EntreArchitect Podcast with Mark R. LePage

One of my favorite parts of running things here at EntreArchitect is that I get to speak with people who are thinking outside the box; people who are coloring outside the lines; people who have new, innovative ideas and have “jumped in with both feet and are making things happen. They are taking their ideas, developing plans and making progress, one small step at a time. This week on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I've invited architect Jeremy Welu, a partner at DELV Design and winner of the 2015 Charrette Venture Group Architecture Business Plan Competition, to talk about Innovation and the Practice of Architecture. Visit our Platform Sponsor ArchiSnapper.com (Creating and Managing Field Reports 30 Days Free) Referenced in this Episode DELVdesign.com Charrette Venture Group Architecture Business Plan Competition EntreArchitect Podcast Episode 000 (Introduction) Contact Jeremy if you are interested in DELV Lab (BETA testing) ArchitectureAndChildren.com   The post EA090: Innovation and the Practice of Architecture with Jeremy Welu of DELV Design [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Imagine working in your studio, designing a great project for another happy client and your receive a notification on your iPhone that Paypal dropped $50 in your pocket. Then after work, you head over to the ball field to watch your daughter's game. As you are cheering her on, Paypal drops another $50 in your pocket. The next morning, you wake up, check your email and there are 5 more notifications. Two hundred and fifty dollars was delivered to your account while you dreamed. Sounds crazy? Well it's not… That could be you with some work up front and minimal maintenance, you can develop strategies for an additional income to supplement your income as a practicing architect. This week on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I've invited my good friend Eric Reinholdt of 30×40 Design Workshop to join us for Round 2 of the Field Guide Series. This week, we're talking Passive Income for Small Firm Architects. Visit our Platform Sponsor ArchiSnapper.com (Creating and Managing Field Reports – 30 Days Free) Referenced in this Episode Field Guide Series – Building,Branding and Marketing Your Startup Design Business 30X40 Design Workshop The Unofficial Guide to Houzz.com: Create a Profile That Resonates with Clients and Outranks Your Competition (Book – Affiliate Link) Architect and Entrepreneur: A Field Guide to Building, Branding, and Marketing Your Startup Design Business (Book – Affiliate Link) Smart Passive Income (Pat Flynn) WordPress.com (Free Blog Platform) WordPress.org (Self-Hosted Blog Platform WooCommerce (WordPress Plug-in) GumRoad.com Amazon Associates Affiliate Program Bluehost.com (WordPress Hosting Service – Affiliate Link) YouTube Advertising HowToArchitect.com Doug Patt on EntreArchitect Podcast Episode 52 30X40 Design Workshop Channel on YouTube Aweber.com (Email List Service – Affiliate Link) MailChimp.com (Email List Service) Fedora.com (Digital Courses) Udemy.com (Digital Courses) ArchiOffice Charrette Venture Group Fulfillment by Amazon Marmol Radziner Jewelry Houzz.com e-junkie.com (Selling Digital Products – Affiliate Link) EntreArchitect Facebook Group Join Eric’s “Street Team” for his next book Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Max Sattana   The post EA089: Field Guide Series – Passive Income for Small Firm Architects [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Leaders of small firms are experiencing many of the same challenges as the leaders of large firms. Leadership transition, balancing our firms and our families, and equity in architecture (as my friend Rosa Sheng calls it) The Missing 32%. As architects and leaders, we all have our issues and we are all struggling with finding our way to be successful in the many roles to which we have committed ourselves. Bottom line… we're stressed and we're overwhelmed. If we don't do something about it, we're going to burnout and its going to get much worse. Stress unmanaged will lead to real physical health issues. I know . I'm dealing with stress related issues myself. The dangers are real. This week on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I’ve invited business management consultant and executive coach, Jane Walton to join us and discuss this very serious issue, How to Avoid Burnout as an Architect. Referenced in this Episode JaneWaltonConsulting.com Charrette Venture Group Moments of Clarity (article) Jane Walton Consulting on Twitter Jane Walton Consulting on Facebook The post EA088: How to Avoid Burnout as an Architect with Jane Walton [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

After you have all your business fundamentals in place; your branding is nailed, your marketing is set up and your sales system is bringing in consistent new work… you are going to start getting busy. Your going to need some help. This week on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I will share my 12 Rules for Hiring Your First Employee. Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Roobcio   The post EA087: 12 Rules for Hiring Your First Employee [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Imagine taking your client for a tour of their new building. Entering the front door, walking through the lobby full of natural light and vaulted ceilings. You point to a detail above where the sunlight enters the space and reflects from the wall surface and explodes into a rainbow of colors. Imagine taking this tour with your client before the foundation is poured, or the walls are constructed? Imagine experiencing the light filled lobby before the building even exists. Virtual reality is a tool that may allow architects to design new spaces, never before experienced. It will allow us to experiment and find the faults before they become reality. Virtual reality is here and it will soon transform our entire profession. This week on the EntreArchitect Podcast, George Valdes of IrisVR shares his thoughts on virtual reality in architecture. The post EA086: Virtual Reality in Architecture with George Valdes [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

He committed to taking all 7 sections of the Architecture Registration Exam in 7 days. He launched a new scholarship program where recent graduates of architecture school can be reimbursed for the cost of their first exam. He has worked with his team to rebuild the operational structure of his organization to better serve its members. This week on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I welcome back, the now past-present of the American Institute of Architecture Students, Charlie Klecha. Visit the Sponsor of this Episode The EntreArchitect Report References from this Episode (Note: AIAS is launching a new website. Some links below may we temporarily re-directed.) AIAS 7-in-7 Campaign AIAS PASS (Professional Advancement Support Scholarship) National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Kaplan Exam Prep for the ARE AIA ARE Prep powered by Black Spectacles Architect Exam Prep AIAS Forum 2015 in San Francisco Quinn Evans Architects American Institute of Architects American Institute of Architects Detroit Contact Charlie EntreArchitect Facebook Group The post EA085: Architecture Registration Exam with AIAS Past-President Charlie Klecha [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

Many of us have a dream of starting our own firm. Others of us have already taken the plunge and launched. The first question, after we make that fateful decision is, How do we find work? “How do we get noticed by the clients with whom we want to work?” This week's guest on the EntreArchitect Podcast has some answers for us. He's a residential architect based on the eastern coast of the United States, way up north in Maine on an Island called Mt. Dessert and he has developed and tested some very interesting ways to get noticed and fill his boards with the high end residential projects that we all want to design. This week on the EntreArchitect Podcast, we are speaking with architect Eric Reinholdt of 30X40 Design Workshop and author of the new book Architect and Entrepreneur: A Field Guide to Building, Branding, and Marketing Your Startup Design Practice. This is the first episode in our new Field Guide Series where Eric and I will dive deep and share Routines, Rituals, Tips, and Tricks for Hacking Your Design Practice and Becoming an Successful Entrepreneur Architect. References from this Episode 30X40 Design Workshop 30X40 Design Workshop on Houzz.com Follow Eric on Twitter 30X40 Design Workshop on YouTube 30X40 Design Workshop on Facebook Architect and Entrepreneur: A Field Guide to Building, Branding, and Marketing Your Design Practice (book) The Unofficial Guide to Houzz.com (book) Smart Passive Income (Podcast) Tropical MBA (Podcast) This Week in Startups (Podcast) Internet Business Mastery (Podcast) The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich (Expanded and Updated) (book) Fivecat Studio Architecture   The post EA084: Field Guide Series – Building, Branding and Marketing Your Startup Design Business with Eric Reinholdt [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

