Marketers Take Flight (Lindsay Diven)
Explore every episode of Marketers Take Flight
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 09 Feb 2022 | 050: Already Ditched Your New Year's Resolutions? Try This Instead | 00:22:50 | |
Did you know that a quarter of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions after just one week? And after one month it increases again to 36%. So, by the time you are listening to this podcast over 1/3 of us have already abandoned our new year’s resolutions. So why do we keep setting New Year’s Resolutions? And, what can we do instead? In this episode, I share another system to achieve your goals – the SMARTER goal framework. The SMARTER goal framework is built on a simple premise: how goals are written matters. To be most effective, every goal must meet seven criteria. The SMART framework originally developed by GE in the 1980s has been transformed into the SMARTER system by Michael Hyatt. I’ll walk you through this framework, share examples, and provide you with a template to get started. If you’re creating new goals or already have some in mind – using the SMARTER system to write them down is the first step to achieving them! I am cheering for you to achieve your goals and I know that writing them down using the SMARTER system will give you a great head start. For more information about the SMARTER system and SMARTER System Goal Template head over to the show notes page – marketerstakeflight.com/50.
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| 23 Feb 2022 | 051: 5 Lies We Tell Ourselves That Poison Our Productivity | 00:19:54 | |
Have you been working harder, or pusher harder to achieve your goals? And is that taking a toll on your energy, relationships, and maybe even your health? Do you think that the only way to get it all done is to put in more hours, or work after the kids go to bed? Or, if only that project manager would meet his proposal deadlines, your work would be better? I talk to marketers nearly every day and what I hear is that their biggest struggles are too many proposal deadlines, not enough resources, and the technical staff being too busy to get their proposal materials to them. And, while these things are actually happening, the way you process and talk to yourself about these things are really poisoning your productivity. Dear, I say they are excuses? And, they are the same excuses I have been hearing for 15+ years, even before COVID. And they are based on five areas or five basic excuses. Learn what these five lies are in this episode.
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| 02 Mar 2022 | 052: How to Find Projects for Your AEC Firm | 00:15:17 | |
One of the common questions I get from AEC marketing professionals is how to find RFPs (or potential projects) before the RFP is advertised. We hear repeatedly that we must do our capture planning and firm positioning before the project is advertised. What is not discussed enough is how to find out about the projects before they get advertised. And, since I have recently presented on this topic twice to different organizations, I thought it would resonate with you, my podcast listeners. So, in this podcast episode, I share a high-level introduction to market research for AEC firms. I cover how to develop a market research strategy, what type of intelligence to gather when conducting your research, who to talk to, what to ask, and places to look for project information. I share my follow-the-money (and demand) strategy, along with a real-life example from my previous firm. And, stay with me until the end of the episode to get a research template freebie. Here are some episode highlights:
Don’t forget to turn that insight into action. Comment over on the show notes page at marketerstakeflight.com/52 if you found out about a project other than one of the ways I listed above. I would love to hear other ideas. And you would be helping others by sharing your knowledge. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss the next episode. And, if you liked what you heard today, please share it with your marketing friends. I am a firm believer that as our individual skills improve, the entire AEC industry grows.
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| 09 Mar 2022 | 053: Tips to Advocate for Yourself and Advance Your Career | 00:29:48 | |
Have you thought about creating your own personal brand? How about creating your own elevator pitch to help open the conversation? We have all been on those Zoom calls, waiting for the meeting to get started and making small talk. This is the perfect time to introduce yourself and make an impression. In today’s episode, I’m talking to Maisha Hagan who gives us a few pointers about turning that small talk into a little question with a big answer. You may feel uncomfortable talking about yourself at meetings, conferences, or on Zoom calls but there is no better person to advocate for you and your skills. Maisha has some tips on how to achieve that self-advocacy whether you are an introvert or extrovert. You may want to listen in before you step on that plane for the next conference. Here are some highlights:
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| 16 Mar 2022 | 054: A Better Approach to Go/No Go Decision-Making | 00:17:36 | |
Deciding whether an AEC firm should pursue a project or not, can turn into heated debates and result in hurt feelings. Some AEC firms have a pretty stringent go/no go process, that quite frankly can be manipulated. Other firms have some sort of evaluation. Many don’t have any go/no go consideration at all. They just go after all RFPs. That’s probably why you want to listen to this episode. Maybe your firm doesn’t have a go/no-go decision-making process but wants to start one. OR you do have one, sort of, but everyone just ignores it. Either way, you want to help your firm make better decisions when it comes to what projects to pursue so you will have time to properly position, time to create beautiful and compelling proposals, and frankly, just have a life outside of work. Even if you’re not the person making the ultimate decision, I want you to know that you can lead and facilitate this go/no go decision-making process for your firm. In this episode, I share why I think it’s so hard for AEC Firms to make these decisions or stick to a process, what the REAL purpose of a go/no go decision should be, and walk you through an example of go/no go evaluation process you can implement at your firm. Stay to the end to learn how to get example go/no go evaluation questions. Here are a few episode highlights:
And if you need even more inspiration to help you develop your go/no go decision-making, I have put together a list of 32 questions. I have personally used most of these in the past. Others I have gathered through research and collected from other marketers. Get your copy over on the show notes page at marketerstakeflight.com/54. Feel free to use and adapt for your firm as needed. In the end, I think everyone wants what is best for the firm and its success. Making better go/no go decisions, especially those that are a result of a consensus, allows you and your firm more time to focus on proposals that have the greatest chance of winning and more time to produce higher quality proposals.
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| 23 Mar 2022 | 055: Have We Mislabeled the AEC Marketing Coordinator Role? | 00:41:58 | |
Today we may have something controversial to discuss. What is the difference between business development, sales, and marketing? Are you one of the many people in your firm that has marketing in your title but perhaps the bulk of your daily tasks isn’t actually marketing? Tim Asimos is here to discuss with me the evolution of the AEC industry and the sales and marketing titles, job descriptions, and workloads. And perhaps the industry is getting it wrong. We discuss the differences between the titles and where they should be. He also explains why a mislabeled marketing coordinator title could be affecting the recruitment and retention of ideal candidates. Tim will tell us who has a handle on these roles and how firms can realign to attract the best marketing professional. Here are some highlights:
Learn more about Tim Asimos and how he works with AEC firms over on the show notes page - https://www.marketerstakeflight.com/55.
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| 30 Mar 2022 | 056: 5 Key Skills AEC Marketing Coordinators Need to Advance Their Career | 00:18:40 | |
If you’re listening to this podcast, chances are you’re either in marketing or business development for an AEC firm. And, as such, most of your work revolves around proposals. You are most likely coordinating multiple proposals any given week. I know this because I was you. Since 2005 when I began as a marketing coordinator at an engineering firm – learning how to coordinate a proposal submission was task #1 of my onboarding. Since then, I have trained dozens of AEC marketing coordinators at three different firms, specifically on how to produce winning proposals. And through this experience, I have realized that there are a few key areas to really master to grow your career in the marketing or pursuit management departments at AEC firms. Those topics or areas of mastery include:
In this episode, I give you a brief overview of each. Then I share how you can get to mastery level for each topic that will give you more career options—even if you don’t want to stay with proposals.
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| 06 Apr 2022 | 057: How to Write a Persuasive AEC Proposal Cover Letter | 00:33:08 | |
The most important part of your proposal is your cover letter. This first impression could grab the attention of your reader and set the stage for your proposal to be shortlisted. If you start your cover letter with “We are excited to submit?” then you are going to want to stop and listen to this episode. Peter Kienle is here to offer advice on what you should and should not include in your cover letter. If you find yourself seeing some similarities, we have some support for you as well. A few ideas on what you should be including the length of the cover letter, how to summarize it, and even who should be signing. Stop creating your cover letter all wrong and start getting those proposals read and shortlisted. Here are some highlights:
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| 13 Apr 2022 | 058: 3 Ways to Prepare for an Unexpected RFP | 00:10:44 | |
Today we are talking about three ways you can start preparing for an unexpected RFP. Because let’s be honest, even though we want to have months and months to do our capture planning and prepositioning, a lot of times, a project manager or principal brings you an RFP that wasn’t on your radar. So, what do you do when you hear about an RFP that is going to be advertised next week? What can you start doing now to make the proposal production go smooth and still put out a customized, persuasive proposal to give your firm the best shot at winning? Especially, since you’re already working on 2 or 3 other pursuits at the same time. Well, I’ve been there my friends. A project that we were either tracking or a client we have been meeting with, lets us know that RFP is coming out next week or in a few weeks. We are way behind on the capture planning efforts and have a few other must-win proposal deadlines already on our calendar. But, we know we have to submit this RFP coming out next week. So, we must start preparing, even if we can’t go through the full capture planning process. Having been through this many times in my past, I have found that there are three items or pieces of information you, as the proposal manager, can start working on the moment you hear about that RFP. And, in this episode, I am going to share those items with you. Here are some episode highlights:
If you loved any of these or have any of your own items you start working on the moment you hear that RFP is coming out that you want to share with me, jump on Instagram, send me a DM, or post about it. Tag me. I’d love to know some of the proposals tasks you start working on the moment you hear that an unexpected RFP is coming. I genuinely would love to hear from you. And also, if you know someone who would enjoy this podcast episode, please grab the link and share it with them. I’d be so grateful.
