Architecture Business Club - For Architects, Architectural Technologists, Surveyors & Designers (Jon Clayton)

In this bonus episode of the Architecture Business Club podcast, host Jon expresses his appreciation for the successful launch of the show which is designed for solo and small firm architecture practice owners. He thanks everyone involved in the show's creation and listeners for their support. To further help the show, he encourages his audience to leave a positive review on Podchaser.

Episode Highlights...

0:00 Introduction to the Bonus Episode

00:52 Gratitude for Successful Podcast Launch

01:27 How to Support the Show

01:37 Step-by-Step Guide to Leaving a Review on Podchaser

02:56 Importance of Your Support

03:26 Connecting with the Host on Social Media

03:38 Closing Remarks and Encouragement

Podchaser

https://www.podchaser.com/

Architecture Business Club’s Podchaser Page

https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/architecture-business-club-5485140

How To Leave A Review On Podchaser (step-by-step guide)

https://support.podchaser.com/en/articles/4923543-rating-and-reviewing-podcasts-and-episodes

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/

Jon discusses the challenges of building an architecture business as a sole practitioner and highlights the importance of community support. He introduces the Architecture Business Club community, sharing its benefits, member testimonials, and resources available. The episode provides insights into how the community can address issues like loneliness, lack of experience, and business decision-making by offering a supportive network of like-minded professionals. Jon also shares information on how to join the community and the upcoming opportunities for new members.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:08 Architecture Business Club's Community

02:16 Understanding Online Communities

03:35 Benefits of Joining a Community

07:24 Joe Wright (of Joe Wright Architects)

09:05 Liz Murrell (of Zing Interior Architecture)

10:46 Vlad Borislavov (of Monochromo Design Studio)

12:31 What You Get with the Membership

16:00 How to Join the Architecture Business Club

18:32 Conclusion and Next Steps

Key Takeaways...

Why Community Matters for Solo Practitioners

Running a business on your own doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Being part of a community helps you feel supported, makes decision-making easier, and reduces that feeling of isolation.

Why Join the Architecture Business Club?

When you join, you get a network of like-minded professionals to share ideas, solve problems, and keep learning. It’s good for your business—and your well-being too.

What You Get as a Member

You’ll have access to:

• Weekly group sessions
• A chat group to ask questions anytime
• A member directory to connect with others
• A shared resources library
• Recordings of past sessions

Want to be part of something bigger while still running your own practice?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

—--

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

In The Next Episode...

Next time I chat with Beatrice Ronchetti about how to stand out on LinkedIn.

In this episode of the Architecture Business Club podcast, host Jon explores how architects can pursue a location-independent lifestyle and build a career that incorporates their passion for travel. Guest Sara Kolata, an architect turned digital transformation expert, shares her transition from traditional architecture practice to embracing digital nomadism and online business. Sara discusses her mission to improve the financial well-being of architects, her journey across various countries, the challenges and learnings from living a nomadic lifestyle, and how she eventually found a balance that suits her personal and professional life. She underscores the importance of continuous learning, aligning work with one’s essence, and the invaluable insights gained from travelling. Sara encourages architects to explore digital nomadism and various pathways to incorporate travel into their careers without being confined to traditional roles, along with practical advice on handling taxes and choosing destinations conducive to architectural professionals.

Today's Guest...

Sara Kolata is an architect and a digital transformation expert. Her mission is to raise the financial well-being of architects. She is a host of Architecture Talk: Tank, a show that serves as a platform for industry specialists to talk about business, marketing, and profitability in Architecture. Sara helps architecture professionals develop online businesses and create online courses. She also works as a business developer for medium to large-size architecture firms, helping them manage their finances and implement better client attraction strategies.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction: The Journey from Architecture to Digital Nomadism

00:59 Meet Sara Kolata: Architect Turned Digital Transformation Expert

01:46 Skydiving: A Metaphor for Freedom and Overcoming Fears

03:55 The Shift to Location Independence and Online Business

12:45 The Challenges and Realities of Being a Digital Nomad

18:33 Aligning Work with Lifestyle: The Digital Nomad's Dilemma

23:21 Exploring Location Independence in Architecture

23:56 Navigating Taxes as a Digital Nomad

24:08 The Blueprint for Architects: Business and Travel

24:34 Tax Strategies for Globetrotting Professionals

27:11 Choosing the Right Destinations for Architecture Enthusiasts

30:18 The Impact of Travel on Architectural Practice

31:54 Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle in Architecture

40:17 Continuous Learning: The Key to a Fulfilling Career

43:33 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Key Takeaways...