A Progress Report from EntreArchitect EntreArchitect is a movement that is slowly growing. It's a community of like-minded architects who are tired of the status quo; tired of working long hours, tired of society not recognizing the role of architects, beyond that of the creators of big shiny buildings designed by the most public of architects. Entrepreneur Architects are tired of struggling to make ends meet. We are tired of working too hard and getting paid too little. Entrepreneur Architects recognize that there is a problem in this profession. That there is a significant part of our education missing from our basic knowledge. We recognize that business success and profit are critical and necessary in order for the dream to come true. The dream of being a successful architect, where we have the best clients, design the best buildings and get paid well for doing it. Entrepreneur Architects are seeking ways to integrate their small firms with their family and building a lifestyle of success with everything we do in business, leadership and life. EntreArchitect is growing and we ARE becoming an influential force in the profession for YOU the small firm architect. Today on the EntreArchitect Podcast I am going to present an update on our progress here at EntreArchitect. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode EntreArchitect Podcast Episode 80: Norbert Lemermeyer (The Emyth Architect) Episode 28: Steven Burns (BQE Software, makers of ArchiOffice) Episode 79: Jes Stafford (Big Time Small Firm) Episode 76: Steve Wintner (Management Consulting Services) Episode 12: Rena Klein (RM Klein Consulting) Episode 60: Todd Reding (Charrette Venture Group) Episode 62: Charlie Klecha (AIAS) Episode 50: Nick Serfass (AIAS) Episode 71: Larry Speck (Page) Episode 68: Amy Kalar (ArchiMom.com) Episode 14: Emily Grandstaff-Rice (Architecture Does Matter / BSA) Episode 51: Rosa Sheng (The Missing 32 Percent) Episode 10: Oscia Wilson (Boiled Architecture) EntreArchitect Podcast on Stitcher Radio EntreArchitect on iTunes The EntreArchitect Report (My free weekly newsletter) EntreArchitect Facebook Group EntreArchitect Linkedin Group EntreArchitect on Twitter EntreArchitect on Instagram Become an EntreArchitect Platform Sponsor 2015 AIA Entrepreneur Summit (Denver, CO) CRAN Symposium 2015 (Minneapolis, MN) Products and Services by EntreArchitect Private Coaching for Small Firm Architects with Mark R. LePage EntreArchitect Foundations (50+ Business Documents and Checklists) EntreArchitect Hybrid Proposal Course (My Owner/Architect Agreement) GetFocused Course (Get Things Done and Live a Stress-Free Life) EntreArchitect Academy (Private Membership Group, including live weekly video conference, a private community, training and all products and services offered by EntreArchitect)   The post EA083: Is EntreArchitect a Movement? [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur...

I often find myself living in the past or in the future. I have my head down, focused on my plans and getting things done. It is not uncommon for me to go days without really experiencing the present. It's not good for me. It's not good for my work. It's not good for my family. I'm a dreamer. My number one strength according to the book, StrengthsFinder 2.0, is Futuristic: “People who are inspired by the future and what could be and they inspire others with their visions of the future.” I love to dream about what could be. I've done it my entire life and I don't want to change. One of the reasons that I have accomplished so much in my life is because I dare to dream big dreams. But its important to live today; to experience the “here and now” and enjoy this day. It's important to be present. In this episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast, I am going to share my 5 Rules for Living Your Life in the Present. This episode is sponsored by GetFocused Course. Photo Credit: Pixabay / Bessi   The post EA082: 5 Rules for Living Your Life in the Present [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

For 11 years Fivecat Studio was located in Pleasantville, New York about 10 minutes from our home in Chappaqua. It was a 2000 square foot space with hardwood floors, large windows, exposed structure and tall ceilings. It was a fabulous space for an architecture studio and we enjoyed being there for all those years. In November 2013, Annmarie and I made the decision to move out of that space and we moved into a new private studio built at our home. Our staff is now located in remote studios of their own and our 2000 square feet has been reduced to 200. In order to be most efficient and effectively communicate with our virtual team, we have adopted several apps to get things done. This week on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I will share My 5 Tools for Pursuing a Productive Paperless Virtual Studio. This episode is sponsored by GetFocused Course. Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Isara Kaenla The post EA081: My 5 Tools for Pursuing a Productive Paperless Virtual Studio [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Building a successful business can be fun if you play it like a sport. Learn the rules, build your skills, make small improvements on a consistent basis and you will soon master the game. Soon you will have a successful small firm architecture studio. This week on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I had the great pleasure to speak with the man who knows all about the game of business He quite literally wrote the book on why most small firms don't work and what to do about it. This week on the EntreArchitect Podcast we’re talking about business systems for architects with the author of The E-Myth Architect and founder of the new website Architecture+Business, Norbert Lemermeyer. Please review this podcast on iTunes. This episode is sponsored by the GetFocused Course. Referenced in this Episode The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It (book) The E-Myth Architect (E-Myth Expert) (book) Architecture + Business Connect with Norbert on Twitter     The post EA080: Business Systems for Architects with Norbert Lemermeyer [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Your career in architecture is what you make it. Your success. Your failures. Whether you grow or stay small. Each decision you make will lead you to your destination. Choosing to be a leader sometimes adds complication to your life. Finding the time to build an architecture firm and raise a family AND taking the responsibility to lead others with a mission to make the world (or our little part of it) a better place takes courage. Leadership is a choice. This week on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I have a great conversation with one architect who has chosen to lead. This week I have invited my friend Jes Stafford of Big Time Small Firm to join me to talk about Leadership in the Profession of Architecture. Please review this podcast on iTunes. This episode is sponsored by EntreArchitect Hybrid Proposal Referenced in this Episode Big Time Small Firm on Google+ Big Time Small Firm on YouTube AIA Asheville AIA North Carolina AIA Repositioning #iLookup #EntreArchitectChat Twitter Chats The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It (book) The post EA079: Leadership in the Profession of Architecture with Jes Stafford appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

Establishing a culture of profitability starts with you, the small firm architect. You need to change the way you think about business and money before you can foster a culture of success for your firm. but when you do, everything else will fall into place. You will have happier staff. You will have happier clients. You will make more money and you will spend more time on the things you love to do as an architect. Today on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I invited the founder and President of AEC Business Solutions, June Jewell, to join me to discuss 10 Culture Traps That Affect Firm Profitability. Please review this podcast on iTunes. This episode is sponsored by EntreArchitect Hybrid Proposal Referenced in this Episode AEC Business Solutions Find The Lost Dollars: 6 Steps to Increase Profits in Architecture, Engineering and Environmental Firms (book) Building an A/E/C Firm: It’s a Business, Not a Hobby (blog post) 10 Culture Traps That Affect Firm Profitability Trap 1: Quality is Everything Trap 2: Keep the Client Happy at all Costs Trap 3: In Slow Times, It's OK to Take Projects We Know Will Lose Money Trap 4: All Clients Are Good Clients Trap 5: You Can't Lose Money on a Time and Material Contract Trap 6: We Do Not Share Financial Data with Managers and Employees Trap 7: Our Client Does Not Want us to Make a Profit Trap 8: We Can't Make Our Employees Follow Our Policies Trap 9: Times Are Tough, So We Can't Spend Money Trap 10: This is How We Have Always Done it   Bonus Free Webinar by AEC Business Solutions: Developing Superstar Project Managers Quote of the Week Letting your customers set your standards is a dangerous game, because the race to the bottom is pretty easy to win. Setting your own standards–and living up to them–is a better way to profit. Not to mention a better way to make your day worth all the effort you put into it.” – Seth Godin   The post EA078: Creating a Culture of Profitability with June Jewell [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