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| 20 Apr 2022 | 059: Using CRM Data for Better Proposals | 00:38:38 | |
It’s all in the data. Data is being used more than ever before. It's being used to make decisions, create products and services, to find solutions to problems; it's not just about managing the data, it's about using the data for something. Are you using that data to its fullest potential? Stacey Ho, CPSM loves all things data. She's here on the show today to talk to us about the four pillars of data collection and auditing: training, collection, auditing, and reporting. She’ll share with us examples of this data being used effectively to make intelligent decisions and prepare effective proposals. Here are some highlights:
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| 27 Apr 2022 | 060: Onboarding Process to Make New Marketing Coordinators Fall in Love [and Stay] with Your Firm | 00:21:46 | |
We all know how difficult it’s been to find and hire experienced marketing coordinators for our AEC firms. We are all usually underwater with deadlines and need help. Once we get that approval to hire, we need to not only find someone quickly but get that person up to speed and fully functionally ASAP. If you are one of the lucky ones to find this AEC marketing coordinator unicorn, you will want to make sure you set a great first impression, so he/she stays with your company for a long time. This is where a great onboarding experience can come into play. And that’s what today’s episode is about. I’m going to break down the different phases of onboarding and give you some ideas to make this experience better for the new hire and you so everyone feels good about the decision and even better, the new hire can feel like they are making meaningful contributions right away. Here are some episode highlights:
I provide you with two download freebies to help you start enhancing your marketing onboarding experience – the Resource Guidebook and Help Source Card questionnaires. You can download those for free over on the show notes page – marketerstakeflight.com/60. I hope you enjoyed this episode. I hope this gives you some ideas to enhance your new hire onboarding experience for your marketing department. I know we have a lot of creative people in the audience. So tell us, friends, what are some creative ways or experiences you provide to your new marketers? Share them with us in the comments on the show notes page.
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| 04 May 2022 | 061: AEC Firms: Add These LinkedIn Strategies to Your Marketing Plan | 00:38:59 | |
You most likely have a LinkedIn page for your firm. And, you're most likely posting employee get-togethers and industry events you're attending. Am I right? Additionally, Mindi discusses our profile, the importance of an up-to-date profile picture, and what a good headline should include. We discuss how our firms can help us with that headline and how it can be used to acquire new prospects or clients. This episode is packed with actionable strategies. Here are some highlights:
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| 18 May 2022 | 063: Build Firm Credibility with Media Relations | 00:31:04 | |
If you have ever opened a trade magazine, you might have thought, 'I can do that.' But you aren't sure where to start. And that's exactly what we're going to discuss today. Reputation Ink's Michelle Calcote King is here and we're talking about the content sweet spot, knowledge extraction, and editorial calendars. Consider taking notes on how to work through those steps if you have been thinking about getting published either for your own brand or for your firm. We have never discussed this topic before, so let's begin. Here are some highlights:
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| 11 May 2022 | 062: Asking the Right Questions to Get the Best Pursuit Intelligence | 00:10:14 | |
Capture Planning is an essential element in winning pursuits. It is a methodical process of understanding the client and decision-makers, the potential project, and the competitive landscape; and then turning that into a winning proposal. It often requires a full team of business development, marketing, and technical professionals. The goal is to have the right information to create compelling and compliant submissions that win! As you can imagine, much of the Capture Planning effort happens before the RFP is released. This important process assesses opportunities, and positions firms accordingly. And, part of the Capture Planning involves meeting with clients, stakeholders, and other decision-makers to gain intelligence about the project and its goals. To help you uncover the best information, you need to know what questions to ask and how to ask them. In this episode, I share a lesson from my Proposal Pro Course - Gap Finding. In this lesson, I explain what a gap is and why it's critical to help differentiate your firm. And then how to find gaps for your pursuits. (Hint: it involves asking great questions!)
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| 25 May 2022 | 064: How to Organize Your AEC Proposal Content Creation Process | 00:16:30 | |
Imagine how it would feel when you are able to manage a proposal process from start to finish that is planned, organized, and follows a predictable schedule. You not only know the steps involved in any proposal response situation but take charge of the entire process and delegate with authority and confidence. You are confident your proposal is compliant, customized, and showcases your firm as the best. After you hit that submit button, you feel like a success. It makes your entire marketing department (which might only be you) proud. Firm leaders take notice of how smooth the proposal process was. Can you even imagine that? Now that’s #marketingboss After managing proposals for 17+ years in the architecture/engineering industry, I have compiled a list of the activities involved in proposal management from the moment that RFP hits your desk to its timestamped by the client. I’ve boiled all of it down to three phases—Coordinating, Content Development, and Review, Finalization, and Delivery (RFD). And in today’s episode, I am going to narrow on one of those phases – the Content Development phase. And more specifically some best practices on how to approach the order in which you develop your proposal content.
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| 01 Jun 2022 | 065: Replay: The Different Career Paths of A/E/C Marketers, Part 1 | 00:41:21 | |
Is there a career path in A/E/C marketing beyond the marketing coordinator role? If you have been in your role as a marketing coordinator for any length of time, usually around the 2-3 year mark, you begin to wonder what role is next. You can become a Senior Marketing Coordinator and then eventually a Proposal or Marketing Manager. Eventually, you may be managing other staff, larger pursuits, and/or multiple pursuits. Can you ever get beyond the proposals? Do you want to? What other career paths are there for A/E/C marketers? I asked my community of marketing professionals this exact question, and they didn't disappoint. In part 1 of this series, I share the career path stories of seven different marketing, communications, and business development professionals.
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| 08 Jun 2022 | 066: Replay: The Different Career Paths of A/E/C Marketers, Part 2 | 00:36:33 | |
Is your next career move up? Will it still involve proposals? What if you want to take a break or lean out of your career? What options do you have then?
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| 15 Jun 2022 | 067: The ONE Marketing Tool That Saves Time & Improves Consistency | 00:44:18 | |
Has your firm created a marketing handbook that you can easily access and has all the information you need? This would save you a lot of time when you need it most. When you're pressed for time and need to post to social media or finish a proposal, your company needs a marketing handbook containing simple information such as phone numbers and addresses, as well as less-known information like brand colors and logos. The resource can be accessed by anyone and contains everything needed. In today's episode, we talk to Perryn Olson from REX.one. He has been creating a marketing handbook for his company, and he is here to discuss how to make this a standard practice in your firm. From conception to sharing and keeping it updated, a marketing handbook could be what your firm needs to stay on track and be more efficient and effective. Here are some highlights:
Resource:
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| 22 Jun 2022 | 068: [ModMarketing] Modernizing AEC Marketing | 00:19:39 | |
I am so excited to bring you this brand-new ModMarketing Series! This series will walk AEC marketers through how to modernize their marketing techniques using digital, online, thought leadership, and content marketing strategies. These strategies will help raise your firm’s brand awareness, capture new leads, and eventually drive the growth at your firm. ModMarketing is going to cover the nuts and bolts of how to do this. In this series, you will learn how to develop a ModMarketing program that is right for your firm. Some topics I plan to cover include:
Make sure you are subscribed to the Marketers Take Flight podcast, so you don’t miss any episode in this series!