👉 Pursue Your Passion: Sara emphasises the importance of aligning one's career with personal passions, such as her transition from traditional architecture to digital nomadism to focus on her love for travel and independence.

👉 Embracing Digital Transformation: The digital realm offers architects and related professionals new avenues for career development and business growth, as demonstrated by Sara's ventures into online business, online course creation, and her role at DisruptMag.

👉 The Reality of Digital Nomadism: While the lifestyle may seem glamorous on social media, Sara shares the practical challenges and logistics involved, from dealing with time zones to managing work in different locations.

👉 Leveraging Continuous Learning: Continuous personal and professional development is vital for adapting to changing circumstances and seizing new opportunities, as highlighted by Sara's continuous engagement in learning.

👉 Navigating Location Independence: There are various paths to achieving location independence in architecture, not limited to traditional practice. Sara's journey underscores the importance of aligning work with lifestyle goals for sustainable success.

👉 Importance of a Global Perspective: Travel and...

Jon sits down with creative freelance copywriter Ellie Senior to dig into the benefits of public relations (PR) for small architecture practices. Ellie shares insider tips on finding the right publications, writing engaging press releases, and common misconceptions about PR. The discussion includes practical advice on content ideas, the significance of a strong marketing funnel, and the effective use of email platforms for sending out press releases. Ellie also explains how you can use advertorials as part of your PR strategy. If you’ve never done PR, now’s your chance to get started and get published!

Today's Guest...

Ellie Senior is a creative Freelance Copywriter specialising in authentic storytelling for small independent businesses. Through websites, case studies, award submissions, press releases and more, Ellie has helped many architecture practices communicate more effectively with potential clients – leaving them to focus on the design work! Ellie writes regularly for the KL Home, Design & Build Magazine, showcasing talented Architects, Developers, Designers and Tradesmen through detailed features and advertorials. For those looking to connect, she can be found posting regularly on LinkedIn where her timely tips on all things content are popular with many in the construction industry!

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:43 Meet Ellie Senior: Expert Copywriter

04:20 Common Misconceptions About PR

05:56 What Are The Benefits Of PR (for Your Architecture Practice)?

09:00 How To Find the Right Publications for PR

14:08 What Content Is Newsworthy for Press Releases?

22:59 How To Write an Effective Press Release

29:12 Practical Tips for Sending Press Releases

39:25 Advertorials: A Paid PR Strategy

42:28 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

47:06 Conclusion and Next Steps

Key Takeaways...

Why PR Matters for Small Architecture Practices

PR isn’t just for big firms. You can use it to get noticed, build trust, and bring in new clients. Sharing your finished projects—especially the ones with stunning visuals—can grab the attention of potential clients through magazines or newspapers.

How to Write a Great Press Release

When you write a press release, start with a catchy headline and make sure the first paragraph answers the "five W’s"—who, what, where, when, and why. Keep the rest clear and packed with useful details, and include quotes to make it feel more personal. Don’t forget good-quality photos—they’re super important in a visual field like architecture.

Picking the Right Publications

Find the publications that make sense for your business. Local papers and magazines are great if you want to get noticed in your area. Industry magazines are perfect if you’re targeting people who love architecture. Stick with it and follow up after sending press releases to improve your chances of being featured.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Visit Ellie Senior’s Website

Connect with Ellie on LinkedIn

—--

Want to be the first to hear how to join our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉...

In the episode, host Jon interviews Ian Shirvell, a Chartered Architectural Technologist and the founder of Ora Design Architecture. Ian shares his journey from a G-grade high school student to a successful sole practitioner in architecture. Ian discusses how he started his career as a carpenter's apprentice, then moved into architectural technology after stints at a building surveyors, a timber frame company, and two prestigious RIBA registered practices. He chats about the influence his family had on his career choices. Ian discusses his difficulties at school due to undiagnosed dyslexia, his journey through the recession, and his subsequent freelance opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today's Guest...