Success is not difficult. It's not a secret or magic. There are rules to success. There are steps we can take. The knowledge is out there. The knowledge is on the podcast and here at the blog. It’s everywhere. There are so many other sources of knowledge that we can use to find the information we need to build a successful firm a successful family a successful life. Knowledge alone will never take us to where we want to go. There are two more steps we need to take before that knowledge can take us to where we want to go. Today on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I will share 3 simple steps to success in architecture. Please review this podcast on iTunes.   Referenced in this Episode The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change (25th Anniversary Edition) by Stephen R. Covey (book) The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber (book) The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller (book) 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller (book) 48Days.com Visit our Platform Sponsor: Freshbooks   Photo Credit: Pixabay.com / Unsplash The post EA077: 3 Simple Steps to Success in Architecture [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Imagine an architecture firm where the systems are in place, the people are in place, the roles and responsibilities of everyone is established both at the ownership level and at the employee level and the trust is so strong that everything gets done when and how it should. Imagine the benefits of such a firm. Imagine how enjoyable it would be to work at such a place. Imagine the quality of projects and the profits that would result. Sounds too good to be true… Well, such places do exist Such architecture firms do exist and today's guest will show us how we can establish such a firm. Today on the EntreArchitect Podcast, architect, author and business consultant, Steve Wintner and I have a great conversation about How to Establish a Culture of Accountability at Your Architecture Firm. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode Financial Management for Design Professionals: The Path to Profitability (book) 7 Key Financial Performance Indicators for a Successful Architecture Firm (blog post) Developing a Time Management Discipline for Small Firm Architects (blog post) Gensler (Architecture Firm) Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh: Adopt Holacracy Or Leave (Fast Company Magazine) Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (book) Winning with Accountability: The Secret Language of High-Performing Organizations (book) Art’s Principles: 50 years of hard-learned lessons in building a world-class professional services firm (book) Kiss Theory Good Bye: Five Proven Ways to Get Extraordinary Results in Any Company (book) Barriers to Employee Accountability (Stincelli Advisors blog) Steve Wintner, AIA Emeritus (Linkedin) Management Consulting Services (Steve’s website) Visit our Platform Sponsor: Freshbooks       The post EA076: How To Establish a Culture of Accountability at Your Architecture Firm with Architect Steve Wintner [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

I know we have all heard the hype about Evernote. Many of us have downloaded the free app, took a spin and never looked again. Others have given it a try, created a few notebooks, added a few to-do lists and found no use. I know I did the same thing. This week on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I will share 12 Ways To Quickly Get Started Using Evernote.   Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode Evernote MichaelHyatt.com Mark R. LePage on Entrepreneur On Fire Podcast EntreArchitect Academy private membership group EntreArchitect Coaching ArchitectExamPrep.com The Ultimate Guide to Evernote for Architects: 7 Steps to Get Started Now (blog post) Recording Meeting Minutes Using Evernote (blog post) How to Manage Your Architecture Projects Using Evernote (blog post) Fujitsu ScanSnap iX500 Scanner Nozbe 12 Steps to Take Control of Your Email (blog post) Evernote Web Clipper (app) Skitch (app) Scannable (app) Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity (book) Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less (book) Visit our Platform Sponsor: Freshbooks   The post EA075: 12 Ways to Quickly Get Started Using Evernote [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Each month, a group of dedicated architect bloggers, lead by my friend Bob Borson over at the Life of an Architect blog, participates at an online event called #ArchiTalks. Bob assigns a specific topic or theme and we each prepare a post written in response to that specific subject and we all coordinate our posts to go live at the same time. A few topics that we have explored are: Crafty Architecture in the Real World Favorite Things A Day in the Life of… This is Exciting Bob is busy running his Life of an Architect Playhouse Competition, so my friend Marica McKeel of Studio MM grabbed the reigns and took control of #ArchiTalks for this month. Marica selected the topic; Favorite Place. Scroll down to see more #ArchiTalks posts. I really love the #ArchiTalks series. We now have about 2 dozen or more architects participating and it is so interesting to see how each of us responds to a few simple words. When a theme is announced, there is no background. We have no influence on what to write. We simply receive the theme. In the past, I have participated by using my platform on the podcast or here at the blog. This week, on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I will share my thoughts on this month's topic, Favorite Place.   Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode St. Lawrence River Save The River Lake Hopatcong, NJ Ocean Beach, NJ Lake George, NY EntreArchitect Podcast Episode 000 Clayton, NY Alexandria Bay, NY Gananoque, ON Fishers Landing, NY Boldt Castle Singer Castle Visit our Platform Sponsor: Freshbooks Visit All My #ArchiTalks Friends Lee Calisti Lee CALISTI architecture+design (@leecalisti) favorite place Cormac Phalen Cormac Phalen (@archy-type) Baltimore Evan Troxel Archispeak (@etroxel) My Favorite Place Meghana Joshi – IRA Consultants, LLC (@MeghanaIRA) Oh, The Places You'll Go! Lora Teagarden L2Design, LLC (@L2DesignLLC) ArchiTalks meets #ThisOldHouse Andrew Hawkins, AIA Hawkins Architecture (@hawkinsarch) My Favorite Placein the Wild Matthew Stanfield FIELD 9 Architecture (@FIELD9arch) Ruby Slippers Stephen Ramos – BUILDINGS ARE COOL (@sramos_BAC) Cinque Terre Jonathan Brown Proto-Architecture (@mondo_tiki_man) Favorite Place Eric Wittman intern[life] (@rico_w) my [first] favorite place Tara Imani Indigo Architect (@Parthenon1) Favorite Place Architalks 8 Jes Stafford MOD Architect (@modarchitect) Making Space and the Favorite Place Enoch Sears Business of Architecture (@businessofarch) Where Do You Like To Go When You Aren't Working? Michele Grace Hottel – Michele Grace Hottel, Architect favorite place Brian Paletz The Emerging Architect (@bpaletz) Favorite Place(s) Michael Riscica Young Architect (@YoungArchitxPDX) MIT Chapel My Favorite Place Jeremiah Russell, AIA ROGUE Architecture (@rogue_architect) favorite place: #architalks 5th edition The post EA074: My Favorite Place [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

In addition to developing a sales system, the concept of Target Market is the one thing that I most credit for the success of my small firm, Fivecat Studio. Every day I see architects’ websites stating that they “specialize” in residential, commercial and institutional. Specialists in everything specialize in nothing. Your customers want you to be the best at what they will hire you for. If 9 firms are generalists (great designers, but no focus) and one firm is an expert focused on being the very best at designing restaurants, who will receive the first call when the local celebrity chef is looking to open her next trotteria? This week on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I will share my thoughts on Your Target Market.   Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode Episode 31: The Architectural Services Sales System [podcast] My Sales System [blog post] The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done (Harperbusiness Essentials) [book] EntreArchitect Facebook Group Please visit our Platform Sponsor: Freshbooks The post EA073: The Power of Picking a Target Market [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