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| 29 Jun 2022 | 069: Business Development Trends from the 43rd Deltek Clarity Study | 00:37:55 | |
Would you like to know how your firm stacks up against other firms in terms of pipeline forecasts, win rates, and proposal volume? Deltek has created an industry study that breaks down all the information for you. In this episode, I talk with Megan Miller, CPSM about some of the amazing trends she's seeing in this year's business development report. Megan explains what the report is, how it's created, and how metrics are reported. This study is a valuable piece of research for any firm. Deltek’s latest report is aimed at anyone that does business in the A&E industry, not just Deltek customers. Be sure to listen in and then check the links for an opportunity to go even deeper into the report. Here are some highlights:
Resources & Links:
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| 06 Jul 2022 | 070: 🎉 Celebrating 10 Years of Supporting AEC Marketers | 00:14:59 | |
This month is very special to me. Can you take a guess why? You might already know. This month, July 2022, marks 10 years of Marketers Take Flight! That’s 10 years, a decade since I started my little blog in 2012 that has since grown to online courses, training resources, a Facebook community, and this podcast! Plus a few little presentations and webinars sprinkled in. And I will tell you, all the content, training, and presentations have been with my blood, sweat, and tears.
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| 13 Jul 2022 | 071: AEC Marketing Campaigns Geared Towards Winning | 00:51:53 | |
Using digital ads, LinkedIn ads, and email campaigns, how can you reach the influencers and decision-makers before the RFP is out? Getting in front of your clients before the proposal is even written isn't as hard as you might think. This week I'm joined by Katie Cash and Jeni Dzenis of Smartegies. The conversation is about different types of marketing data, marketing campaigns, and how data is used by marketing or business development to assist sales. In addition, they provide examples of how these strategies or tactics can be used during the prepositioning and capture planning process. Here are some highlights:
Resources & Links: AEC Marketing for Principals Podcast – https://smartegies.com/podcast/. Smartegies - https://smartegies.com/
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| 27 Jul 2022 | 073: How AEC Firms Can Prepare Now for The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) | 00:37:11 | |
In this episode, I have Melinda Colón. She is the CEO, strategic marketer, and mentor of FortisOBM. She is a problem solver and connector who helps firms in the AEC industry grow their businesses. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is a $550 billion investment across five years that include roads, bridges, major projects, passenger and great trains, general safety, safe street programs, pedestrian safety programs, buses, rail cars, and stations, broadband expansions, ports and waterways, airport runways, the gates, the taxiways, water and infrastructure, power and grid systems, and cybersecurity. The Bill is going to touch nearly every AEC firm because it spans all market sectors. And it will also bring more work, which means more proposals! And, who could use another proposal (or two)?!?! Knowing that these proposals are coming, what work can your business development and proposal teams start doing now to prepare? Melinda shares some actions your teams can do today to start preparing. Here are some highlights:
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| 20 Jul 2022 | 072: [ModMarketing] How to Set Digital Marketing Goals | 00:17:43 | |
Without marketing goals, it’s nearly impossible to develop a marketing plan let alone know if the marketing effort is working. Without clear, actionable, and achievable metrics, how does your marketing team know what you’re working towards? Setting goals for digital marketing programs should always be the priority. This is the second episode in the special [ModMarketing] podcast series. This series will walk you through how to modernize your marketing techniques using digital, online, thought leadership, and content marketing strategies. These strategies will help raise your firm’s brand awareness, capture new leads, and eventually drive your firm's growth. And in this episode, I am sharing how to set your digital marketing goals. I’ll explain how to begin goal setting, what SMART goals are, goal examples, and best practices.
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| 10 Aug 2022 | 075: Clean Up Your Marketing Department’s Digital Clutter | 00:30:30 | |
Do you have a go-to person in your firm when you need to find an old picture? Maybe there's that drive with all the images labeled IMG? Organizing your digital clutter might be the next step for your firm. My guest today is George Bains, VP of Customer Success at OpenAsset. You can benefit from this conversation about what a DAM is, how to organize it, and even what to organize even if you do not have OpenAsset in your firm. George and I discuss how the right DAM system can help create proposals more efficiently and easily. Our discussion will include integrations, storage options, and how a DAM can complement your current tech stack. Any type of digital proposal management system will speed up the proposal process for your firm. Here are some highlights:
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| 03 Aug 2022 | 074: [ModMarketing] Define Personas to Guide Marketing Strategies | 00:21:35 | |
Professional services firms don’t just make a product that one consumer is going to purchase. The services that our firms sell are complex and involve different decision makers who have different needs and goals. Successful firms don’t just know who those decision makers are, but rather, develop personas that guide their marketing strategies. This is the third episode in the special ModMarketing podcast series. This series will walk you through how to modernize your marketing techniques using digital, online, thought leadership, and content marketing strategies. These strategies will help raise your firm’s brand awareness, capture new leads, and eventually drive the growth at your firm. And in this episode, I’ll dive deeper into what personas are, how to develop personas, and how they are used to help create your digital marketing strategies.
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| 24 Aug 2022 | 077: Don’t Overlook This Easy but Powerful Digital Marketing Strategy | 00:41:27 | |
Are you taking advantage of your local SEO? This relatively low-cost but high-impact digital marketing strategy should be on your list. Making sure you have a few key areas ready could make an impact on who in your neighborhood is finding you. Today, I have Amanda and Amy from Pixels + Ink Studio and they are here to tell you how to tweak a few details on your website design, how important local SEO, a Google Biz Page, Google Reviews, and domain authority is to find local clients. Local SEO could be a great way to generate leads in your own backyard. Most of us head to Google to find a refrigerator repairman or a new car but is your firm using that same strategy so local clients can find you? Whether you have satellite offices or you are located in one area, making sure your local SEO is on point for the area you are in could bring a plethora of different opportunities to your firm. Listen in as we find out a few of Amanda and Amy’s secrets to being found locally. Here are some highlights:
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| 21 Aug 2022 | 076: [ModMarketing] A Content Strategy that Attracts Potential Clients | 00:13:08 | |
Initial steps in creating a ModMarketing program include defining personas and setting goals. Once those are set, it’s time to begin creating content. But what types of content need to be created? How does an A/E/C firm develop content ideas that attract potential clients?
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| 07 Sep 2022 | 079: Sales & Marketing Metrics that Drive Accountability | 00:36:10 | |
Why are some decisions so hard to make at our AEC firms? And why is it so hard to keep people accountable for making and keeping those decisions? Can the use of metrics or different analytics drive accountability? Kathy Nanowski, CPSM is the vice president and director of marketing and business development at Fuss & O'Neill, she is here to share with us the metrics she uses for reporting on capture plans and how you can get started at your firm as well. As we are entering the season where we start our business development planning and our marketing planning for next year, having some metrics to review and look at could help with the future plans of your firm. Listen in as Kathy gives you some reasons to prioritize these metrics and drive more accountability at your firm. Here are some highlights:
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| 31 Aug 2022 | 078: [ModMarketing] Content Ideas to Fuel 🔥 Your Marketing | 00:23:51 | |
This episode is all about content creation – the fuel that ignites your online marketing efforts. Content is a crucial piece to attracting new potential clients to your firm as well as continuing to nurture and educate existing clients. I walk you through different content types, how to determine which content type works for each stage of the decision-making funnel, and some ideas to make your content stand out. And, stay until the end to hear about an award-winning and sales-generating marketing campaign from an engineering firm! This is just one of the episodes in my ModMarketing podcast series. In this series, I’ll walk you through how to modernize your marketing techniques using digital, online, thought leadership, and content marketing strategies. These strategies will help raise your firm’s brand awareness, capture new leads, and eventually drive growth at your firm.
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| 14 Sep 2022 | 080: [ModMarketing] How to do Keyword Research for AEC Online Marketing | 00:19:45 | |
In the last series episode, I talked about different content types that can fuel your [ModMarketing] program. Content is a crucial piece of attracting new potential clients to your firm as well as continuing to nurture and educate existing clients. You see, while I 100% agree you need to be producing content on a consistent basis. I don’t believe you should just be creating content to have something to publish. That’s just a waste of your time and your efforts. I want your work to be effective. So, just how do you know what type or topics to write about for your marketing content? Well, that’s where keyword research comes in. In this episode, I am going to walk you through some old-school and new-school keyword research techniques to help you start brainstorming topic ideas for your content calendar.
