corrections if necessary. Well, yesterday afternoon I noticed that the spreadsheet hadn't been filled out. I had an internal conflict. Should I point this out to this team member and risk making this person feel annoyed or defensive? Or should I just let it go? Then I realized that if I ignore the small but important things, big things follow. New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani cleaned up Manhattan by cracking down on small offenses like littering and jay-walking. Because of his attention to the small things, New York City saw a steep decline in both violent crimes and quality-of-life crimes. Attention to the small stuff created a new culture in New York City. The same principle applies in your business. What culture are you creating by either ignoring or not ignoring the small stuff – both for yourself and your staff? The question I'd have you consider today is this: Where across the domains of body, being, balance and business do you have figurative 'papers' blowing around that need to be cleaned up? Where are you driving by and letting them litter your neighborhood without taking action? Write that thing down and make a decision, do you want this part of your neighborhood littered or clean? Then take the steps to make it happen. If you know you have a lot of papers blowing around and you want a shortcut to cleaning them up and building the firm of your dreams, you may be a fit for my DREAM Practice Accelerator. Go here to find out more and discover if the DREAM Practice Accelerator is for you. Carpe diem. Enoch Bartlett Sears

How you do one thing is how you do everything. The bad (and good) habits that we have repeat through all areas of life. This is a concept that one of my business mentors taught me years ago. Recently I took a hard look at my life and what I'm doing and I noticed this pattern showing up. First let me share an incident that reminded me of this recently, and then I'll share how I saw this pop up in my own life. Two weeks ago I was attending a business seminar. One guy out of our group was continually late to the sessions. When he finally arrived, he sat off to the side at the front of the room. After repeatedly seeing this guy walk in late, the man running the seminar confronted him. "You came to this seminar to learn how to improve your business. But you're showing up late. You're not engaging in the exercises and you're not even taking notes. Do you care about your f**ing business or not? The message I'm getting is that you don't care … you aren't ALL IN." "How you do ONE THING is how you do EVERYTHING. My guess is that this habit shows up in other areas of your business and life. And this is one major reason why you aren't getting the results that you want." Boom. I felt bad for the guy that was on the receiving end of this fire – he was stone-faced and silent, but he knew what the trainer was saying was true. How I Saw This In My Life Yesterday was Sunday, and I was at church with my family. One of my church responsibilities is to find someone to give an opening prayer and someone to give a closing prayer for the church service. I was sitting up on the stand waiting for the service to start with about one minute left. Suddenly, the Bishop (leader of the congregation) leans over to me and asks me if I had asked anyone to offer the prayers. Doh! I hadn't. It was all I could do to keep from letting loose an expletive there in front of the congregation – that would have been a meeting to remember! Feeling a temporary burst of embarrassment, I quickly stepped down from the stand and found two unwitting, but willing, victims in the congregation and asked them to give the prayers. Fortunately, they obliged. So what lesson did I learn from this? How you do one thing is how you do everything. I've always told myself that I'm not a 'details' guy. This is the story I tell myself about who I am. I realize that lack of attention to the details is a repeated pattern for me (no surprise here). But my attitude changed when I considered how this habit is showing up in other areas of my life. Fortunately, I can change. So this moment of recognition allows me to take some actions and change my ways. If I can achieve what I've achieved without attention to the details, imagine what I can do when I become the person who handles not only the big picture, but the attention to details! This is how I like to think about things. What I'd have you consider today is this: Where in your business or your life do you have a pattern of doing something that is sabotaging the results you want to get? Perhaps you aren't even aware of this thing. Write that thing down in your journal and ask yourself the question, how is this pattern showing up in other areas of my life? What can I do to change it? That's all for today. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Carpe diem. Enoch Bartlett Sears

"The way we build is stupid," proclaims sustainable evangelist and architect Eric Corey Freed. In this episode of the Business of Architecture Show, you'll discover how some companies are innovating how buildings are built and what's possible in the future. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

This morning I did a morning jaunt around my neighborhood. As I was walking, I saw a man coming toward me walking two dogs. The dogs were pulling at the leash, trying to sniff everything. You may have experienced this before. They pulled toward the sidewalk, trying to smell the bushes. When I walked past, they pulled toward me, trying to get a sniff. As I was watching this, I had the thought, "Is the man walking the dogs, or are the dogs walking the man?" If the dogs are walking the man, the man has little to no control over the journey or where he ends up. He's reacting to circumstances. He might end up all the way across town where he doesn't want to be. Or he may end up in the park running after squirrels. 😄 What I'd have you consider today is this: where in your business, your relationships, your health and fitness or your faith are the dogs walking you? Where are you reacting to circumstances in your life instead of creating the circumstances that you want which lead you to where you want to go? As you've read this parable, something may have come to mind. Write it down, and figure out what you can do to be intentional so you don't end up across town or in the park chasing squirrels ... Carpe diem.