Click the podcast player button above to listen or subscribe to the show on iTunes. This past recession has been tough on the architecture profession. For the past several years many of us have been struggling to survive. We've taken the work we could get and reduced our expenses to the absolute minimum. As we crawl out from the darkness, the warm sunshine of a recovering economy feels so good. Even though our boards are beginning to fill, the pain of survival is lingering. Many small businesses, including many small architecture firms, after years of finding ways to keep the doors open are succumbing to the years of economic instability and calling it quits. For those of us who have made it through the storm have emerged with a new perspective. The days of pre-recession spending are unlikely to return any time soon. Money is short, debt is heavy and recovery is the primary focus. We're spending only what needs to be spent to build a stronger firm and much sacrifice remains. Many of my friends are evaluating their professional priorities. If they feel an expense is unnecessary or not earning them a significant return on investment, it's being cut from their budgets. One such investment seeing the axe is their long-time memberships to the American Institute of Architects (AIA). I think that’s a mistake. I think there are many advantages to membership and this week on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I will share 7 benefits to AIA Membership for Small Firm Architects.   Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode AIA Convention 2015 Equity by Design Hackathon Register for Equity by Design Hackathon at Convention 2015 (WE310) Small Project Practitioners (SPP) KnowledgeNet Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) CRAN Symposium 2015 in Minneapolis CRANtv videos on YouTube AIA Contract Documents AIA Small Firm Resource Center EntreArchitect.com/Episode 70 (ArCHspec) Please visit our Platform Sponsor: Freshbooks The post EA072: 7 Benefits to AIA Membership for Small Firm Architects [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Click the podcast player button above to listen or subscribe to the show on iTunes. Entrepreneurism, architects pursuing ventures outside the traditional practice, the education of architects, the AIA and how we all need to join together to build a better profession; these are all topics that I discussed with my guest this week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast. He started his own practice in 1975, dabbled in development, invested in real estate, merged his practice with a much larger firm where he is now partner and has designed some rather significant works of architecture. He was dean of University of Texas School of Architecture, where he continues to teach today. Larry Speck, developer, investor, educator, architect is most certainly an Entrepreneur Architect.   Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode University of Texas School of Architecture LarrySpeck.com Page Please visit our Platform Sponsor: Freshbooks The post EA071: How to Build a Better Profession with Architect and Educator Larry Speck [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Click the podcast player button above to listen or subscribe to the show on iTunes. The compilation and documentation of project specifications may be one of the most important services we provide as small firm architects and in my experience many of us, especially us residential architects, limit our specifications to a sheet of general notes and product descriptions listed throughout the drawings. Before launching Fivecat Studio, I worked for a few other firms where I had the opportunity to develop much larger projects than the projects Annmarie and I work on here at our firm now. Major school renovations., new office buildings, churches and synagogues. These projects included a specification manual . often organized into several different books, each about 2-1/2 thick. These documents were created by a professional specification writer who was paid thousands of dollars to include every piece of information that a contractor, owner (or lawyer) may be searching for when the project is being constructed. Our residential clients, building smaller projects, cannot afford a specification writer… but are they less important? Are we, as a registered architect, not just as liable for the work we are proposing? Shouldn't our projects have complete and thorough specifications too? Today on the EntreArchitect Podcast, I am speaking with three gentlemen who may have some answers for us small firm residential architects; complete specification for the work we do in a format that makes it simple to include with every project we design.   Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode Home Architects Don Duffy Architecture Kenny Guffey Construction ArCHomes.org ArCHspec 2015: Architectural Residential Specifications Please visit our Platform Sponsor: Freshbooks The post EA070: Architectural Specification Systems for Residential Architects [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Click the podcast player button above to listen or subscribe to the show on iTunes. Fivecat Studio was founded in 1999. Annmarie and I were 29 years old. She was licensed. I was not. With no clients and no money, we launched the firm as a sole proprietorship; Annmarie McCarthy, Architect. Slowly, we grew the firm and in 2002, with my license in hand, we incorporated as McCarthy LePage Architects, PC. We knew from day one that we needed a way to differentiate ourselves from the many other local firms. McCarthy LePage Architects sounds very professional, but we do things differently. We needed a name that was a bit more personal, so we launched our brand, Fivecat Studio. When you finally decide to start your own firm, you will need to make several critical decisions. One of the most important decisions you'll need to make is which business structure best fits your new firm. The business structure you choose will have significant legal and tax implications. This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I will talk about the 5 basic business structures available to small firm architects.   Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode Federal Small Business Administration (SBA) Website Please visit our Platform Sponsor: Freshbooks Join us in Atlanta: EntreArchitect One Day Live Event photo credit: Pixabay / stephanrinke The post EA069: The 5 Business Structures for Small Firm Architects [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

Click the podcast player button above to listen or subscribe to the show on iTunes. “Do you ever wonder what might happen if you chose not to work late on a deadline because you need to take care of your family? Do you ever daydream about working part time, but wonder how it may impact your career? Do you ever wonder what it would be like to stay home on Fridays with you little baby or to leave work early every day to get your kids off the bus or to leave early most days to see your kid's soccer games, or swim meets, or baseball practice? How would these impact your career? Maybe others would think that you couldn't travel anymore, or maybe you wouldn't be given the premier projects because others think that you're less available'. And maybe they'd be right is that going to delay your career progress? And does it matter?” Above is a quote from a recent entry at the new blog, Archimom.com. Do you ever wonder? Do you ever wonder what life would be like if the profession evolved to universally accept flex time and remote studios? Do you ever wonder what life would be like if our professional cultures throughout the world put a priority of raising families over making money? Do you ever wonder what could happen when one person recognizes a problem and decides to take the lead to find a solution. This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I am speaking with the founder of ArchiMom.com. Amy Kalar is one such person who has decided to stop watching from the sidelines. She is a leader in our profession and is pushing us all to wonder. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode Building the Business Case for Equity in Architecture (presentation) Women in Architecture & Design – Twin Cities AIA Minnesota Women in Architecture Committee The Missing 32% Project: Equity by Design Symposium Amazing ArchiMoms (blog post series) Do You Ever Wonder? (blog post) Air Mail App Mailbox App Boomerang for Gmail Scheduling email using MS Outlook Family Medical Leave Act ArchiMom.com Contact Amy on Twitter Please visit our Platform Sponsor: Freshbooks Join us in Atlanta: EntreArchitect One Day Live Event The post EA068: Solutions for Architect Moms (and Dads) with ArchiMom.com Founder Amy Kalar [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Take Action! Every once in a while I need to look inward at my own life and remind myself how blessed I am. I often find myself falling into a mild depression, stressed and discouraged by what I have not yet achieved. It is important for me to look to the good things in my life. The blessings that I have been granted and the great achievements I have already attained. Life is good and sometimes I need to stop and smell the roses… or in my case I need to stop and smell the high octane racing fuel. That always brings me back to good times! I find that the best way to snap out of my occasional funk is to get to work. Refocus on what matters and get stuff done. Be productive and make progress on the things that matter most. Even though we still struggle from time to time, over all, I have an amazing life. I am blessed with an amazing family, I enjoy an integrated life and spend lots of time with my kids and I have been successful in business and in leadership. Every day I continue to pursue my dreams and work to achieve greater success. And that it what makes me happy. The journey making progress and knowing that I am making a difference in the world. I want you to reach for your dreams. I want you to be successful in your own life so this week I will share **My 10 Steps to a Successful Life**.   Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller (book) The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy (book) *** Photo Credit: Pixabay.com / DrCarl The post EA067: My 10 Steps to a Successful Life [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

Click the podcast player button above to listen or subscribe to the show on iTunes. Last week on the podcast, I had the great opportunity to speak with Emily Hall, a senior associate with Union Studio Architecture and Community Design. We had a chat about how to take a very well known architecture firm with a recognized established brand and successfully rebrand that firm with a new name, a new logo and a new identity. If you missed that show, you should go back a take a listen. Emily shares some great insight for not only firms considering a rebranding exercise, but every one of us small firm architects. I think your firm's brand is so important frankly, I think it may be one of the most important factors in your success or failure as an architecture firm. This week I am going to expand on my thoughts from last week and share My 10 Rules for a Powerful Brand in Architecture. Please review this podcast on iTunes. *** Photo Credit: Andrey Armyagov / Shutterstock.com The post EA066: My 10 Rules for a Powerful Brand in Architecture [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Click the podcast player button above to listen or subscribe to the show on iTunes. When Annmarie and I launched our residential architecture studio in 1999, we made a very important decision about the name of our firm. We wanted to be sure that our name was unique and would clearly separate our studio from the many other residential architects in our region. We wanted a name that would be easy to remember, endure and outlive the firm's founders when the next generation might take the lead. We wanted a name that would not burden us as principals, forcing us to be the only people that prospects would want to meet when developing new business and interacting with clients. If our names were on the door, would we be the only people qualified to represent the firm? We wanted a name on which we could build a brand. We named our firm, Fivecat Studio and succeeded in building a successful brand of high-end residential architecture in the lower Hudson Valley of New York State. This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I am speaking with a person who understands the how important proper branding is to the success of every architect. She’s responsible for rebranding multiple New England-based architecture firms. Emily Hall is a Senior Associate with Union Studio Architecture & Community Design based in Providence, Rhode Island and we had a fantastic conversation about how to successfully rebrand an architecture firm.   Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode Union Studio Architecture & Community Design Donald Powers Architects Rhode Island School of Design Durkee Brown Viveiros Werenfels Architects Society for Marketing Professional Services University of Rhode Island Congress of New Urbanism Donald Powers, AIA, LEED AP, CNU Douglas Kallfelz, AIA, LEED AP, CNU Charrette Venture Group StatCounter Analytics Software Google Analytics Robert Troutman, Highland Standard (graphic design) Nail Communications Cote Renard Architecture Dig Architecture Using a design brief Definition of “Brand” Importance of brand continuity Operations manuals and brand guidelines (the brand book ) Chris McRobbie Design + Illustration (web design) Contact Emily Hall @UnionStudioArch on Twitter Episode Transcription (Transcript) How to Successfully Rebrand An Architecture Studio with Emily Hall Episode 65 Mark R LePage: This is the Entrepreneur Architect podcast episode 65. (music) Mark: Welcome back to Entrepreneur Architect podcast. My name is Mark R. LePage and this is the podcast dedicated to a successful life as a small firm architect. Whether you have plans to someday start your own firm, you're in the process to start up or you might be an experienced small firm architect just trying to make a difference, this podcast is for you. My goal is to inspire you to build a better business, so that you may pursue your purpose with passion and live the life of your dreams. Mark: When Annmarie and I launched our residential architecture studio in 1999 we made a very important decision about the name of our firm. We wanted to be sure that our name was unique and would clearly separate our studio from the many other residential architects in the region. We wanted a name that would be easy to remember, would endure and will outlive the firm's founder when the next generation might take the lead. We wanted a name that would not burden us as principals, forcing us to be the only people prospects would want to meet when developing new business or interacting with our clients. If our names where on the door would we be the only people qualified to represent the firm? We wanted a name on which we could build a brand. We named our firm Fivecat Studio and we succeeded in building a successful brand of high end residential architecture in the lower Hudson Valley of New York State. This week on the Entrepreneur Architect podcast, I'm speaking with a person who understands how important proper branding is to the success of every architect. She is responsible for branding and rebranding multiple New England based architecture firms. Emily Hall is a senior associate with Union Studio Architecture based Providence, Rhode Island and we had a fantastic conversation about how to successfully rebrand an architecture firm. (music) Support for everything we do here on entrepreneur architect is provided by our platform sponsor FreshBooks. The easiest ways to send invoices manages expenses and track your time for free 30 day trial visit freshbooks.com/architect. (Convo starts) Mark: Emily Hall welcome to the Entrepreneur Architect podcast. Emily Hall: Thank you thanks for having me. Mark: Thank you for taking the time to join me, I appreciate it. Emily: (Uh huh) Mark: You are a Senior Associate at a firm formerly known as Donald Powers Architects based in Providence, Rhode Island – my old stomping ground. I went Roger Williams University in Bristol, which is not too far from there. I&