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| 21 Sep 2022 | 081: Going from Individual Contributor to People Manager | 00:46:51 | |
Tasked with creating new roles for her organization, Nicole Robinson shifted from being an individual contributor in her firm to a people manager. Is it an easy transition? Today we are talking about making that transition. Nicole gives us tips on creating the role, looking at the details, and measuring the team's metrics. Listen in as I talk to Nicole about what you need to consider before hiring a team if you have never hired a team before. In addition to forming a new team, training, organizing, and building relationships are also part of this process. However, before all of that, you need to determine exactly what role this individual will play within the company. Nicole offers advice on how she handled the transition from individual contributor to people manager. Here are some highlights:
Resources & Links: Nicole Robinson, Podcast Co-Host of “The No Really Everything’s Fine!”
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| 28 Sep 2022 | 082: [ModMarketing] Step-by-Step Process to Create a Quarterly Content Calendar | 00:26:31 | |
Can you really create a 3-month content calendar in just a few hours? I say yes, it can be done. I know because I do this for not one but two different companies. In this episode, I’ll be walking you step-by-step into the content calendar creation including:
Block off a few hours and get ready to master your marketing content calendar! It can really be done in that little time. You’ll walk away with an entire quarter’s worth of content.
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| 05 Oct 2022 | 083: Getting the Buy-In You Need to Manage Proposals | 00:08:29 | |
One of the most frequent challenges I hear from Proposal Pros is that their proposal management plans and proposal production schedules are often ignored by their internal teams. This week’s episode addresses how to reshape your thinking and approach to help you get the buy-in you need for your proposals. This audio comes from a part of a lesson inside the Proposal Pro Course. Originally recorded in 2019, I’m in the process of revamping, and re-recording the entire course including many of these mindset lessons. However, because there are some good nuggets that can help you today, I didn’t want them to just stay hidden on my server somewhere. And, this lesson is especially good because you can start applying it today, right after you listen to the episode.
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| 12 Oct 2022 | 084: [ModMarketing] 4 Ways to Promote AEC Marketing Content | 00:15:55 | |
Your AEC firm can have the greatest piece of content in the world but it doesn’t matter if your ideal client doesn’t see it. It’s not enough to just hit that publish button on the blog post or YouTube video if you’re not promoting it. In this episode, I share some common and not-so-common promotional tactics.
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| 19 Oct 2022 | 085: How to Gain More Credibility with the C-Suite | 00:43:15 | |
Do you ever feel like you're doing everything right when it comes to marketing, but you're just not getting the respect or credit you deserve from the C-suite? If you're nodding your head in frustration, this episode is for you. You'll learn 3 tips as to why are CEOs unhappy with their marketing teams' performance, and what can be done to bridge the gap. Here are some highlights:
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| 26 Oct 2022 | 086: [ModMarketing] An AEC Marketer’s Guide to Content Repurposing | 00:16:04 | |
This week’s episode covers one of the most cited struggles I hear when it comes to your content marketing – finding new content ideas and getting the technical content from your subject matter experts.
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| 02 Nov 2022 | 087: Different Ways AEC Marketers Can Support Lead Generation & Nurturing | 00:39:54 | |
When was the last time a lead popped into your inbox and you picked up the phone to call them? This is just one way to start creating that nurturing sequence for prospects, clients, and even potential employees. While these have typically been tasks of a business developer or project manager, today we’ll talk about how marketers can support these efforts to make your firm stand out.
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| 09 Nov 2022 | 088: [ModMarketing] SEO for AEC Firms, Part 1 | 00:16:38 | |
Throughout the ModMarketing podcast series, I’ve covered how to set online marketing goals, identify personas, outlining content and promotion strategies. In each of these previous episodes, I’ve touched a little bit on search engine optimization (SEO) but haven’t really done a deep dive. It’s true that there is so much to SEO. So much, in fact, I could do an entire series or online course dedicated to just that topic. But for now, I’ve split this topic into two episodes to get you started. In this first episode, I will define what SEO is and how it works. Then I’m going to walk through how you can optimize your own web pages for better SEO. Then the next episode, I’m going to share some other ways that you can increase the authority of your website and why that matters as well as give you a three-step plan to get started improving your SEO.
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| 16 Nov 2022 | 089: [ModMarketing] SEO for AEC Firms, Part 2 | 00:15:16 | |
In the last episode, episode 88, I shared what SEO was, how it works, and some ways you can optimize your own web pages for better SEO. In this episode, I share what domain or website credibility is, why it’s important for SEO, and some ways to increase the authority of your website. And, I end this episode with a 3-step plan so you can get started improving your SEO today.
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| 23 Nov 2022 | 090: The Surprising Reasons to be Thankful as an AEC Marketer | 00:16:52 | |
It’s Thanksgiving week in the US which makes many of us think about what we are thankful for. And, often that includes our jobs – even after very tiring and stressful weeks. You may have heard that if you are outwardly grateful—meaning saying or writing the items you are grateful for—your mood and mindset will change to be more positive. I thought this was a little too “kumbaya” for me. However, I just realized this for myself. I plan to be more outwardly grateful for other parts of my life as well—family, home, friends, and myself. And that starts with this episode. Even with all the stress, deadlines, and sometimes lack of respect we are given, this is often a thankless job. What can I possibly be thankful for as a marketing professional working in the AEC industry? That’s why I stopped to think about some reasons why and recorded them for this episode. And when I took a few moments to do this, it just started pouring out of me. I hope some of my reasons resonate with you or make you stop and think about just what our industry provides us. It isn’t always rainbows and kittens, but it is amazing with the right perspective. And, THANK YOU for listening and supporting me with this podcast. The ratings, reviews, and emails I get fuel me to keep going. I started Marketers Take Flight to support AEC marketers and I’m so grateful that 10 years later, I am still able to do that. And that’s because of you. Have a very happy Thanksgiving and thank you for listening.
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| 30 Nov 2022 | 091: How to Say "No" as an AEC Marketer | 00:42:07 | |
It's not uncommon for marketers to be asked to complete impossible projects on even more impossible deadlines. There isn't much an AEC marketer can't do, but there is one word that marketers can't say, "no". Today, I am joined by Jen McGovern, the senior regional marketing manager for VHB. Jen is here to discuss the impact negativity can have on your career growth. A big Here are some highlights:
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| 07 Dec 2022 | 092: [ModMarketing] How to Measure AEC Marketing Campaign Results | 00:16:35 | |
If the results from your marketing campaign efforts are not tracked, how will you know if it’s working or not? It seems simplistic when I say this out loud, but for many AEC firms, collecting and analyzing the results of online or content marketing efforts is often the hardest part. And, because you are not collecting, analyzing, or presenting the campaign results to your firm leaders, it’s difficult for you to get buy-in for additional marketing resources.
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| 14 Dec 2022 | 093: An AEC Marketer's Path To Principal | 00:35:08 | |
Today we are talking about something we don’t talk about enough - your path to Principal. Only a small handful of marketing and business development professionals hold positions as principal and owners of AEC firms. Many of us have the qualifications and aspirations to achieve that goal… but perhaps not the path of how to get there. I have two guests today, Adam Kilbourne, FSMPS, CPSM and Leah Boltz, have spent time interviewing a dozen principals around the country to help clear the path for those that are looking to pursue this career goal. They hope these interviews will encourage other non-technical professionals and AEC marketers to their career goal of Principal.
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| 21 Dec 2022 | 094: Stop Looking for Marketing Coordinators, Do This Instead | 00:34:52 | |
Raise your hand if you have a job opening right now that's either in your marketing department, your business development department, or sales related. Many AEC firms are in need of new hires but are they too general with their job description? It may be time to rethink how you’re approaching filling those positions. My guest today, Jen Newman is the Founding Principal of Elevate Marketing Advisors. She’s here to talk about the challenges we see today when it comes to hiring and retaining marketing and business development talent. She’s even got a few new approaches you can implement to find that talent as well.
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| 28 Dec 2022 | 095: Most Popular Episode of 2022 | 00:43:53 | |
It’s the end of another year, and you know what that means! It’s time to reveal the most popular podcast episode of 2022. 🎉 The most popular episode was not a surprise to me. With many conversations around finding and retaining great talent, this episode unveils some of the reasons why it’s so hard to find and keep marketing coordinators.