This morning my 7-year old daughter showed me a drawing that she did of a 'remote control doll.' Apparently this is what 7-year-old girls like to think about. On one side of the page she drew a picture of the remote, complete with a viewing screen, speaker and microphone so she could talk through the doll. On the reverse side of the page, she had a picture of the back of the doll with an outlet in her head (for charging my daughter told me). Drawing of the 'rumote cuncurll' Drawing of the doll. Notice the power outlet in the back of the doll's head for charging. You'll notice that she's misspelled a lot of the words. 'Rumote' instead of 'remote.' 'Toc' instead of 'talk.' 'Cis' instead of 'kiss.' At first I was troubled that my daughter who is 7 years old doesn't know how to spell simple words like 'kiss' and 'talk.' Then I remembered that she's only 7 years old, and the way that she's going to learn to spell more words is by actually trying! Interesting – the way we grow and progress is by actually doing stuff – even if we get it wrong! Seth Godin writes about this concept and calls it 'shipping' (refering to 'shipping the product). Here's an excerpt from a post that Seth Godin wrote talking about this: Shipping is fraught with risk and danger. Every time you raise your hand, send an email, launch a product or make a suggestion, you're exposing yourself to criticism. Not just criticism, but the negative consequences that come with wasting money, annoying someone in power or making a fool of yourself. It's no wonder we're afraid to ship. It's not clear you have much choice, though. A life spent curled in a ball, hiding in the corner might seem less risky, but in fact it's certain to lead to ennui and eventually failure. – Seth Godin Where in your life or business are you holding back because you're afraid to ship something and get it out to the world? Where in life or business are you figuratively curled up in a ball trying to avoid risk, but putting yourself on the path to failure? Where in life do you have an idea, a project or a product that you need to ship? Let's get after it today. Enoch Bartlett Sears

Yesterday I took my kids to their swim meet. It was cool outside with a nice breeze blowing. I stood in the stands so I could watch my kids swim and record their times. In my down time, I was scrolling through Instagram and I came across a post by one of my business mentors who recommended 3 books, The Ultimate Blueprint for an Insanely Successful Business by Keith Cunningham, and How Finance Works and The Wisdom of Finance by Mihir Desai. I pulled out my Android phone and whipped up Google Keep so I could write these books down and read them later. But when I tried writing in my Google Keep note app, nothing happened. I tried pressing enter to go to a new line and it was like my on-screen keyboard wasn't working. I tried typing some letters … nothing appeared. I got frustrated. "Damn you Google!" I tried again, nothing. I thought of what could be the matter. Perhaps it was my phone. Damn Google phone. I restarted my phone and tried the app again. It still didn't work. I thought, "I guess it's time to buy a new phone." And then it dawned on me. Google Keep has a character limit for notes, and I had reached the character limit for this particular note I was taking. Here I was, ready to throw my phone to the curb, when I was mistaken about the root of my problem. I was on a wild goose chase fixing something that wasn't broken. So here's today's parable – where in your architecture firm are you experiencing a symptom, and you haven't identified the root cause? For instance, maybe clients are complaining about the level of your fees. What does this mean? Does it mean that you're charging too much? Should you lower your fees to be more competitive? It could mean that you're in the wrong market – all the clients are cost focused. Or it could mean that you aren't explaining your value well. Or it could mean that you aren't doing enough activities to generate inquiries and interest in your firm. All of these are problems, but they all have different solutions. Do you see the problem here? If you blindly try to fix the symptom without correctly identifying the underlying problem, you're doomed to waste time and money. Let's take our previous example – say clients frequently question your fees or you get undercut by other firms. You assume that clients don't see the value of what you offer because your website isn't nice enough. So you spend $20k on a new website. But nothing changes. You still lose projects because you are "too expensive" even though you now have a sexy website. Accurately diagnosing the underlying cause of a symptom is key to growing in your business and personal life. So my question for you today is: where in your firm is something happening that you want to avoid, but you haven't identified the underlying root cause of this problem?