Click the podcast player button above to listen or subscribe to the show on iTunes. After years of contributing to the profession of small firm architecture through my weekly post here at the blog, my weekly newsletter and at the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I wanted to make Entrepreneur Architect even more interactive; even more influential. I wanted to create a place where small firm architects could go to learn directly, face to face, from one another. I wanted a place where I could invite experts on specific topics of success in business, leadership and life to meet with us and teach us the fundamentals of success. So… this past summer, I launched Entrepreneur Architect Academy. Each week, dozens of small firm architects, members of Entrepreneur Architect Academy come together on a private GoToMeeting video conference. We have become fiends and we actively work to help one another become successful. I have learned so much from these people and so much from the experts who join us. Recently, the topic of our weekly meeting was Partnerships and I invited our friend from Episode 12 of the podcast, Rena Klein, to join us. We had a great discussion and we learned what it takes to enjoy a successful small firm partnership. This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I want to share what we learned. This week, I share 7 Truths of a Successful Small Firm Partnership.   Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode RM Klein Consulting The Architect’s Guide to Small Firm Management: Making Chaos Work for Your Small Firm Episode 012: How Business Consultants Will Help Small Firm Architect Build Better Businesses Entrepreneur Architect Academy Share Your Thoughts What are your thoughts on partnerships? Did I forget anything? Do you disagree with my “truths”? What are your “truths” for a successful partnership? *** Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Greg Epperson The post EA064: 7 Truths of Successful Small Firm Partnerships [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Click the podcast player button above to listen or subscribe to the show on iTunes. Have you ever put all your heart and soul into a architecture project? Have you ever worked from inception at Schematic Design, developed all the details during Design Development, assembled the construction documents, bid it out and then handled it off to some unknown contractor to build? How often do we do this? How often do our ideas get revised, simplified and value engineered , just to make it easier for the contractor to build? Have you ever thought “I could do better? I wish I could control the project all the way through construction? I wish I could make certain that my ideas are fully executed and every detail is exactly the way I want it?” Have you ever considered how beneficial it would be for you as the architect, to control quality, manage the expectations of your client and assure that they are “raving fans” when the project is complete . and then they tell all their friends how you, the architect, built their home instead of the contractor basking in all that glory? This week’s guest on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast did something about that. This past year, with a new modern home on his boards, he pitched the idea of constructing that project for his client. The client agreed and Dig Architecture was born. Today on on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I am speaking with my friend Nicholas Renard about his architecture firm, Cote Renard Architecture, how he is marketing his Florida based firm and why he launched Dig Architecture, his new construction management company.   Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode Cote Renard Architecture Dig Architecture (Construction Management) Maria Chrissovergis Public Relations Buildertrend The post EA063: Residential Construction Management with Architect Nicholas Renard [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

Click the podcast player button above to listen or subscribe to the show on iTunes. This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I have a very special guest. He's a friend of mine and a rising star in the profession. Elected as the current president of the American Institute of Architecture Students in December of 2013, I met this man at a small reception following my speech at the organization's annual convention in Chicago. Within minutes of meeting him, I knew that he would be elected the next day and would continue on to do great things for the profession. As president of AIAS, Charlie Klecha is in the process of doing great things. I am excited to see where his journey leads and I am happy to share his story with you here on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast.   Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in the Episode AIAS Forum AIAS National University of Michigan The Art Institute of Chicago AIAS Roger Williams I Fight Dragons Episode 50 with Nick Serfass, AIAS Executive Director Society for Design Administration AIA Convention Architecture Registration Exam (A.R.E.) AIA Detroit AIA Michigan Follow AIAS National on Twitter Follow Charlie Klecha on Twitter The post EA062: Emerging Leaders with AIAS President Charlie Klecha [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

Click the podcast player button above to listen or subscribe to the show on iTunes. Sylvia Montgomery is a senior partner and head of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction practice at Hinge Marketing. When she's not traveling around the country for speaking engagements or client meetings, you will find Sylvia creating marketing and branding strategies for clients, supervising her A/E/C team, developing new business, or working on her personal brand. With a 20-year career spanning visual communications, strategy, and marketing, and over a decade working in the A/E/C sector, Sylvia brings a creative, business-focused approach to her client engagements. She specializes in agile marketing for professional services firms, creating actionable, research-driven strategies tailored to helping businesses grow. I've been following Sylvia for years on the Hinge Marketing blog and I've connected numerous times on Twitter. Sylvia always has something interesting or thought provoking to share with us architects on how we can get noticed in this very noisy world.   Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in the Episode HingeMarketing.com Hinge Marketing on Twitter Sylvia Montgomery on Twitter Visible Expert (book) <<— Free Download Quote of the Week Art is what we call…the thing an artist does. It’s not the medium or the oil or the price or whether it hangs on a wall or you eat it. What matters, what makes it art, is that the person who made it overcame the resistance, ignored the voice of doubt and made something worth making. Something risky. Something human. Art is not in the …eye of the beholder. It’s in the soul of the artist. – Seth Godin The post EA061: Marketing Trends for Architects with Sylvia Montgomery [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Last winter, the founder and CEO of Charrette Venture Group, Matt Ostanik contacted me and inquired about my interest in being a jury member of his new Architecture Business Plan Competition. I receive emails and requests all the time asking me to buy things or participate in surveys or to join a networking group or just notification that I am a winner of the million dollar grand prize. So when Matt contacted me, I was skeptical. And when he mentioned that the grand prize for his “no-strings attached” Architecture Business Plan Competition was $10,000 alarm bells went off in my head. But as I researched Charrette Venture Group and learned what Matt was trying to do, I became interested in learning more. Matt was coming into New York for business and asked if I could meet for coffee. Last March, Matt and I and Matt's associate, Todd Reding met for coffee in Pleasantville where my office was before we moved it back to our home office here in Chappaqua. It was at that meeting when I learned of Matt's mission and his plan to help architects build better businesses. His mission is similar to mine we just want to give back and help the profession grow. After that meeting I was all in. I was invited to join Matt as a member of the competition jury. I also became sort of an informal advisor to help them connect with small firms and specifically you, the Entrepreneur Architect community. The 2014 Architecture Business Plan Competition was a huge success. I talked all about the results back in episode 36 and wrote about it in several posts. You may find links to these posts below. This year, I've been asked to join the jury once again and this week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I am speaking with Todd Reding, who since that first coffee meeting with Matt and me, has become the Chief Operating Officer of Charrette Venture Group. We talked about, not only the business plan competition, but also about Charrette Venture Group, it's purpose and how the competition is helping the profession grow.   Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in the Episode Episode 36: A Call to Action for Small Firm Architects Giving Back is Good Business (Results from 2014 Business Plan Competition) Architecture Business Plan Competition Contact Todd Reding, COO of Charrette Venture Group The post EA060: Architecture Business Plan Competition with Todd Reding [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