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| 04 Jan 2023 | 096: Accelerate Content Marketing Results with LinkedIn Advertising | 00:31:54 | |
Have you ever considered paid ads to amplify or accelerate your content marketing? Today, I have on Lindsay Young, Chief Difference Maker at nu Marketing and we are talking about LinkedIn ads as well as the strategies around using LinkedIn for your personal and firm brands. Lindsay discusses some of the benefits of LinkedIn advertising, particularly over some of the other social media platforms. She walks us though a few examples of how she’s built some LinkedIn campaigns for her own clients and some steps to help you get started. We discuss sponsored posts, how best to test those as well as creating general brand awareness through specifically targeting a specific audience, a specific area, and more.
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| 11 Jan 2023 | 097: Avoid Shiny-Object Syndrome by Aligning Marketing with Firm Goals | 00:10:39 | |
New marketing trends may be fun and exciting, but do they align with your firm’s growth goals? Is there a way to avoid the "shiny-object syndrome" when it comes to your marketing? Well, friend, there is. By utilizing your firm's own documentation and leaders, you can create a successful content marketing plan. Today, I'm offering tips on how to find and refine your marketing efforts within your firm's own growth plan. By understanding where your firm's goals are, you'll be a whiz at putting together the content you need to grow. But what if they don’t have a plan? I have a solution for that as well. Listen in as we align your marketing with your firm's goals. Here are some highlights:
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| 18 Jan 2023 | 098: The Power of Clarity: Stand Out From Your Competitors and Attract Your Ideal Clients | 00:10:17 | |
In today's noisy marketplace, it is more important than ever to stand out from the competition. How can one stand out in a highly competitive, constantly changing market? Many AEC firms have clients made up of multiple decision-makers, but by focusing on one ideal client, you can create more targeted and effective content marketing strategies. I’m sharing with you the power of clarity today. By narrowing your focus, you can better understand your client and create content that addresses their specific needs. These fundamental strategies are some that I’ve adapted over the years in marketing to help create laser-focused content marketing campaigns anytime. Listen in and download the worksheet to help you define your ideal client and start creating your next marketing strategy.
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| 25 Jan 2023 | 099: The Pros and Cons of Different Content Types | 00:15:06 | |
If you’re subscribed to the Marketers Take Flight podcast show, then you know I’ve been talking about content marketing a lot lately. That’s because I believe content marketing is the best way for AEC firms to showcase their expertise, differentiate their firm from competitors, and compete directly with larger firms. And, a big component of content marketing is, well, content! You need to create content that attracts your ideal client. We talked all about your ideal client in last week’s episode. So, at this point, you know who you are creating content for but you may be wondering what type of content, specifically digital or online content, will work best. That’s exactly what I am going to cover in this episode. I am going to walk you through different content types along with the pros and cons for each. My hope is that this will give you some direction on what your content strategy will be based your ideal client’s preferences, your resources, your expertise, and frankly, what you like to produce.
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| 08 Feb 2023 | 101: 3 Ways to Repurpose Proposal Content into Marketing Content | 00:10:48 | |
Many AEC marketers are also responsible for some or most of the firms’ proposals AND for producing great marketing content. The biggest struggle I hear from marketers is that they don’t have enough time and don’t have enough content from their subject matter experts. Well, my friend, in this week’s podcast I am going to give you a way to solve both of these problems. And, that’s with Proposal Content Repurposing! In fact, I am going to walk you through three different ways you can turn proposal content into marketing content! By utilizing your technical expertise, project team, and organization structure, ideas from the RFP can be used to create infographics, flowcharts, animations, and other multimedia content. All of these strategies can help you to create inspiring, interesting, and educational content that is sure to capture the attention of your targeted audience.
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| 01 Feb 2023 | 100: 🥳️Celebrating Your Favorite Moments from the Past 100 Episodes | 00:13:00 | |
I’m celebrating 100 episodes on my podcast! 🥳️ And to mark this milestone, I’ve invited my listeners to share some of their favorite episodes with me. Cheers to the next 100! 🥂
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| 08 Mar 2023 | 105: How to Lead and Influence in the AEC Industry | 00:27:19 | |
Raising a 13-year-old daughter can teach you a lot about influence and leadership. On this episode of the Marketer's Take Flight podcast, I have on guest, Skot Waldron. He’s an internal communication strategist with GiANT. We are discussing the concept of personal brand, and reputation, and how to interact and communicate internally at home and within firms. Skot emphasizes the importance of being intentional in our communication and interactions with internal and external clients and our families and friends. Tune in to learn more about your personal brand and how it can help build your influence!
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| 15 Feb 2023 | 102: ChatGPT: How AEC Marketers Can Speed Up Content Creation | 00:17:01 | |
In this episode of the Marketers Take Flight podcast, I explore the use of ChatGPT, a cutting-edge language model that can help AEC marketers speed up their content creation efforts. I discuss 10 different ways to use ChatGPT to help with content creation, including generating thought leadership content, writing social media posts and captions, developing content for landing pages and website pages, and creating personalized email messages. Additionally, I share five ways to use ChatGPT for proposals, such as generating bio summaries and writing technical descriptions.
Listeners can download a free guide that includes the 10 different ways to use ChatGPT by visiting marketerstakeflight.com/102.
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| 22 Feb 2023 | 103: The Essential Marketing Tech Stack for AEC Marketers: How to Stay Ahead of the Competition | 00:20:10 | |
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed with your marketing efforts? Look no further! In this episode, I’ve got you covered with the essential marketing tech stack elements for your AEC marketing department. From a customer relationship management (CRM) system to a content management system, I explore the must-have tools that can help you personalize your communication with clients and optimize your campaigns for better results. I also dive into how marketing automation and email marketing can save you time and resources while providing personalized communication to your contacts. But that's not all! I discuss the importance of social media management, analytics tools, and SEO tools as well as three bonus tools to take your marketing and content creation efforts to the next level. And of course, I provide expert insights and tips on choosing the right tech stack for your department and how to overcome potential challenges. And, if you want to get all of these in one place with links to each recommendation, download my free Marketer’s Tool Kit. You can get that over on the show notes page at marketerstakeflight.com/103.
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| 01 Mar 2023 | 104: Maximizing Your Marketing Team's Time with Freelance Writers | 00:31:08 | |
We all know that many of today’s marketers are overworked and just don’t have time for additional writing projects. If you are finding your firm overtaxed in this department, it might be time to look into hiring a freelance writer. Today, I have on guest Ashley Cisneros Mejia, the founder of Talk Freelance to Me, and she explains the various ways to find suitable freelance writers, such as through referrals, industry associations, LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and Twitter. She also elaborates on how freelance writers can provide a variety of services such as email drip campaigns, proposals, social media campaigns, ghostwriting, market research, competitor analysis, and more. This episode is the perfect resource for AEC marketers looking to outsource tasks and projects during their busy seasons. Here are some highlights:
Get more information here >> https://www.marketerstakeflight.com/104
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| 15 Mar 2023 | 106: Using Past Experiences to Drive Your Future Personal Growth | 00:39:06 | |
Holly Bolton, owner of 3chord Marketing and the current SMPS Society President for the 2022-2023 year is joining me on the podcast today. During her interview, she discussed "connecting your plot points," or being mindful and intentional in recognizing intersections between different aspects of our lives. This exercise can help us appreciate how different areas of our lives impact not just our current situations, but also our future goals and growth. This concept will also be the basis of Holly's keynote address at the upcoming SMPS Southeastern Regional Conference. In an exercise conducted with the SMPS Central Florida chapter, Holly helped members appreciate and be aware of these intersections, inspiring them to be more intentional in their personal and professional choices. Her keynote promises to be a valuable resource for attendees seeking to develop a more holistic approach to their lives and careers.
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| 22 Mar 2023 | 107: [Spring Cleaning] Clean Up Your Approach to Gather Resume Details for New AEC Employees | 00:10:55 | |
I don't know about you but my car has been covered in yellow pollen. My back deck is covered in pollen. That can only mean one thing - it's time for a little spring cleaning!