Ian Shirvell is a Chartered Architectural Technologist and is passionate about all aspects of architecture and construction. He comes from a family of property developers and his career spans over 20 years. Starting as an apprenticeship served Carpenter, he studied Architectural Technology at Oxford and developed his architectural expertise during his time at two prestigious RIBA registered practices. Throughout his career, Ian has worked on a broad range of projects including Residential, Healthcare, Churches, and Education including a new leading Independent School and renowned Oxford University buildings.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:45 Ian's Unconventional Journey into Architecture

01:39 Ian's Early Interest in Architecture and DIY

03:35 Ian's Struggles in School and Overcoming Dyslexia

07:30 Ian's Journey from Carpentry to Architecture

10:48 The Importance of Learning and Adapting in Architecture

19:20 Ian's Transition to Freelancing and Starting His Own Practice

23:17 Challenges and Successes in Running an Architecture Business

26:42 Ian's Favorite Places and Closing Remarks

Key Takeaways...

👉 Overcoming Challenges: Ian's story from being a high school student with low grades to becoming a successful chartered architectural technologist highlights the importance of persistence and determination in overcoming obstacles.

👉 Adapting Learning Styles: Ian discussed how his undiagnosed dyslexia influenced his learning and how he found his unique way of understanding and grasping concepts, emphasizing the importance of adapting learning styles to succeed.

👉 Career Transition: Ian's unconventional career journey from carpentry to architecture showcases the value of diverse experiences and skill sets in shaping a successful career path.

👉 Professional Growth: Ian's progression from working as a freelancer to starting his own practice demonstrates the significance of continuous learning, adaptability, and seizing opportunities for professional growth.

👉 Client-Centric Approach: Ian's experience with challenging projects underscored the importance of client relationships, providing value through expertise, and delivering high-quality work to build a successful architecture business.

👉 Strategic Career Choices: Ian emphasised the strategic importance of choosing the right firms, gaining diverse experiences, and continuously improving skills to stand out in a competitive industry.

👉 Passion for Innovation: Ian's enthusiasm for exploring new technologies and project types reflects the value of innovation, curiosity, and a passion for learning in driving business success.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Ian’s Website > https://www.oradesign.co.uk/

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

Jon chats with Brian McCartney, CEO of ArchMark Branding and Marketing for Architects. Bryon, who has founded five successful creative service firms, shares strategies for transforming architectural practices into creative powerhouses. They discuss the importance of strategic planning, the misconception about sales in architecture, and the benefits of community involvement for solo architects. Bryon also shares his personal and professional experiences, including his passion for photography and his journey in the business world.

Today's Guest...

Bryon McCartney is CEO at Archmark (* pronounced Ark-Mark) Branding and Marketing for Architects and a certified coach through Donald Miller’s Business Made Simple program. Bryon has helped 3,000+ architects increase their firm’s visibility and influence so they can win better projects. Bryon has travelled around the world and calls himself an ”Archi-Geek.” He has been featured on ArchDaily, ArchiBiz, Business of Architecture, Entrearchitect, Zweig Group, and many others.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:50 Brian McCartney's Journey into Photography

04:35 Founding and Managing Creative Firms

10:05 Approaching New Ideas and Opportunities

17:25 Sales Strategies for Architects

22:50 The Importance of Strategic Planning

26:51 Client Success Stories

27:24 The Importance of Strategic Planning

28:01 Writing Effective Business Plans

29:21 Building Trust with Clients

29:51 Common Mistakes in Proposal Processes

32:14 Revamping the Sales Process

36:46 The Value of Community for Architects

39:55 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

43:08 Favorite Travel Destinations

45:27 Connecting on Social Media

46:56 Closing Remarks

Key Takeaways...

Importance of Trust in Client Relationships: Instead of sending proposals and hoping for a response, it's more effective to engage in a process that involves multiple interactions to build a rapport and understanding.

Sales as Solutions: Architects should shift their perspective on sales. Instead of viewing it as a sleazy necessity, they should see it as an opportunity to provide solutions to clients' problems. Effective sales strategies focus on the clients' needs and how the service can meet those needs, rather than just the design aspect.

Strategic Planning: Running a business without a plan leads to reactive management. Strategic planning helps set clear goals and benchmarks, giving a business purpose and direction. This process should be simple, systematic, and regularly revisited for continued success.

Methodical Approach to Opportunities: Adopt a careful approach when considering new ideas or trends. Use the framework of Decide, Act, Learn, and Repeat to ensure that opportunities are thoroughly evaluated, implemented correctly, and adjusted based on outcomes.