There is an invisible force occurring with every project we start and it is working against us. It’s working against me. It’s working against you. It is working against every small firm architect, at a very rapid pace. You need to get things done before it shows up and finds your client. This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I will share my experience with the I.P.S., also know as the Inevitable Priority Shift. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in the Episode My Rules for Creating Systems for Success (Episode 30) This Week’s Homework This week homework is to create 1 new system. Pick one task from your current process and break it down to it's essential elements. Document each small step and create a simple system to complete that task. I am not asking for an entire operations manual just one simple system for one simple task. Once you are done, share what you did here in the comments below. Share which task you chose… and how it is working for you. *** Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Stasique The post EA059: The Invisible Force Working Against Every Small Firm Architect [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

In this episode of the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I talk about my goals for 2015 and how I will accomplish each one. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in the Episode The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey (book) EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches by Dave Ramsey (book) Zig Ziglar’s Wheel of Life Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyatt (book) The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller (book) Lewis Howes interview with motivational speaker Eric Thomas on School of Greatness Podcast “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe. Then you will be successful.” (video) Rich Dad Poor Dad: What The Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki (book) This Week’s Homework This week's homework is to work smarter for one week. Turn off the TV. Limit your internet. Turn off the notifications on your phone. Eliminate everything that is unnecessary and not leading your to your ONE Thing. I want you to calculate how many hours you found to work harder? Please leave a comment below and let me know how many hours you found. Episode Sponsor Entrepreneur Architect Academy *** Photo Credit: Shutterstock / new photo The post EA058: Work Harder [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

As the new year quickly approaches, we hear the annual recommendations for planning our year ahead. Every magazine and blog is running an article about how to plan for 2015. Although stating long term goals and planning for their success is important, I suggest that planning your week, every week, will put you closer to your desired target when this time rolls around again next year. This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I share my 7 steps to a more successful work week. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey (book) First Things First by Stephen R. Covey (book) School of Greatness Podcast: Lewis Howes interview with Rory Vaden Nozbe Productivity Application (Use my affiliate link http://www.nozbe.com/a-EntreArchitect and support the show without any additional cost to you.) Entrepreneur Architect Podcast Episode 53 with Architect Dan Hart discussing productivity Episode Sponsor Entrepreneur Architect Foundations: Business Documents and Checklists for Small Firm Architects *** Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Tashatuvango The post EA057: 7 Steps to a Successful Work Week for Small Firm Architects [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

As Entrepreneur Architects, we are all leaders. Whether we are running a firm of 1 or 100, it is leadership that will determine the success or failure of a firm. It does not matter how bad the economy gets or how your opportunities may have been reduced by circumstances outside your control. The fate of your firm sits squarely in your hands. It will be your vision, your decisions, your words and your actions that will lead your firm to the next level and beyond. If your firm is not where you want it to be, you must make the changes necessary to move it in a different direction a direction forward toward success. This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast I will share my 5 rules for successful leadership. Please review this podcast on iTunes.   Question of the Week Do you know an extraordinary leader? Describe them in the comments below. What are the traits that this person possesses that makes them so special? The post EA056: My 5 Rules of Successful Leadership for Small Firm Architects [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

The passion required to overcome the fear and uncertainty of launching a start-up business is a very powerful emotion. It's what takes us from business-owner architect to Entrepreneur Architect. It's what gets us out of bed every morning and keeps us going years later. Passion for what we do though, will only take us so far. To become a great firm, a truly great business success, we must also have a passion for profit. I know Profit. To some, profit is a dirty word, but the reality is that without profit, your passion for being an architect will very quickly evaporate. It is the passion for profit that allows us to grow our firms and continue to build successful practices. This week on the Entrepreneur Architect, I will share 5 ways to earn more profit and keep the Passion Profit Cycle alive. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber (book) The Winner Effect: The Neuroscience of Success and Failure by Ian H. Robertson (book) Enroll Now at Entrepreneur Architect Academy Building a Debt Zero Business *** Photo Credit: pedrosek / 123RF Stock Photo The post EA055: The Passion Profit Cycle of Success for Your Small Firm [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

Once per month, my friend Bob Borson at LifeofanArchitect.com organizes a group of bloggers to write on a specific topic. The series is called #ArchiTalks. Search for it on Twitter or on EntreArchitect.com and you will find links to all the other posts from the series. This is a day in the life of Mark R LePage; November 26th, 2014. Happy Thanksgiving! Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode #ArchiTalks LifeofanArchitect.com Gordon Parks Foundation Gordon Parks (Wikipedia) Village of Pleasantville Sundance Deli Fivecat Studio Entrepreneur Architect Coaching Services ScheduleOnce Entrepreneur Architect Academy (Join us) Rena Klein of RM Klein Consulting Check Out the Other #ArchiTalks Posts Bob Borson – Life of An Architect @bobborson A Day in the Life of an Architect Matthew Stanfield – FiELD9: architecture @FiELD9arch A Day in the Life of FiELD9: architecture Marica McKeel – Studio MM @ArchitectMM A Day in the Life of a Small Firm Residential Architect Jeff Echols – Architect Of The Internet @Jeff_Echols What To Do When You Lose Your Job In Architecture: A Day In The Life Lee Calisti, AIA – Think Architect @LeeCalisti a day in the life…part 2 Evan Troxel – Archispeak Podcast / TRXL @etroxel A Day in My Life Lora Teagarden – L² Design, LLC @L2DesignLLC A Day in the Life of: An Almost Architect Collier Ward – Thousand Story Studio @collier1960 A Day in the Life of an Architect Cormac Phalen – Cormac Phalen @archy_type Life in a Day of Panic Nicholas Renard – Cote Renard Architecture @coterenard Another Day of Living the Dream Andrew Hawkins, AIA – Hawkins Architecture, Inc. @hawkinsarch Day in the Life of a Small Firm Owner Jeremiah Russell, AIA – ROGUE Architecture @rogue_architect a day in the life of a rogue architect Jes Stafford – Modus Operandi Design @modarchitect A Day in the Life of MODarchitect *** Photo Credit: Pixabay / CC0 Public Domain The post EA054: A Day in the Life of Mark R. LePage [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