Yesterday I spoke with the partners of a design-focused architecture firm that does commercial, hospitality and residential projects. They reached out to me because their fees are very competitive, but they sometimes get undercut by 40% or more. Many times the clients come back to them with their tail between their legs after these projects go off track – but not always. This is frustrating for these firm owners who feel like they're doing everything right, but still struggling. Let's face it – both you and I know if a client pays 40% less they aren't getting the same level of professional service. It's like getting heart surgery – would you go to the cheapest surgeon? "Excuse me doctor, that seems a bit on the high side. Is there any way you can bring that fee down? There's a doctor operating behind a local bar, and he charges a fraction of that." "Perhaps there are less expensive sutures? Is all of this equipment really necessary? My brother-in-law says this should cost much less." "What if we do this at my house instead of the operating room? My son can hold the flashlight while you work." "That would save a lot of money, right?" This seems ridiculous when we think about it in a medical context, yet this is the trap that some clients get caught in – they focus on the short term impact of the design fees instead of considering the long-term value of investing in design up-front. So instead they play the game of chasing change orders and the project ends up costing more than it would have if the client had simply invested in doing the project correctly the first time. If you've ever been frustrated by other firms undercutting your fees, then watch the video up above and let me know what you think. If you want help getting out of the fee race to the bottom, you may be a fit for my DREAM Practice Accelerator program. Click here to watch a 60-minute training on how to create your DREAM Practice or click here to see program reviews.

The other day I was walking around my neighborhood and I found a stray golf ball on my lawn. This reminded me of an important principle if you want to have it all in business and life. Listen to this episode and let me know what you think!

Many architects are sitting on uncovered profit within their firm. In this episode, podcast host Alex Gore interviews Enoch Sears about key profit levers small firm owners can use to boost bottom line revenue without getting more clients or working more hours. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Poop in the toilet (business lesson on inspecting what you expect). Recently one of our toilets in the house went out of commission. This reminded me of an important business lesson for any firm owner. Listen and let me know what you think.

Why don't potential clients come running to my firm? If you're delivering exceptional service and value to your clients, you may wonder why clients don't come running to your firm? Why don't more people refer you? There is one key to successful client attraction and business development that we cover in this episode. This is the foundation to growing a successful practice in the future.