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| 29 Mar 2023 | 108: [Spring Cleaning] Set Up Your AEC Resume Update System | 00:15:27 | |
This is the second episode of the Spring Cleaning Series and I’m sharing some juicy tips on resume management! 📝💼 I will walk you through how to set up a system for keeping resumes updated. From determining the frequency of updates to deciding whose resumes to update, physically handing out current resumes, giving a deadline, and updating the master file. 📅📊 But wait, there's more! I also share some super cool strategies for automating the resume update process. 🤖 Using a consistent naming convention and a CRM system to set up workflows can save you so much time and hassle. 🙌
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| 05 Apr 2023 | 109: [Spring Cleaning] Set Up Your AEC Project Description System | 00:14:34 | |
🌟✨ Set Up Your AEC Project Description System - Episode Highlights ✨🌟 Welcome to my Spring Cleaning special, where I discuss the ins and outs of maintaining and updating project information in the AEC industry! 🏗️📊🌷 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 02:15 - Project Update Methods 📝 07:50 - Start with the End in Mind 🎯 10:35 - Case Study: Construction Firm in Florida 🏢🌴 17:05 - Automating Your Project Update Process 🤖 20:30 - Using a CRM System 💻 24:20 - Without a CRM System 📚 27:55 - Your Turn! Share Your Best Practices 📣 🚀 Episode Highlights:
Don't forget to check out the three-part blog series on writing compelling project descriptions at marketerstakeflight.com/109📝🔍 🌟Let's get our A/E/C firms' project experience up-to-date and organized! 💼
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| 12 Apr 2023 | 110: [Spring Cleaning] Steal My 2-Step Proposal Close-Out Process | 00:14:33 | |
As an AEC marketing professional, have you ever submitted a proposal and immediately moved on to the next deadline without looking back? In this episode, host, Lindsay Diven, shares a game-changing proposal close-out process that can make your next proposal a bit easier and smoother. By implementing this process, you can organize all your final documents in one place, capture new information, and provide pursuit updates to your internal team and subconsultant team members. This not only positions you as a leader for the effort but also sets you up for future success and establishes your personal brand. In this episode, you'll learn:
If you're an AEC marketing professional looking to improve your proposal management process, this episode is a must-listen. Don't forget to grab your Proposal Close-Out Checklist on the show notes page at https://www.marketerstakeflight.com/110.
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| 19 Apr 2023 | 111: Spring Cleaning Your Marketing Drive: 5 Tips for Staying Organized | 00:22:59 | |
How do you organize your marketing files so you can find the information you need quickly? Well, in this special Spring-Cleaning episode, Lindsay Diven, CPSM shares 5 tips for cleaning up and organizing your marketing directory, including your folders and files. Lindsay shares her personal experience of inheriting a disordered marketing drive and how she implemented a logical, organized marketing directory that made it easy for team members to access marketing collateral, resumes, etc. She also offers best practices for each tip and encourages listeners to check out her self-starter kit, "End Your File Frustration Forever," for additional help. Tune in to learn how to keep your marketing drive organized and efficient.
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| 26 Apr 2023 | 112: [Spring Cleaning] How to Maintain Clean Marketing Contacts | 00:16:37 | |
In this special Spring-Cleaning episode, I share 7 tips to maintain clean marketing contacts. Having a clean marketing contact list is essential for effective marketing campaigns throughout the year, not just during the holiday season.
So grab a cup of coffee, pen, and paper, and get ready to take some notes to clean up your marketing contacts!
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| 03 May 2023 | 113: How to Optimize AEC Online Marketing | 00:26:23 | |
In this episode, I dive into how AEC firms can optimize their online marketing efforts. I cover key areas such as website optimization, conversion optimization, content promotion, and email marketing. With tips and tricks to increase your online performance, I help you stay ahead of the competition and reach your target audience effectively. So, if you're an in-house marketing professional at an architecture, engineering, or construction firm, tune in to learn how you can optimize your online marketing program for better results.
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| 10 May 2023 | 114: Calls-to-Action 101: What They Are and Why They Matter for AEC Marketing | 00:25:48 | |
🎙️ Are you ready to turn your website visitors into contacts and eventually clients? It's time to talk about calls-to-action (CTAs) in AEC marketing! In this episode, I’m dishing out all the tips and tricks on creating effective CTAs that drive conversions 🤑. 👉 I’ll start with the basics: what are CTAs and why do they matter for AEC marketing? Then, I’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of creating CTAs that are as attention-grabbing as a disco ball 🕺. I'll cover everything from design to copy and even sprinkle in some examples from AEC companies who are crushing it with their CTAs. 👀 But where should you put your CTAs for maximum impact? I’ve got you covered with tips on where to place CTAs on your website like a game of musical chairs 🎶. 📈 And of course, we can't forget about testing and measuring! I’ll show you how to track your metrics and improve your marketing strategy like a science experiment 🔬. 💥 So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to create CTAs that are as irresistible as warm cookies fresh out of the oven 🍪. Tune in now and start turning those clicks into conversions!
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| 17 May 2023 | 115: How to Structure Your AEC Marketing Department: Insights from Industry Leaders, Part 1 | 00:54:22 | |
In this episode, I’m joined by three marketing leaders from different AEC firms who share their experiences and expertise on how to structure your AEC marketing department for success. Anna Skeete, Marketing Director at Protean Design Group, Russ Sanford, FSMPS, CPSM Chief Growth Officer at Kleinschmidt, and Kinnari Desai, Marketing Manager at Geosyntec Consultants, discuss their unique department structures and the benefits they've realized from them. They also share how understanding the purpose of marketing can change the mindset from just doing social media or proposals to being an integral part of the firm's success.
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| 23 May 2023 | 116: Maximizing AEC Marketing Department Resources: 3 Key Areas to Focus On | 00:31:31 | |
As we all know, AEC marketing departments are under pressure to do more with less. Budgets are tight, resources are limited, and yet, the expectations remain high. So, how can you maximize your marketing department resources and achieve more with less? In this episode, I'll be sharing with you the three key areas to focus on purpose, people, and process. By focusing on these three areas, you can ensure that your marketing department is more productive, less stressed, and able to scale faster. I’ll dive into each of these areas and provide actionable tips and strategies to help you implement these systems in your own marketing department. I’ll cover everything from developing a growth plan to defining roles and responsibilities, clarifying decision-making authority, managing workloads, and using analytics to track workload and results. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of how to maximize your marketing department resources and achieve more with less. So, if you're an in-house marketer at an AEC firm, or you're just interested in improving your marketing department's productivity, this episode is for you!
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| 31 May 2023 | 117: How to Structure Your AEC Marketing Department: Insights from Industry Leaders, Part 2 | 00:45:39 | |
Welcome back for part 2 as we chat again about how to structure your AEC marketing department with Anna Skeete, Russ Sanford, and Kinnari Desai. They bring their unique experiences and perspectives within the AEC marketing department structure and organization. Today, we are focusing on their firm’s growth and employee development. In the previous episode, we talked about why and how they structured their marketing departments. However, in this episode, we are diving into their departments' inner workings and how they are perceived by their coworkers, teaming partners, and clients. We chat about the efficient use of time, effective communication, and streamlined workflows to get the job done effectively and efficiently. Listen in to hear the different perspectives on how different-sized firms create effective marketing departments.
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| 23 May 2023 | [Bonus] Gain Clarity and Build Confidence by Taking Action | 00:10:21 | |
🎙️ In this bonus episode, I challenge you to gain clarity and build confidence by taking action for that next initiative or project you're working on. Get ready to:
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| 07 Jun 2023 | 118: 7 LinkedIn Company Page Updates You Can’t Ignore in 2023 | 00:23:23 | |
Explore the latest updates and features of LinkedIn Company Pages that can benefit AEC firms. Learn the importance of LinkedIn as a business networking platform and the compelling reasons to invest time in optimizing your company page. I highlight seven key updates for LinkedIn Company Pages in 2023 and provide practical insights on how to leverage these features effectively. From scheduled posts and page notifications to clickable links and showcase pages, I share actionable strategies to enhance audience engagement and expand your brand's reach on LinkedIn. The episode concludes with a reminder to adapt, innovate, and connect with your target audience using LinkedIn's powerful tools and features. Once you listen, share your favorite new feature on the show notes: https://www.marketerstakeflight.com/118
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| 14 Jun 2023 | 119: Embrace Visual Storytelling to Stand Out in the AEC Industry | 00:37:46 | |
📸🎥 Join me as I chat with Ely Hemness from the Unfound Door Creative Agency about the 🔥 powerful role visual storytelling can play in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry! Together, we'll explore how captivating photography and videography can elevate your firm's brand and attract your dream clients. ✨💼
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| 28 Jun 2023 | 121: Designing for All: Ensuring Accessibility Compliance in AEC Marketing and Proposals | 00:37:46 | |
Looking for an advantage in your next proposal effort? Have you thought of accessibility in your documents? It could just be the tipping point with your next win. This important step is often overlooked and is becoming increasingly important in today’s world. It’s not something to ignore. Today on the show, I’m talking to Dax Castro, a partner at Chax Training & Consulting and we are unraveling accessibility. If you aren’t sure about the hierarchy in headings or alt text on your photos, you’ll want to tune in to hear how to make your proposal more user-friendly. Listen in and learn how you can save yourself time by starting this process now.