As small firm architects, we are all wearing so many hats. We have so much going on in our lives. As Partner in Charge of Operations at my small firm Fivecat Studio, I am CEO, COO, CFO, President, Director of Architectural Services, Architect, Project Manager, Office Manager, Book keeper, Receptionist and custodian and thats just at work. How do we get it all done? There is a secret to getting everything done. Do you know the secret? The secret to getting everything done… You CAN'T! You can not get it ALL done, but you can get done the things that matter most. This week on the Entrepreneur Architect podcast, I am speaking with a new friend of mine, Daniel Hart. Dan is an architect and principal at Parkhill Smith and Cooper, an architecture and engineering firm located in Midland, Texas. In additional to his roles in architecture, he is a speaker who presents on how to be more productive, how to get more done and frankly, how to have a better life as an architect. I really enjoyed our conversation. I think it will inspire you to start your own journey toward a a better life, getting done the things that matter most and having more time to spend doing the things you are meant to do. *** If you like this episode, please take a few minutes to rate and review the podcast on iTunes. This is how you may help me spread the word about Entrepreneur Architect and our mission to become an influential force in the profession of architecture. Just click the link below. Thank you. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in This Episode Texas Tech University Parkhill Smith & Cooper Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen (Book) First Things First by Stephen R. Covey (Book) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey (Book) Writer Frederick Buecher   The post EA053: Find Your Purpose Through Personal Productivity with Architect Dan Hart [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast is a registered Architect based in Allentown Pennsylvania. He has worked in the architectural field since 1993, specializing in high-end residential architecture. Published in a variety of professional journals and magazines, Doug Patt worked on projects that have received American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Builders Awards in residential architecture. He is the creator of the How to Architect website and the How to Architect YouTube channel with over 160 videos, 50,000 YouTube subscribers and over 12,000,000 video views web wide. Doug is the author of How to Architect, published by MIT Press. He is the co-founder of RootPhi, LLC a product development company. Co-creator and inventor of three patented products including one for Avifauna. He created and spun out two businesses including Golaces, LLC, which was acquired by a publicly held footwear company, and Reclaim, LLC which licensed technology to San Francisco based soft goods company Timbuk2. Doug is the creator of The Architect’s Academy, an online classroom teaching architecture and design. He is a classically trained painter and has sold artwork through Target stores nationally. Doug Patt is most certainly an Entrepreneur Architect. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in This Episode Brian Witlin Penn State Architecture How To Architect Website How To Architect YouTube Video Channel How to Architect (Book) CRANtv (AIA CRAN Video Series) AIA CRAN RootPhi, LLC Patent Writing Creating Prototypes MFG.com The Architect’s Birdfeeder Joeb Moore + Partners Architects, LLC The Architect’s Academy @HowToArchitect on Twitter About Doug Patt   The post EA052: How to Take Your Idea to Market with HowToArchitect Founder Doug Patt appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

A few week back, I traveled to the west coast of the United States to attend The Equity by Design Symposium organized by a committee of AIA San Francisco called The Missing 32%. The event was well attended (in fact it was sold out) and very well produced. It was a day filled with thought provoking seminars and workshops focused on the disparity between men and women in architecture. This week our guest on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast is the founder of The Missing 32% committee, the chairman of the Equity by Design Symposium and a rising star among leaders in our profession. She's been a guest on the show before and in fact, is the first two-time guest on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast. I have invited her back to discuss the event and to share some of the very revealing results of the Equity by Design Survey. Rosa Sheng, AIA is our guest this week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast. We reveal the results of the Equity by Design Survey and discuss the very successful Equity by Design Symposium. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in This Episode Episode 027: Investigating the Missing 32% with Architect Rosa Sheng Equity by Design Survey: Early Findings The Missing 32% in the News No longer Missing: Pamela Tang’s return to Architecture Susan Colantuono Ted Talk: The Career Advice You Probably Didn’t Get Exposing Hidden Bias at Google (Implicit Bias) Mommy Penalty, Daddy Bonus 15 Things You Can Do to Jumpstart Equity in Architecture The Missing 32% on Twitter The post EA051: Finding The Missing 32% with Equity by Design Founder Rosa Sheng [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I have the privilege to be speaking with a man that may have some answers for students and professionals regarding IDP, the AIAS and the future of the profession. As a former assistant director of the Intern Development Program (IDP) for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and as the new Executive Director of the American Institute of Architecture Students, Nick Serfass is in a very unique position. As a Project Architect earlier in his career, as a member of the Board of Directors for his local Richmond Virginia chapter of the AIA and leading the way on both sides of IDP, Nick Serfass has a perspective of the profession that few others possess. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in This Episode American Institute of Architecture Students Intern Development Program AIA Richmond AIAS Forum 2014 Nashville Charlie Klecha and Obi Okolo Roger Williams University AIAS ABX (ArchitectureBoston Expo) Mastery by Robert Greene (Book)   The post EA050: Big Changes with AIAS Executive Director Nick Serfass [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, Bob Fisher of DesignIntelligence and I have a fantastic conversation about how small firm architects may succeed through storytelling. Another submission to the #ArchiTalks blog series, this episode is being published simultaneously with many other #ArchiTalks blog posts from all over the internet. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for links to many other #ArchiTalks submissions. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in This Episode The Greenway Group Design Futures Council DesignIntelligence The AIA Foresight Report #ArchiTalks Episode 40: This is Exciting – Making a Difference at Entrepreneur Architect Visit Many Other #ArchiTalks Bloggers Enoch Sears – Business of Architecture @businessofarch The Secret Ingredient To Convincing Anyone To Do (Almost) Anything Bob Borson – Life of An Architect @bobborson Architectural Storytelling – It’s My Thing Matthew Stanfield – FiELD9: architecture @FiELD9arch Stories in Architecture Marica McKeel – Studio MM @ArchitectMM Take the Time to Tell Your Story. Jeff Echols – Architect Of The Internet @Jeff_Echols Architects can Improve their Marketing by Incorporating Storytelling Lee Calisti, AIA – Think Architect @LeeCalisti architecture as storytelling Evan Troxel – TRXL @etroxel It’s Their Story Lora Teagarden – L² Design, LLC @L2DesignLLC Architectural Storytelling: The Legacy of Design Collier Ward – Thousand Story Studio @collier1960 Architecture and Storytelling are Forever Linked Cormac Phalen – Cormac Phalen @archy_type THE GENERATIONAL STORY ARCHITECTURE AS STORYTELLING Nicholas Renard – Cote Renard Architecture @coterenard The Story of a Listener Andrew Hawkins, AIA – Hawkins Architecture, Inc. @hawkinsarch Architectural Story Books *** Photo Credit: michaklootwijk / 123RF Stock Photo The post EA048: Success Through Storytelling with Bob Fisher of DesignIntelligence [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

I am, like so many of you I am a dreamer. Every day of my life, since I was a small child, I have lived much of my waking life and in fact, many of my sleeping hours as well, dreaming about my future. What life will be like when I finally reach that pinnacle of success. I have always had the ability to create a very lucid vision for my tomorrow. I can certainly credit much of my success and many of my accomplishments, as minor as they may be, to this gift of vision. I have always set goals and have always worked to reach them. I have not always landed where I expected this entire thing called “Entrepreneur Architect” is a testament to that, but I have certainly progressed in my life because I have looked toward the future and dreamed. But there is also a downside for us dreamers. We can be easily distracted by the new and exciting. I am sure so many of us listening were told as child that we needed to stop day dreaming and focus on what's important. Even today as adults, we may continue to chase the newest, grandest, shiniest object, abandoning the last big idea for the next sure thing. Resulting in never really accomplishing anything. This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I will share my 5 ways to focus your gift for vision and maybe even inspire you to let your dreams take you to a life of success and happiness. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in This Episode Lake George, New York Matamoras, Pennsylvania Entrepreneur On Fire Podcast Episode 527 (My interview with John Lee Dumas) *** Photo Credit: prometeus / 123RF Stock Photo The post EA047: 5 Ways To Focus Your Gift as a Dreamer [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

I believe the most important business skill you need to succeed is knowing how to build rapport. This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I share my 10 steps to build better rapport and close more sales. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in This Episode Entrepreneur Architect Podcast Episode 31: The Architectural Services Sales System Entrepreneur Architect Hybrid Proposal for Architectural Services Westchester Community College Academy of Entrepreneurial Excellence Entrepreneur Architect Academy Mailing List *** Photo Credit: vgstudio / 123RF Stock Photo The post EA046: My 10 Steps to Build Better Rapport and Close More Sales [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

My name is Mark R. LePage and I am a recovering procrastinator. After 40+ years, I don't have much hope of ever finding a cure, but recently I have found some ways to hang on to the wagon and stay focused on getting things done. With so many things on my plate, I often find myself paralyzed with overwhelm and I get nothing done. I fall back on old bad habits of soothing time wasters like clicking the Get Mail button on my Mac over and over again and checking my email for the next very important message. Or I find myself on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or all three, refreshing over and over again hoping to see the next update. Anything to make myself feel like I am accomplishing something. Anything to keep me from doing the things that really matter. The things that will help me progress and take my firm to the next level. I am sure this all sounds too familiar to you. I can tell you though that I am getting much better at conquering this painful habit of procrastination. Among running my architecture firm, Fivecat Studio, building the Entrepreneur Architect platform, launching the Academy and committing to getting some real sleep, I have found it necessary to find effective ways to stay productive during the day. I have read books. I have listened to podcasts. I have searched the web, high and low, to find as much information as possible on the subject of procrastination and how to conquer it. So today on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I will share 10 tips that I am using to conquer my procrastination. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode Erik J. Fisher’s Beyond the To Do List Podcast Fivecat Studio Entrepreneur Architect Academy The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business The 12/12/12 Project Archispeak Podcast *** Photo Credit: stuartphoto / 123RF Stock Photo The post EA045: 10 Tips From a Recovering Procrastinator [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