Today we welcome Ignacio Rodriguez to the show. Ignacio Rodriguez runs an architecture firm based in Los Angeles, California that specializes in luxury residential homes of $15,000 square feet and more. On today's episode you'll discover the clever way that Ignacio and his wife started their residential design firm, and how they grew it over the course of 6 years to win larger commissions. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today we welcome Dean Lincoln Hyers to the show. Dean helps architecture firms win commissions through interview and presentation coaching to help them communicate their value and win the deal. He and his partner are the authors of the book, "Winning AEC Interviews." The deals they've been involved in have resulted in over $4.5 billion in project wins, including the USBANK stadium, where the 2018 Super Bowl was held. On today's episode you'll discover Dean's top 3 tips for winning your next project presentation. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today we welcome architect Leah Baker to the show. Leah is the founder of Graphite, an online service that pairs pre-selected architects with clients looking to hire an architect. On today's episode you'll discover how Leah started her entrepreneurial journey, and what it has taken to get her to the point she's at. You'll also discover her recommendation if you have a big idea. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today we welcome Mel Price and Christopher Toddy to the show. Christopher Toddy is the current chair of AIA's Small Firm Exchange committee, and Mel Price is a past chair. On today's episode you'll hear about the 2 workshops that we are partnering to deliver at the AIA National Conference this year in Las Vegas. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today we welcome Ian Motley to the show. Ian is a proposal writing and negotiation expert for the architecture industry. Formerly, he worked for Fosters Partners advising on proposal and negotiation strategies. Now he runs Blue Turtle Consulting with his partner Alexandra Howieson. Blue Turtle provides training and consulting services to the AEC industry. You may have seen their popular proposal-writing workshop advertised in the United States, Australia, New Zealand or the UK. I attended several years ago, and I'll say it should be mandatory training for all Business of Architecture listeners. In today's episode, you'll discover 5 critical proposal mistakes and how to avoid them. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today I speak with Dan Stine, bestselling author of 12 books including the #1 Revit academic training textbook. In today's episode, you'll discover an interesting career path within the architecture industry. Dan is the BIM Administrator at LHB, a 250-person, multi-disciplinary firm with 4 offices. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today we welcome back architect Nick Tsontakis to the show. Nick runs a successful residential architectural practice in Scottsdale, Arizona. His impressive work is frequently published in local and national media. In today's episode, you'll discover: The surprising method Nick has discovered for reaching his ideal clients How collaborating with your competitors can help you grow your practice How to get your work published ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Get the 4-part architect profit map video at http://www.freearchitectgift.com. Today we welcome architect Nick Tsontakis to the show. Nick Tsontakis runs a successful and highly awarded residential architecture practice in Scottsdale, Arizona. In today's episode, you'll discover: How Nick wins his impressive, high caliber projects The one thing Nick says architects need to do, that they almost never do The strategy Nick used to grow his practice when he was unknown and had no referrals Tips for getting your work published and seen by your ideal clients How to go from ho-hum to award-winning projects ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today's interview is a behind-the-scenes conversation with a firm owner graduate of the Architecture Firm Freedom Formula program I run with Scott Beebe. Scott and I started the Freedom Formula program several years ago because I heard from so many small firm owners that they were overwhelmed with the day-to-day of running the practice and they wanted to get freedom back into their life again. In the program, Scott and I work with firm owners to implement systems and frameworks so they can free up their time and lay the foundation for an impactful and profitable practice. In this conversation, I speak with Jefferson Schierbeek, an architect who has run a successful practice in Southern California with his partner Susan Addison for over 25 years. He's no newcomer to business either. In the past, he founded and ran a CAD outsourcing service with a partner, a business which still operates to this day. In this episode, we have a candid conversation about why Jefferson joined the program and what he wanted to get out of it. We talk about the steps he is taking to get his firm to the next level. I think you'll find Jefferson's story extremely valuable as you work to build your ideal practice. In today's episode you'll discover: How to set a vision that inspires you to set and meet goals How Jefferson took his business to the next level by revisiting and strengthening the foundation of his practice ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today we welcome Erin Morris to the show. Erin Morris is the president of Erin Morris Architect, a design-focused firm based in Newport Beach, California. In today's episode, you'll discover: The two main things that helped Erin go from overwhelmed operator to empowered owner How to build a business around your life, not the other way around How Erin went from wanting to walk away from her firm, to having a profitable, impactful practice that gives her freedom and creative fulfillment ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Although they won numerous awards and were doing good work, architect Rodney Robles realized something was missing in his firm. After ignoring the business aspect of his firm for the first 7 years, he immersed himself on how to run a great practice, which has made a great difference on his practice, his work, and his life. Rodney Robles is the founder of the architecture firm Factor:Recurso, based in Monterrey, Mexico. I was introduced to Rodney by Rion Willard who runs the Business of Architecture in the UK. The firm won numerous awards and is frequently featured in the media, being recognized as an emerging talent in 2010. Rodney runs a great Instagram channel, so that's where we start today's conversation. In today's episode, you'll discover: Tips for using Instagram successfully as an architect Rodney's 2 favorite business books Why Rodney pivoted after 7 years to focus on the business side of his practice What he would tell his younger self about running a successful business How to take a strategic approaching to build your business If you haven't already, get free instant access to the 4-part architecture firm profit map video by going to "freearchitectgift.com". Enter your best email address on that page and you'll get instant access. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today is an interview with Michelle Fenton, the founder of Khora Architecture based out of Vancouver, British Columbia. Michelle is a graduate of the Architecture Firm Freedom Formula program I run with Scott Beebe. In today's episode, you'll discover: The steps Michelle has taken to get a head start in starting her new architecture firm How Michelle went from working 18 hour days and working weekends to having her weekends free How to build a firm that can live without you The exercise that Michelle went through that revolutionized her concept of what it means to be a firm owner ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