Community and Support: Being part of a community provides invaluable support. It offers a wealth of shared knowledge and resources that can help solve problems and foster a sense of belonging, particularly important for solo architects or small firms.

Clarity and Communication: Ensure that all client-facing materials – from websites to proposals – clearly communicate how your work solves clients’ problems. This clarity builds trust and facilitates better client relationships.

Lifecycle of Client Interaction: From project inquiries to retention, understanding and optimizing each stage of the client's journey is essential for sustained business success. This includes ensuring client satisfaction to encourage repeat business and referrals.

Learning from Other Fields: Gaining insights from fields outside of architecture can offer new...

Jon interviews Doug Hodgson about balancing mental health and professional success in the high-pressure field of architecture. They discuss Doug's experiences and philosophies on workplace wellbeing, sustainability, and collaboration. Doug talks about the impact of his outdoor hobbies and the vital need for greater kindness and inclusion in the industry. The conversation highlights the mental health crisis in architecture, the overwhelming demands on professionals, and the toxic culture in architectural education and practice. Doug emphasises the importance of specialising and collaborating to maintain mental health and professional satisfaction. The episode aims to raise awareness and encourage discussions on improving mental health and wellbeing for architectural professionals.

Today's Guest...

Doug Hodgson is an Architect and leads the Retrofit agenda for New-works, a practice he co-founded to explore a new way of working, based on the principles of specialism and collaboration, wellbeing and sustainability - with a fundamental belief that wellbeing in the workplace generates better relationships and better architecture. Prior to New-works, Doug had co-founded TDO, was a Design Fellow at Cambridge University, and in 2020 was named in The Architects’ Journal 40 under 40. Doug is passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing, and has found from his own experience of being proudly openly gay that there’s an urgent need for greater kindness, understanding, and inclusion in the construction industry to make the profession more relevant.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:02 Meet Doug Hodgson: Redefining Workplace Wellbeing

02:11 The Allotment: A Sanctuary During COVID

05:40 Sustainability and Regenerative Materials in Architecture

06:39 The Mental Health Crisis in Architecture

12:02 The Impact of Architectural Education on Wellbeing

21:46 Specialisation and Collaboration: A New Approach

28:55 Next Steps

Key Takeaways...

Importance of Mental Health in Architecture:

   - The interview emphasises the critical state of mental health within the architecture profession. Jon and Doug discuss how overwhelming workloads, long hours, and unrealistic expectations can severely impact mental and physical well-being, leading to burnout.

Need for Industry-wide Change:

   - To address the mental health crisis, a structural change is necessary within the profession and its education system. Doug highlights that the root of many mental health issues stems from the highly demanding and often abusive culture of architectural education. This oppressive environment is carried into professional practice, resulting in exploitative working conditions. Reform in both education and professional practices is needed.

Specialisation and Collaboration:

   - Doug advocates for architects to specialise in areas they are passionate about and excel in, rather than trying to cover all aspects of a project. Collaborative efforts between specialised practices can lead to more effective and enjoyable work environments. This approach can help mitigate the overwhelming demands often placed on individual architects, contributing to better mental health and work-life balance.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Learn more about New-Works

Connect with Doug on LinkedIn

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him...

Marketing expert Martin Huntbatch talks about automating lead generation for architecture practices. Jon & Martin explores strategies like using AI tools, creating engaging lead magnets, and driving traffic to digital resources. Martin shares insights on how to bridge the gap between problem-aware and solution-aware clients using content marketing. The episode also covers common mistakes in lead generation and the importance of automation to enhance your firm’s ability to attract new clients efficiently.

Today's Guest...

Martin Huntbach is the Chief Marketing Officer at ScoreApp - An AI-powered lead generation tool. Martin is also the co-founder of Jammy Digital, an award-winning content marketing agency. He also co-authored the best-selling book, Content Fortress, and often speaks about marketing on stages across the country.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:16 Meet the Expert: Martin Huntbach

03:11 Understanding Lead Generation

08:04 Effective Lead Generation Strategies

16:51 Common Mistakes in Lead Generation

20:13 Best Types of Lead Magnets

26:57 Getting Started with Lead Generation

30:42 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

34:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Key Takeaways...

Importance of Automation in Lead Generation:

  By using tools and developing strategies (like lead magnets) that work on autopilot, businesses can save time and effort, allowing them to focus on other critical aspects of their operations.