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| 21 Jun 2023 | 120: The Future of AEC Marketing: AI Innovation and Strategy | 00:47:26 | |
Is your AEC firm dipping its toes into the cutting edge of AI? Maybe there has been some push back or maybe they are firmly grasping it and trying to find the best way to use it. Well, in this episode, I have Kristin Kautz, CPSM from JAM Idea Agency and she’s going to tell us a little more about this powerful emerging trend. This isn’t just affecting the AEC industry; this is going to affect everything in the very near future. So, what should we know about it?
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| 19 Jun 2023 | [Bonus] Step-by-Step Mid-Year Review of Your Performance Goals - Replay | 00:25:47 | |
Can you believe we're already halfway through the year? It's time to reassess your performance goals and ensure you're on the right track! Join me in this bonus episode replay as I walk you through four simple steps that will help you achieve your goals in the remaining months of the year. By the end of our time together, you'll have a renewed sense of motivation and a clear roadmap to make the rest of this year a success.
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| 12 Jul 2023 | 124: Actionable SEO Strategies for AEC Marketing Pros | 00:39:55 | |
🚀 Dominate search rankings and attract dream clients in the AEC industry! 💼💥
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| 10 Jul 2023 | 123: [Branded] What is an Online Brand and Why Does it Matter for AEC Firms? | 00:16:50 | |
Introducing my new podcast series: [Branded] How to Build & Manage Your AEC Firm’s Online Brand. This is the first of four episodes that walk you through the steps to create and manage online marketing assets to contain a consistent brand experience online. This series is presented by OpenAsset.
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| 05 Jul 2023 | 122: Unleashing the Power of Streamlining and Automation for AEC Proposals | 00:33:35 | |
In this 🔥 special replay episode of Surge Forward Podcast with Elisha Miller, I reveal game-changing tips to streamline your proposal process and leverage the power of AI. Learn how to work smarter, not harder, by creating templates and using automation to update your content. We also discuss the value of marketing careers in the AEC industry and how automation can enhance work quality. Tune in now and surge ahead! 🎙️💡🚀
Join me and Elisha as we dive into the fascinating world of AI, exploring how it can refresh your content and extract key points for cover letters and executive summaries. Discover insider tips to save time and focus on the creative aspects of your proposals. Plus, find out why finding a firm that values marketing is crucial in the AEC industry. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode! 🤖💼📈
Get all of the resources I mention in the episode here: https://www.marketerstakeflight.com/122
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| 26 Jul 2023 | 128: Demystifying Annual AEC Business Planning | 00:47:44 | |
If you're in the AEC industry, you know how overwhelming annual business planning can be, right? I've got Sarah Kinnard, the fabulous head of Flamingo at the Flamingo Project, here to demystify the entire process just for you. Sarah is about to take us on a journey through different types of plans, from strategic to marketing, and she's breaking it all down so you can navigate your way to success with confidence. 💼🗺️
But wait, there's more! We're diving deep, my friend. Deep into the art of streamlining business planning specifically for AEC firms. Sarah and I are getting real and candid about the common hurdles regional directors face when launching new market sectors. 🚀🎯 And let me tell you, having a solid, long-term strategic plan can be a total game-changer. Sarah shares some golden nuggets of wisdom from our conversation, including her simple yet incredibly effective approach to making business planning crystal clear for clients. 💎🔮
We wrap the episode with a discussion on the importance of goal setting and the pure magic of celebrating those small wins along the way. 🎉✨ Sarah shares a captivating success story about an AEC firm that used goal setting to scale its operations. Plus, we'll be talking about effective communication during the planning phase, because let's face it, everyone needs to be on the same page about those company objectives.
If you're ready to take your AEC business planning game to a whole new level, this episode is an absolute gold mine of practical advice and strategies that will light your path to success.
Oh, and don't forget to check out episode 16, where Sarah and I cover the topic of conducting market research. 🔎 It's the perfect supplement episode to supercharge your planning process.
To learn more about Sarah and how she can transform your firm's annual business planning, head over to the show notes page. Click here ➡️ https://www.marketerstakeflight.com/128
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| 19 Jul 2023 | 126: Savvy Social Media Strategies for AEC Firms | 00:43:56 | |
Are you ready to skyrocket your AEC firm's social media following and attract potential clients on LinkedIn and Instagram? 🚀 Then you don't want to miss this episode! Tune in ASAP for a captivating conversation with the incredible Katie Meehan, who substantially grew her firm’s social media presence in a very short time. 😍📈 Katie's strategic approach led to a mind-blowing 71% growth in LinkedIn followers and an amazing tenfold increase in Instagram followers. 🎉 We dive deep into Katie's journey, exploring the exact steps she took to achieve such phenomenal growth.
During her time at her previous construction company, Katie leveraged multiple social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and even experimented with TikTok! 📱🎥 It's crucial to explore various channels that will help your firm shine and connect with your prospective clients. 🤝
Tune in and soak up Katie's invaluable advice on how to stay on top of your social media game and create a winning strategy tailored to your firm's needs. 💼💡
Want to learn more about Katie? Check out her website here: https://www.marketerstakeflight.com/126🌐
And after listening to the episode, join me and Katie Beyond the Podcast, where she will be answering all your burning questions about social media strategy! Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn directly from a social media guru. RSVP here: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7086435168911040513/about/🎙️💬
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| 17 Jul 2023 | 125: [Branded] How to Create Effective Online Marketing Assets for Your AEC Firm | 00:18:34 | |
This is the second episode of my newest series: "Branded: How to Build & Manage Your AEC Firm’s Online Brand", presented by OpenAsset.
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| 24 Jul 2023 | 127: [Branded] 5 Ways to Maintain a Consistent Brand Experience for Your AEC Firm | 00:16:14 | |
Ever wondered how brand consistency can shape your firm’s perception? Buckle up as I, Lindsay Divan, take you through a roller coaster ride of marketing nuances in the AEC industry. This episode is all about establishing a strong, recognizable brand and ensuring its uniformity across all platforms. From developing brand guidelines to creating evergreen content, I’ve got you covered with five actionable steps to ensure your brand shines bright and consistent. The journey to brand consistency is a thrilling one, and with my 17 years of experience in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, I promise to guide you through it seamlessly. We’ll dig deep into the importance of a marketing calendar and how it can save you from last-minute hassles. And guess what? We’ll also challenge the blue-obsession in the AEC industry and explore how you can make your brand pop with a unique color palette. So, are you ready to unlock the marketing secrets tailored specifically for the AEC industry? Let's get your brand consistency game on!
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| 02 Aug 2023 | 130: Unlocking the Secrets of Efficient AEC Marketing with OpenAsset | 00:50:28 | |
Have you been drowning in digital assets and always looking for a file at the last minute for a proposal? Well, today I'm super excited to have CJ Teeter from OpenAsset join me. We are diving into the world of digital asset management (DAM) for AEC marketing firms. CJ shares some ideas and insights on tackling challenges and streamlining workflows with your digital assets. If you are finding yourself wondering if you are using the correct image or the most current photo, CJ has a few tips on that as well. We talk about tags, templates and ultimately making it easier and faster to get to those assets when you need and want them. So, buckle up and take flight as we unlock the secrets to efficient AEC marketing and proposal strategies.
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| 31 Jul 2023 | 129: [Branded] Managing Marketing Content with Ease | 00:17:28 | |
What if you could master your marketing content management? Throughout this [Branded] mini-series, I have had the pleasure of guiding you through creating selective online marketing collateral and maintaining a consistent brand experience. Now, we plunge into the core of this episode: how to manage your marketing content seamlessly.