On today's episode, you'll hear an excerpt from the group coaching call I run every week with architecture and design firm owners around the world. In this call, a South-Africa based architect asks how she can use the additional information she has in a Building Information Model to provide greater value to a client, and greater compensation for her services. On this episode you'll discover: Why you should be selling value (not architecture) How to sell value to your clients How to up-sell additional services ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

In today's episode of the Business of Architecture podcast, you'll get a sneak peek behind the scenes of the Mastermind group I run with Richard Petrie and Eric Bobrow. A Mastermind group is a small group of individuals who meet regularly to brainstorm and think tank about a particular subject. This Mastermind focuses on helping group members win higher quality projects through strategic marketing. The group meets weekly online, and we run 2 live meet-ups per year where we all get together in person. In episodes 255 and 256 I talked more about the Mastermind - I suggest you go there to hear more about what goes on in these closed-door meetings. Everything that takes place in our mastermind meeting is held confidential by those participating; however, I felt you would get a lot of value out of this conversation so I got permission from the people involved to share this with you. On this Mastermind call, you'll hear Caryn Paradis, who runs a high-end interior design firm in Connecticut, talk about identifying her ideal client avatar. Creating an avatar is where you describe the qualities of your fictional, ideal client so you can better target, recognize and attract that kind of person to your practice. When developing an ideal client avatar for your practice, most people make the mistake of focusing only on the demographics of their ideal client -- for instance income range, age, gender, where they live, etc. These things are important, but more important are the psychographics of your ideal clients. A psychographic profile describes not only what someone is, but what someone likes and what someone believes. For instance, being conservative or liberal leaning would be a psychographic. In this conversation, in addition to Caryn, you'll also hear marketing coach Richard Petrie and architect, Peter Twohy who facilitates these meetings. Peter was a guest on the show back in Episode 92. In today's episode, you'll discover: The key to attracting the kinds of clients you actually want to work with Why having a mission and purpose is essential if you want to create an enduring business How to identify your personal mission, which author Simon Sinek calls your "why" Before we go on, however, I wanted to remind you, If you haven't already, to get free instant access to the 4-part architecture firm profit map video that's free for podcast listeners by going to "freearchitectgift.com". Enter your best email address on that page and you'll get instant access. I also want to thank iTunes user TheatreDNA who says: I can't recommend the Business of Architecture podcast enough. Enoch has provided not just architects but really anyone working in or on a professional services firm an invaluable resource for creating a successful, forward-thinking, sustainable firm. Do yourself, your firm, or your employees a favor and take the time to listen! Thanks, TheatreDNA. If you get value from this show, please leave a review so you can help others find the show. And with that, let's get on with the show: ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

One of the biggest challenges faced by architecture firm owners is that we feel we do everything so well, we have a hard time delegating these things to other people because they won't be able to do it as well as we can. This is fine if you're a sole practitioner and you want to focus on small projects; however, as your firm grows this becomes problematic. We hamstring ourselves by trying to do too much ourselves and not letting others share in the responsibility. And yet relinquishing control can be hard. It's as much about our mindset, beliefs, and psychology as it is about knowing how to delegate. Wouldn't it be nice if you could literally clone yourself so you could get twice as much, 3x as much, even 100x as much done in one day? Of course, this is possible through what one of my mentors calls succeeding through others. The key to moving from being the architect who does everything yourself to being someone how has others do things for you, is to attract, coach and retain talented people to join your team. Well, today you're going to hear an interview with a firm leader who is doing this exceptionally well. Stacy Cox is the President of Studio Four Design, based in Knoxville, TN. In this interview, Stacy drops some powerful knowledge about how to build a team that can achieve incredible things. ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

When John Sofio told his employer back in 1994 that his goal was to earn "over $400k in a year," his employer laughed. John hit the streets looking for work on his own, which resulted in his first job, remodeling two bathrooms in Los Angeles. Fast-forward 20 years and John is a well-known and iconic nightclub designer. John and his team also build these spaces - either on their own or in close coordination with a local contractor. The results are enjoyable, profitable projects. In this episode, you'll discover how John's entrepreneurial focus has led him to satisfying and profitable projects in high-profile venues. Want to discover the keys to creating a solid business foundation for future success? Watch this free training webinar: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