Last December I was invited to speak at AIAS Forum 2013; the American Institute of Architecture Students national convention. This year the event was held in Chicago Yes, Chicago in December, and yes, we were snowed-in for days. While we waited for the airports to open, I had the opportunity to speak in length with many of the architecture students in attendance. They asked me many questions, but the one concern they had more than any other was what they should do to land their first job in architecture. I shared my thoughts and told them to watch the website for more on the subject. So, here it is a promise fulfilled. In this episode of the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I will share my 12 Rules for Landing your First Job in Architecture. Referenced in This Episode American Institute of Architecture Students Roger Williams University Barry Poskanzer, AIA Purple Cow, New Edition: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable–Includes new bonus chapter Entrepreneur Architect Academy HealingMatthew.com HealingMatthew on Facebook HealingMatthew on Twitter OTC Deficiency on Wikipedia *** Photo Credit: ximagination / 123RF Stock Photo The post EA044: How to Land Your First Job in Architecture [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

Everything I do in business, I approach as an experiment. It’s been 9 months since moving Fivecat Studio out of our 2,000 square foot studio in Pleasantville, New York to a new 200 square foot studio in our Chappaqua home. It’s been very successful and I love what we’re doing, but this week on the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I will share five mistakes I made when launching my virtual architecture studio. Referenced in This Episode Entrepreneur Architect Academy Fujitsu ScanSnap iX500 Scanner for PC and Mac (PA03656-B005) Dropbox Evernote ADOSAR Project Management System Chris Ducker New Business Podcast Virtual Freedom: How to Work with Virtual Staff to Buy More Time, Become More Productive, and Build Your Dream Business Virtual Staff Finder My 4 Simple Steps to Getting Things Done *** Photo Credit: jirkaejc / 123RF Stock Photo The post EA043: 5 Mistakes I Made When Launching My Virtual Architecture Studio [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

It is the individual small firm architects, taking charge of their own success and working with other individual architects; collaborating and sharing their knowledge that will really take this profession to new levels… and this really excites me. Today on the podcast, in the spirit of sharing what is exciting me most, I want to present an update on my progress here at Entrepreneur Architect. Referenced in this Episode ArchiTalks No.1: My Answers to 11 Big Questions About Architecture EA000: Introduction to the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast The Entrepreneur Architect Report (My Free Weekly Newsletter) AIA Westchester Hudson Valley Design Expo Business of Architecture Summit The Missing 32% Equity by Design Symposium Texas Society of Architects 75th Annual Convention Entrepreneur Architect Facebook Page Entrepreneur Architect on Twitter Entrepreneur Architect Private Linkedin Group Entrepreneur Architect on Google+ Entrepreneur Architect on Instagram Entrepreneur Architect Academy Mailing List More From the ArchiTalks Tribe Bob Borson Life of an Architect (twitter @bobborson) This is Exciting – The Beginning of the End Marica McKeel Studio MM (twitter @ArchitectMM) From Dreams to Reality THIS is Exciting Jes Stafford Modus Operandi Design (twitter @modarchitect) This is Exciting It is All Comes Together Enoch Sears Business of Architecture (twitter @enochsears) This is Exciting: Marketing for Architects that Works Jeff Echols Architect of the Internet (twitter @Jeff_Echols) This is Exciting: 5 Re's to Change the Future of Architecture Lee Calisti – Think Architecture (twitter @leecalisti) this is exciting :: start + finish Oscia Wilson Boiled Architecture (twitter @oscia_wilson) This is exciting they're fighting it out Matthew Stanfield Field9 Architecture (twitter @FIELD9arch) This is exciting Jeremiah Russell – Jeremiah S. Russell, Architect (twitter @ronestudioarch) I'm so excited! Cormac Phalen – Archispeak Podcast (twitter @archispk and @archy_type) The End is Like the Beginning Evan Troxel – (twitter @etroxel) This is Exciting Because it's real Nicholas Renard Cote Renard Architecture (twitter @coterenard) This Right Here This is Exciting *** Photo Credit: icenando / 123RF Stock Photo The post EA042: This is Exciting – Making a Difference at Entrepreneur Architect [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity

To successfully complete a project, an architect is responsible for making thousands of critical decisions. To complete the development of a standard residential additions and alterations project, it takes several months of focus and dedication. Many of us work long hours, long into the night, through weekends and holidays. The innovative ideas and concepts we create can often only be born after hours (sometimes days) of intense thought and several dozen layers of sketch paper. The personal emotion, attachment and dedication that each project receives is unequaled in any other profession.The time and effort required to properly develop a design and complete a thorough set of construction documents is difficult for most anyone outside the profession to understand. As a requirement for licensure, registered architects are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of every occupant in every project we design. Like any small business, architects must pay the typical operating expenses required to remain buoyant, such as utilities, professional service fees, consultants' fees, insurances and several other overhead expenditures. But wait for architects, there's more. To protect us from the liabilities inherent in our responsibilities as licensed professionals, most architects also purchase an additional Professional Liability insurance policy costing several thousand dollars each year. Then, there's that little thing called profit. Every business, including architecture firms (yes, its true!), must earn a profit. It's one of the rules to the game . In order to continue pursuing our success as architects, we must not only cover our expenses and take home a salary, we must make enough to reinvest into the business. Most sole proprietors and small firms I know, struggle to meet the minimum requirements of operation. Forget about profit. Simply stated Architects just don't make enough money. On this episode of The Entrepreneur Architect Podcast, I am sharing my top 10 ways architects can earn more money. Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode Entrepreneur Architect Hybrid Proposal Entrepreneur Architect Academy Mailing List ArchitectsMarketing.com How to Succeed in Architecture: Knowing Your Worth as Architects (Google Hangout) The post EA041: Top 10 Ways Architects Can Earn More Money [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Context & ClarityContext & ClarityFrosty & Fired Up

A little past 6AM, tunes from the local radio station wake me from a very deep slumber. Typically, I will set the alarm to 6:14, so I hear music rather than the daily bad news report. I am very serious about my full media blackout . I certainly don't spend enough time sleeping and for the past few weeks I've been rising at 4:34AM. My oldest son James decided that he wanted to join a morning swim training camp and he needs to be on deck by 5:50AM. So this is my summer schedule and sleep is still something I am still trying to figure out. I'm up late every night working on the website, recording an episode for this podcast or catching up on paperwork from the studio. I work very hard to keep balance in my life. I'm a scout dad as well as a swim dad. I eat dinner with my family every evening (unless I have a conflicting client meeting). As an Entrepreneur Architect, that's not an easy schedule, but it's worth every sacrifice that it requires. After many years of suffering the recent economic storm, the firm has full boards again and clients with high expectations. With our new virtual studio business model, I am wearing many hats these days and currently hold the positions of CEO, COO, CFO, President, Director of Architectural Services, Architect, Project Manager, Draftsman, Office Manager, Book Keeper, Receptionist and Custodian and that's just at work. If you are an Entrepreneur Architect, I'm sure this sounds familiar. This week on the Entrepreneur Architect Academy I will share my 4 simple steps for getting things done. Please share your tips and techniques for how to get things done in the comments below. Let’s talk! Please review this podcast on iTunes. Referenced in this Episode The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey (book) Productivity Matrix PDF from USGS Evernote IFTTT (If This Then That) <— This is the app that I use to link my iPhone Reminders app to Evernote Sign up for Entrepreneur Architect Academy notification *** Photo Credit: pixelsaway / 123RF Stock Photo The post EA040: My 4 Simple Steps to Getting Things Done [Podcast] appeared first on EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects. Mentioned in this episode:Frosty & Fired UpContext & ClarityContext & Clarity