Creating Compelling Lead Magnets:

   Create valuable and compelling lead magnets that provide prospective clients with tangible benefits in exchange for their contact information. Examples include PDFs, online assessments, and wait lists, all aimed at converting traffic into potential clients effectively.

Consistent Content Creation and Traffic Generation:

   Consistently creating and sharing valuable content is important in driving traffic to lead conversion pages. This content helps educate potential clients, builds trust, and keeps the business top-of-mind, eventually leading to increased conversions and business growth.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

👉 Get a (free) video course on lead generation in today’s world 🎁

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with Colin Gray about being a podcast guest.

Jon discusses the importance of having an active and updated business plan for solo and small architecture firm owners. He debunks common myths about business plans, advocates for simplicity, and recommends utilising 'The One Page Business Plan' by Jim Horan. Jonn also provides detailed examples and actionable steps for creating a business plan. He emphasises the value of having a clear vision, mission, objectives, strategies, and action plans to build a profitable and future-proof architecture business. Additionally, he encourages listeners to regularly review and update their business plans and outlines the benefits of having a business buddy for accountability.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

00:55 Personal Experience with Business Plans

02:32 Common Myths About Business Plans

03:18 Why You Need a Business Plan

03:29 How to Write a Simple Business Plan

04:26 Recommended Resources and Tools

05:47 One-Page Business Plan Breakdown

06:53 Example Business Plan Walkthrough

10:40 Final Tips and Recommendations

12:38 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Key Takeaways...

👉 Importance of a Business Plan: Both existing and new businesses need to have a business plan. It serves as a strategic document outlining business goals and the methods to achieve them.

👉 Common Misconceptions: A business plan doesn't need to be long or complex. It's not just for securing investment; it should be an active document used throughout the life of your business.

👉 Simplify Your Business Plan: Keeping your business plan simple makes it more actionable and less overwhelming. Avoid lengthy documents that gather dust; a concise, clear plan is more effective.

👉 Use a Template: Starting with a business plan template can make the process easier. Recommended resource: “The One Page Business Plan: For The Creative Entrepreneur” by Jim Horan.

👉 Ongoing Review and Improvement: Regularly review and update your business plan. Schedule recurring business review meetings to check on progress and make adjustments.

👉 Seek Feedback: Share your business plan with trusted peers or mentors for feedback. Use the feedback to refine and improve your plan.

👉 Accountability: Finding a business buddy to join your review meetings can help keep you accountable for achieving your goals.

👉 Practical Recommendations: Buy the recommended book by Jim Horan for further guidance. Take deliberate, scheduled steps to draft and finalise your business plan.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

https://onepagebusinessplan.com/

—--

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

—--

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with Nicole Osborne about LinkedIn post...

In this episode of Architecture Business Club, host Jon Clayton invites Bob Gentle to speak about the importance of personal branding for architecture practice owners. Bob is known for helping business leaders all over the world build their online presence and grow their businesses. They discuss the fear factor of being visible in the social media scene and the key advantages of having a personal brand. Bob shares the concept of content creation as an investment and how its long-term benefits include building industry authority and creating opportunities for sales conversations.

Today's Guest...

Bob Gentle works with leaders at every stage of business to help them step out in front of their marketing with a powerful personal brand. He does this through his podcast, youtube channel, coaching, masterminds & consulting. His mission?.. Helping business leaders around the world discover, set and achieve their goals online - then build a business they love. Bob is also the author of : ‘The Personal Brand Business Roadmap ~ Everything you need to start, scale or just fix your Expert Business.’

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction to Personal Branding

00:56 Guest Introduction: Bob Gentle

01:58 Getting to Know Bob: Personal Interests

03:30 Understanding Personal Branding

04:44 The Impact of Personal Branding on Business

05:05 Challenges in Marketing for Architecture Practices

12:01 The Power of Personal Branding in Business Growth

17:43 Overcoming Fear in Personal Branding

20:48 Effective Content Creation for Personal Branding

24:23 The Long-Term Benefits of Personal Branding

31:30 Connecting with Bob Gentle

32:37 Preview of Next Episode and Closing Remarks

Key Takeaways...

👉 A personal brand is essential for individuals and can have a significant impact on building a successful business. By intentionally cultivating and amplifying their personal brand, architecture business owners can differentiate themselves from their competitors and attract more opportunities.