In my work with firm owners from around the world, there's one common thread between firms that have a steady, profitable flow of work without doing much outbound marketing and advertising, vs. other firms that struggle with price shopping clients, fee pressure, and inconsistent demand - wondering where the next project will come from. This pressure kills the joy of running an architecture firm when you're trying to make ends meet or stressed out about how to get the next client. One of the most powerful things you can do to avoid this trap is to pick the right niche. In marketing, a niche is described as a "specialized segment of a market for a product or service." If you go back to the episode I recorded on how to earn 6 figures or more as an architect - choosing the right niche was one of the important factors. Today's guest started out doing residential design build 25 years ago by remodeling 2 bathrooms in Los Angeles for $12,000. Now his team designs and builds some of the most iconic nightclubs around the United States. John Sofio is the founder of Built Inc., and this is his story. Want to discover the keys to creating a solid business foundation for future success? Watch this free training webinar: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

If you're wondering what kind of software to get to manage your projects at an architecture firm - this episode is a must-listen. Today, I speak with Hugh Glazer, who acts as a consulting Chief Financial Office for Architecture, Engineering and Construction Companies. We discuss common operational problems that firm owners face that leeches their profit, and also how to pick a project management software for an architecture firm. Want to discover the keys to creating a solid business foundation for future success? Watch this free training webinar: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today I bring you a case study of how 2 firm owners are forging the business of their dreams by working on their business, not just IN their business. Thorsten Deckler and Ann Graupner are the founders of 26'10 Architects, an architecture firm based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Earlier this year Thorsten and Ann joined the Architecture Firm Freedom Formula program offered through Business of Architecture. In this episode, you'll discover how Ann and Thorsten: Effectively delegate to empower their employees and free up their time How they turned their weekly team meeting from frustrating to one of the most powerful hours in their business How they've discovered that they don't actually have to do a lot of the things they thought they had to do How they are creating a legacy in their firm by fulfilling their mission and values Want to discover the keys to creating a solid business foundation for future success? Watch this free training webinar: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates:https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsearsTwitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArchPodcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Discover how Julie Canter built a solid base for her new landscape architecture firm. What to learn how she did it? Watch this free training for details: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar After a decade working at a successful landscape architecture firm, award-winning landscape architect Julie Canter decided to start her own landscape architecture firm - Constructed Ground, based out of New York City. As a former Partner of PWP Landscape Architecture, Julie led many large scale, complex, integrated projects in the United States and Singapore such as Constitution Gardens on the National Mall, Washington D.C. and the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, Singapore. Here's what we cover in this exclusive interview: Why Julie left a successful career at a prominent landscape architecture firm she enjoyed and started her own firm. Julie's #1 piece of advice for new firm owners. How Julie balances her roles as a new business owner and mother. What Julie has found to be her most successful strategies for developing new business. What Julie is doing to set herself and her firm up for a successful future. How Julie overcame her worries and fears about starting a new firm. Julie's plan to grow her firm and work on larger and more influential projects. Want to discover the keys to creating a solid business foundation for future success? Watch this free training webinar: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar

In this episode Enoch Sears gives a peek behind the scenes of the A-Team Mastermind coaching group where he helps firm owners grow a profitable and impactful practice. He talks about the struggles of growing continually in life, and the #1 strategy to changing the results we are getting in life. Discover how to grow a profitable practice by watching a free 60 minute online training: http://perfectfirmwebinar.com

What do clients really want? In this episode of the Business of Architecture podcast Enoch Sears relates how seeing a transient man in Los Angeles reminded him about what clients really want, and what you should focus on when you're talking to a current or prospective client. Discover how to grow a profitable practice by watching a free 60 minute online training: http://perfectfirmwebinar.com

Today we speak with the managing partner of HCMA Architects, Darryl Condon. HCMA is an 80 person multidisciplinary architecture firm based out of Vancouver, B.C. In today's episode, Condon reveals how to create a purpose-driven firm. He also reveals how creating a purpose-driven firm has led to the firm's greatest period of sustained growth. Get the free 4-part architecture firm profit map at http://freearchitectgift.com