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| 16 Aug 2023 | 132: Exploring 2023 Adobe AI Advancements with Julie Shaffer, FSMPS, CPSM | 00:24:55 | |
In this episode, I'm thrilled to bring you a 3x guest—none other than the Adobe guru herself, Julie Shaffer, FSMPS, CPSM! 🌟 If you haven't caught her previous appearances on episodes 12 and 27, you're in for an absolute treat. 🎙️ Julie's Adobe expertise is beyond compare, and she’s here to unveil a handful of exciting new Adobe AI advancements unveiled so far in 2023.
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| 09 Aug 2023 | 131: Remove the Waste in Your Proposal Process Using Lean Principles - Replay | 00:30:14 | |
🖊️ Streamline Your Proposal Process with Lean Principles! 🏆
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| 23 Aug 2023 | 133: A Fresh Look at Different AEC Marketing Strategies | 00:20:22 | |
Ever feel like you're lost in a sea of marketing jargon? LinkedIn here, SEO there, content marketing...everywhere? Let’s demystify this, together. Quick Celebratory Moment 🎉 Thanks to YOU, this podcast just hit the 50,000 downloads mark! Your unwavering support fuels this passion project week after week. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
First, why bother with a marketing strategy? Think of it without a blueprint...risky, right? Even if business is booming, there’s a strategy secret that can skyrocket your success.
In this episode, I break down the differences between common marketing strategies including branding, expert positioning, thought leadership and lead generation.
Then I share my controversial opinion of social media marketing and it fits within your marketing plan.
Lastly, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t fret. I break down the first steps to get started into bite-sized chunks so you can take action today.
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| 30 Aug 2023 | 134: Distinguishing Between Promotional and Value-Added Content in AEC Marketing | 00:15:20 | |
In this episode, I unravel the nuances between promotional content and value-added content. While both have their merits, finding the right balance can transform the way you engage with your audience.
If you've ever wondered how to strike the perfect chord with your content or are seeking to refine your approach, this episode offers invaluable insights. Plus, I've got a special resource to supercharge your AEC content strategy. Dive in with me and discover the power of truly resonant content.
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| 06 Sep 2023 | 135: Is Your AEC Firm Ready for Content Marketing? | 00:20:30 | |
Here's the deal: I know you're a marketing rockstar, but diving into content marketing without a game plan can lead to what I fondly call 'random acts of marketing.' Yikes, right? Don't worry, because I’ve got your back. In this episode, I’ll give you a set of checkpoints that will help you figure out if your AEC firm is really ready to begin a content marketing campaign.
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| 13 Sep 2023 | 136: Five Tips to Drive Content Marketing Success | 00:17:18 | |
In this latest episode of 'AEC Marketing Strategies,' 🎙️ I'm unpacking five 🖐️ game-changing tips you won't want to miss if you're serious about content marketing in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. 🏗️
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| 20 Sep 2023 | 137: How to Develop Your AEC Content Creation Process | 00:30:33 | |
Are you juggling the demands of AEC marketing and feeling overwhelmed with content creation? If your answer is a resounding "yes," then today’s episode is tailor-made for you. I'm absolutely thrilled to bring you a conversation that’s chock-full of actionable insights, straight from a Content Marketing Clarity Course alum, Christyn Binder.
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| 04 Oct 2023 | 139: How To Get Your Content Published in National Publications: A Step-By-Step Process for AEC Marketers | 00:36:34 | |
Ever dreamt of seeing your marketing content featured in a top-tier magazine? Well, today's your lucky day. I’ve got Amanda Murphy with us, who's turned that dream into reality.
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| 27 Sep 2023 | 138: AEC Marketing Metrics Tips | 00:26:10 | |
If you've ever felt lost in numbers or struggled to showcase the value of your marketing strategies, this episode is your lifeline.
Plus, if you're anything like me and love a hands-on, actionable challenge, I've got one waiting for you that promises to bring clarity to your marketing strategy! Ready to dive in? Tune in now and let's elevate your AEC marketing game!
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| 18 Oct 2023 | 141: Stand Out in an AI World with Client-Focused Case Studies | 00:36:12 | |
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the brilliant Leslie Blaize about the transformative power of case studies, especially for our AEC pals. Leslie dropped some serious wisdom: while many AEC firms are pros at highlighting their technical know-how, they often overlook the heartfelt stories of their clients.
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| 11 Oct 2023 | 140: Mastering Social Media: How to Plan a Three-Month Content Calendar | 00:28:28 | |
Do you often find yourself scrambling to find engaging content for your social media platforms? Are you tired of the constant stress and headaches it brings? Don't worry, I've got you covered. In this episode, I'll be sharing my foolproof method of planning a three-month content calendar in just a few hours.
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| 25 Oct 2023 | 142: Crafting an Effective AEC Marketing Plan: Aligning Strategy with Growth Goals | 00:11:36 | |
In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of AEC Marketing Plans. Ever wondered how the best in the AEC biz align their content marketing with their big-picture growth goals? Or maybe you've been tempted by the latest marketing fad and need a little guidance to stay on track? I've got you covered!
Join me as I unpack the secrets to creating a marketing plan that truly resonates with your AEC firm's vision. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this episode is packed with actionable steps to elevate your marketing game. So grab your notebook, and let's get started!
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| 01 Nov 2023 | 143: The Elements of a Great Business Development Plan | 00:25:06 | |
🌟 Ready to dive deep into the world of AEC Business Development (BD) planning? In this episode of "AEC Marketing Strategies", we unravel the layers of BD Planning for the architecture/engineering/construction industry.
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| 08 Nov 2023 | 144: The Elements of a Great Marketing Plan | 00:25:19 | |
It's episode 144, and we're diving into the heart of our "AEC Annual Planning Empowerment" series with a focus on creating an impactful marketing plan for your AEC firm. 🏗️📈 In this episode, I unpack the essentials of a marketing plan, linking it with your BD (Business Development) strategy to fuel revenue growth. Remember, a marketing plan isn't just a set of tactics; it's your roadmap to market dominance. 🗺️🚀
Plus, I'll share an example of how to tailor your strategy for specific markets, like targeting higher ed clients in Florida.
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| 15 Nov 2023 | 145: How to Build Your Marketing Budget | 00:24:14 | |
Hey there, savvy marketers! It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get real about marketing budgets in the AEC industry. In this latest episode of "AEC Marketing Strategies," I’m taking you through a deep dive into crafting a business development and marketing plan that’s not just a document, but a dynamic tool for your firm’s success in 2024.
I’ll walk you through key questions that will shape your understanding of your firm’s financials and set the stage for a budget that aligns with your strategic vision. To sweeten the deal, I’ve got a downloadable Marketing Budget template ready for you to make your own—just head on over to marketerstakeflight.com/145.
We’re not just talking theory here; we’re about actionable insights. From defining the mix of marketing and business development expenses to tracking and adjusting your spending for the best ROI, I’ve got you covered. It’s all about empowering you to lead your firm’s marketing charge with confidence and clarity.
So, are you ready to dive in and start building a budget that serves your firm’s growth? Tune in now and don’t forget to hit subscribe—you won’t want to miss out on the wealth of knowledge coming your way in this series.
I can’t wait to see you in the comments section at marketerstakeflight.com/145, where you can share your budgeting triumphs and challenges. Together, let’s make 2024 a standout year for your firm’s marketing success. Catch you in the next episode—until then, keep making your marketing meaningful!
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| 29 Nov 2023 | 146: Performance Goal Examples for AEC Marketing Departments | 00:26:38 | |
🎯 Setting SMART performance goals in AEC marketing? Dive into this episode where I unpack the art of creating Measurable Performance Goals. 📈 Discover why hit rates & proposals don't always reflect true success and explore alternative metrics that can. 💡 From organizing information to tracking website traffic, get ready for actionable examples of goals related to pursuits, marketing communication, graphic design, and more. 🖌️ Tune in for some bonus SMART goal examples to elevate your team's performance and prepare for a career boost with our upcoming episode on salary negotiation tips. 💼
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| 22 Nov 2023 | A Thanksgiving Pause: Gratitude & Greetings | 00:01:23 | |
Hey there, my friend! This week, I’m switching things up a bit. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, there's no new episode. Instead, I've recorded a heartfelt thank you to all of you who make this podcast what it is. Your support means the world to me, and I couldn't let this holiday pass without expressing my gratitude. So, let's take a breather, enjoy our Thanksgiving treats, and remember what this season is all about—gratitude and togetherness. Can't wait to connect with you again next week for more marketing magic. Until then, have a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving!
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