👉 Many architecture practices rely heavily on referrals for winning work. While referrals are valuable, Bob suggests that combining them with other marketing strategies, such as content creation and building an audience through social media, can lead to greater growth and specialisation in the industry.

👉 Bob addresses the fear of visibility that many individuals have when it comes to personal branding. He encourages people to understand their fears, write them down, and gradually desensitize themselves to overcome these fears.

👉 It’s important to create valuable and diverse content to engage with your audience. Bob advises against being repetitive and suggests incorporating different dimensions of your life into your content, such as personal interests and experiences.

👉 By positioning yourself as an industry authority and providing valuable content, you can establish a strong bond with your audience and make it a no-brainer for them to choose you over your competitors.

👉 Embrace criticism and the fact that not everyone will like your personal brand. It's okay to repel some people because it allows you to attract the right audience and makes decision-making easier for potential clients.

👉 Personal branding can help architecture business owners grow beyond their local areas and limitations. By establishing a globally amplified personal brand, individuals can gain visibility outside their catchment areas and open doors to specialised projects and opportunities.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Get Bob’s Personal Brand Business Roadmap

https://amplifyme.agency/roadmap

Bob’s Website >

In this episode, host Jon discusses the importance of mentoring in the architecture industry with guest Chris Simmons, an architect, illustrator, and educator, and founder of Architects Instruction. They explore how mentoring can significantly impact career fulfillment, happiness, health, and financial well-being for architects. Chris shares his journey and insights on balancing a demanding career with personal life, leveraging his commute time for productivity, and the roots of his initiative to mentor the next generation of architects. The conversation also delves into the myths and realities of mentoring, offering actionable advice for both mentors and mentees to foster positive industry changes. Chris talks about the resilience and hope for architecture students entering the job market and the profound impact of mentorship on professional growth.

Today's Guest...

Chris Simmons is an Architect, Illustrator, and Educator. He’s an Associate Director at Squire & Partners and the founder of Architects Instruction. His mission is to create a generation of architects who are fulfilled by their careers; architects who are happy, healthy, and well paid.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Unlocking Career Fulfillment in Architecture

00:55 Introducing Chris Simmons: Architect, Illustrator, and Educator

01:56 Chris Simmons on Balancing Career and Personal Life

04:06 The Power of Mentoring in Architecture

07:27 Debunking Mentoring Myths and Sharing Success Stories

15:34 The Impact of Positive Mentoring Experiences

30:12 Navigating the Architecture Industry: Challenges and Opportunities

33:18 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

Key Takeaways...

👉 Mentoring plays a crucial role in personal and professional development within the architecture industry. It provides guidance, support, and knowledge transfer, fostering growth and satisfaction in one's career.

👉 Utilising your time effectively, such as leveraging long commutes for productive work or personal development, can significantly contribute to balancing your personal and professional life.

👉 Mentoring does not need to be confined within a formal structure. It can occur naturally and informally, enriching learning experiences and professional relationships.

👉 The impact of positive mentoring experiences is profound, not just on mentees but also on mentors, who witness the growth and success of those they've guided.

👉 Engagement in social media and online platforms can enhance learning and networking opportunities within the architecture community, showing the power of sharing knowledge and experiences.

👉 Look beyond traditional mentoring setups to embrace more flexible, diverse, and inclusive approaches to getting support within the architecture profession.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

https://www.architectsinstruction.com/

—--

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

—--

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

👇...

Jon helps you start 2025 on a strong note by recommending three key podcast episodes. He highlights the importance of the Architecture Business Club's membership community for architects, technologists, and designers. Jon shares updates on upcoming episodes and guest interviews, providing tips for writing business plans, quarterly planning, and PR in your business. He also invites you to join the waitlist for the community to gain support and connect with like-minded professionals.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:31 Episode Recommendations for a Successful Year

07:23 Sneak Peek: Upcoming Episodes

12:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Key Takeaways...

Get Ready for the New Year

Listen to Episode 9 for tips on reflecting on your business and setting clear goals.

Check out Episode 33 to learn how to write or update your business plan.

Tune into Episode 13 for advice on using quarterly planning to break goals into smaller, doable steps.

What’s Coming Up

Don’t miss our special CIAT podcast episode about the three biggest challenges for architectural technologists—advice that works for any service-based business owner.

Hear from Ange Lyons in a two-part interview about freelancing. She’ll cover finding clients, marketing, setting prices, invoicing, and managing admin tasks alongside client work.