Today is the second half of my conversation with Darryl Condon, managing partner of HCMA, an architecture firm based in Vancouver, BC. In today's episode, Condon shares how creating a multidisciplinary practice has brought in new opportunities and strengthened the firm's existing relationships with clients. Want to discover the keys to creating a solid business foundation for future success? Watch this free training webinar: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/freedomwebinar ► Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates: https://www.youtube.com/c/BusinessofArchitecture ******* For more free tools and resources for running a profitable, impactful and fulfilling practice, connect with me on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessofarchitecture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enoch.sears/ Website: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enochsears Twitter: https://twitter.com/BusinessofArch Podcast: http://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/ iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/business-architecture-podcast/id588987926 Android Podcast Feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/BusinessofArchitecture-podcast ******* Access the FREE Architecture Firm Profit Map video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Download the FREE Architecture Firm Marketing Process Flowchart video here: http://freearchitectgift.com Come to my next live, in-person event: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/live Carpe Diem!

Today we're going to talk about marketing and promotion in architecture. Our guest is Brynne Campbell, co-organizer of POP//CAN//CRIT, an annual panel-based symposium that brings together leading voices in architectural practice, academia and related fields within a Canadian context. She is 4 years into her PHD program at the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, Carleton University, and she also serves in the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in Ottawa. Today we discuss how marketing and promotion is used in architecture, including strategies for architecture firms to reach prospective clients. Get the free 4-part architecture firm profit map at http://freearchitectgift.com

Today we're going to talk about selling architecture. Our guest is Brynne Campbell, co-organizer of POP//CAN//CRIT, a panel-based symposium that brings together leading voices in architecture practice, academia and related fields within a Canadian context. She is 4 years into her PHD program at the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, Carleton University, and she also serves in the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in Ottawa. Today we discuss what it means to sell architecture and how it comes down to prospective clients having a deep understanding of the value that we can give their projects. You'll also discover 4 strategies for selling architecture so that prospective clients see the enormous value you provide. Get the free 4-part architecture firm profit map at http://freearchitectgift.com

Today is the second half of my interview with Jesse Cole, the marketing genius who transformed a struggling minor-league baseball team into a team that plays for sold-out crowds all season long. I first heard about Jesse from my friend Scott Beebe, who shared a presentation with me that Jesse did on designing the client experience - what happens from the moment someone first interacts with a company all the way through to doing business, and after. What if you gave the same attention to the experience your clients have working with you that you do to creating detailed and error-free drawings? What if you architected the entire client experience process? What could you make that look like? As architects, some of our biggest business breakthroughs can come by thinking and doing things differently than what everyone else is doing - thinking outside of the proverbial box. In today's interview you'll discover: Where Jesse would start if he was designing a client experience for an architecture firm from scratch How Jesse Cole recognizes and hires top talent, including his simple but powerful "future resume" technique How understanding the business you are really in can revolutionize your business Get the free 4-part architecture firm profit map at http://freearchitectgift.com

Imagine if you could double, triple or even quadruple your word of mouth referrals. What if word about your firm spread so far and wide that people were lining up at your door? And what if you could do that without spending a single dime on advertising or marketing? Now that might sound like a nightmare to you-you're fine where you are, you don't want any more work, and you don't want to make a larger impact. However, since you're listening to this podcast, I'm guessing you're someone who wants to learn and grow - you're always looking for a better way of doing things. That's why I'm excited to tell you about today's guest, who comes from an industry far, far away from architecture and design. I think some of the most powerful business breakthroughs we can have is by looking at other industries to see how and why they are having success, and seeing how we can apply these lessons to the business of architecture and design. Today I bring you a story about baseball. Known as The PT Barnum of Baseball, Jesse Cole is the founder of Fans First Entertainment. Shortly after graduating from college in 2007, Jesse became the General Manager of a Minor-league baseball team, the Gastonia Grizzlies. When Jesse signed on, the Grizzlies had no sponsors, no money, and few fans. Jesse knew he needed to do something different. By the end of the first season, the Grizzlies were playing to sold-out crowds of fans. He miraculously turned around the team. In 2014 Jesse and his wife took on another challenge by opening a new baseball team in Savannah, Georgia, which they named the Savanna Bananas. Getting past the local criticism of the strange name, Jesse knew he was on to something when the team launch day went viral on media around the world. Suddenly, thousands of people wanted a Savannah Bananas hat or T-shirt. Since then, the team plays to sold-out crowds. Jesse sums up his success simply: Be different. He's been featured on MSNBC, ESPN, NPR and other media outlets. He just released a book, "Find Your Yellow Tux," where he promotes his mantra "If it's normal, do the exact opposite". Jesse has the most compelling message I've heard about creating an amazing experience for your clients, and how this can fuel your business. I hope this interview will inspire you, help you think differently about your practice, and help you create a practice that is more impactful and profitable. Get the free 4-part architecture firm profit map at http://freearchitectgift.com

Today you'll discover how one architect, his partner and team have revitalized downtown Durham, North Carolina, and built an impressive real estate portfolio in the process. As you create value for clients, why not get a piece of the action? Architect John Warasila and his team have done just that. Over the years, Warasila has built an impressive commercial and multi-family real estate portfolio by investing in his own projects, and partnering with his clients on their projects. John founded his firm, Alliance Architecture, in 1995. He learned everything from the ground up - how to work with banks and get financing, how to get tax credits for his projects, and how to lease his projects and create consistent cash flow. He and his partners now own 10 buildings in downtown Durham. And John isn't afraid to talk about money - one of his themes is to make everyone rich - both socially and monetarily. Get the free 4-part architecture firm profit map at http://freearchitectgift.com

In today's episode of Business of Architecture, we talk with the founder of Alliance Architecture, an architecture firm with offices in DC, MD and North Carolina. In this episode, architect John Warasila talks about the importance of knowing the numbers of your business. He also shares how he's built a real estate portfolio by investing in his own and in his client's projects. Get the free 4-part architecture firm profit map at http://freearchitectgift.com

"Wow, that's a lot of money … I had no idea it was going to be that much!" If you've ever heard this before, then you've probably presented a proposal to a client. As architects we hear this from our clients all the time when we give them our proposals. There's a specific reason why they react this way. It's because their expectations don't match reality. When our clients tell us something is "too expensive" or "more than they were expecting," what do they base that on? Is there any form of reality attached to their expectations? Probably not. They've heard that their brother-in-law did something for XX$ /sf, or some mysterious family friend tells them that it shouldn't cost more than "X." Yea, right. All of their wishful thinking isn't going to change reality. Last week two things happened to me that made my jaw drop. I was reminded how utterly clueless the average person is about building design and construction - and I'm not just talking about residential clients - you'll find this with more 'sophisticated' clients also. I was over at a friend's house who just added a garage behind his home. He did most of the work himself, and he was surprised that it ended up costing so much. "I just wanted something a little bigger than the sheds available at Home Depot!" FYI, the sheds at Home Depot cost USD 3,500, his building was over USD 15,000. He gave many reasons why the building cost more - the draftsman charged "way too much" and specified the "wrong details," the City made him do things that were unnecessary, etc. I asked him why he thought he got ripped off. Turns out he got his information from his "contractor friends" who confidently said that "we don't build like that around here." Huh. I don't know what these "contractor friends" have been building, but it won't pass code. I took a look at the 'overpriced' plans his draftsman did (he called him an "architect"), and the drawings looked just fine - I didn't notice any 'wrong details.' Well, as it turns out ... "It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." - The Big Short This applies to clients both small and large, residential and institutional. Another example: This week I was coaching one of the firm owners in our A-Team Mastermind who does high-design focused work for Higher Education Institutions. He told me of his frustration with potential clients not 'getting' the value that they get when they work with his firm. "Our fee was double some of our competitors. They went with the cheaper option even though I tried to explain that you get what you pay for. That fee wouldn't even be enough for us to pay the engineers." The University went with the cheaper option. I'm sure they'll be knocking on his door in 18 months. "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." One way to solve this problem is what I call "right-setting" your potential clients (a.k.a. set them aright). Educate them about all the headaches, problems, disasters, and full-blown red-light emergencies that can happen if they don't compare apples to apples, AND on the flip side - all the peaceful, happy nights they'll get from working with you. Fortunately, with the amazing technology we have nowadays, it's easier than ever to educate your clients. Here are 5 effective ways to educate your clients: Record explanatory videos Write articles Record a podcast Give seminars/webinars Write a book For more information, listen to this week's podcast episode above. Do you have any horror stories of when a client was too focused on the upfront-cost and underestimated the long-term consequences? Tell me about it - head over to the Business of Architecture Facebook group and let me know!