The Power of Community

Discover how the Architecture Business Club brings together small firm owners to share ideas, gain support, and network. It’s all about creating a business that gives you freedom, flexibility, and fulfilment.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

👉 Listen & Subscribe To The 'Where it’s AT' Podcast 🎧

—--

Want to be the first to hear how to join our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with Ange Lyons about freelancing.

In this special episode of Architecture Business Club, Jon marks the podcast's one-year anniversary, celebrating 57 episodes. Jon shares his journey of starting the podcast, its initial reception, and future plans. Catch interesting stats about podcast longevity, listener demographics, and download milestones. Jon also reflects on his motivations, lessons learned, and the hard work required to maintain a podcast. He thanks listeners for their support and talks about exciting future guests and projects. Tune in for inspiration and tips on launching your own podcast!

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Podcast Statistics and Achievements

05:24 Why I Started This Podcast

13:55 How I Launched The Podcast

18:47 Launch Day and Early Feedback

23:47 What Happened After The Launch

31:11 The Realities of Podcasting

33:13 Future Guests and Aspirations

35:43 Launching Your Own Podcast: Tips and Advice

40:55 Community and Membership Plans

44:16 Gratitude and Closing Remarks

Key Takeaways...

Starting a Podcast: What to Expect

Starting a podcast takes planning and preparation. You’ll need to learn the tech, face personal fears like public speaking, and stay on top of the workload to produce regular, quality episodes. Setting a launch date, practising with test interviews, and planning ahead can help you feel more confident and ready to hit the ground running.

Growing Your Reach and Building Connections

A podcast can open doors to new opportunities. You might get noticed for awards, or be invited to events and interviews. Hosting or being a guest on podcasts helps you build connections and collaborate with others in your industry, creating chances to grow your practice.

Staying Consistent and Building Community

Running a podcast means sticking with it to keep the content flowing. But it’s about more than episodes—it's about creating a space where people connect. Your podcast becomes a way to build lasting relationships.

—--

Want to be the first to know when we open the doors to our membership community?

👉 Join our Waitlist so you don’t miss out! 😀

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with Laura Pearman to explore how you can adapt your personal brand as your business changes.

Have you had bad experiences outsourcing your architectural drafting work? Don't give up yet! In this episode Jon talks to Derek Timms about avoiding common outsourcing mistakes and finding the right partner. Derek, a chartered architect with 25 years of experience, shares tips on building long-term, trusted partnerships and the benefits of early planning. Derek also talks about his role as a school governor and the importance of communication and setting clear expectations. If you're a small practice leader or sole practitioner in architecture, this episode will help you understand how to make outsourcing work for you.

Today's Guest...

Derek Timms is a Chartered Architect with 25 years of experience working at practices like Farrells, Gensler, and Sheppard Robson. He’s the Managing Director at The Sourcing Collective - a support studio for the AEC industry. The Sourcing Collective collaborates with surveyors, architects, interior designers, contractors, and property managers, providing architectural drafting support in BIM environments tailored to your systems and processes. This allows you and your in-house team to focus on design and add value to your projects. They also work with AJ100 practices, integrating into their teams across multiple large-scale projects.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:40 Meet Derek Timms and The Sourcing Collective

04:17 Common Outsourcing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

06:49 Finding the Right Outsourcing Partner

10:04 Importance of Clear Communication

11:48 Setting the Right Expectations

16:36 Early Planning and Avoiding Last-Minute Decisions

25:31 Low-Risk Outsourcing Trials

32:54 Final Thoughts on Outsourcing

38:39 Derek's Favorite Travel Destination

41:30 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

✅ Think Long-Term

Treat outsourcing like a partnership, not just a one-time job. When you work together over time, you can learn each other's styles and create a smoother way of working that benefits both sides.

✅ Keep Communication Open

Regular updates, even on small things, help everyone stay on track. Good communication builds trust and makes outsourced teams feel like they’re part of your own business.

✅ Plan Ahead

Outsourced teams need time to learn your processes, just like new employees. Avoid last-minute decisions that can lead to rushed results. Early planning gives you better results and a less stressful experience.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Visit Derek’s website (The Sourcing Collective)

Connect with Derek on LinkedIn

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on...

In this episode, host Jon and guest Ronda Jackson explore effective strategies for handling bad debtors and ensuring timely payments in the architecture industry. They offer advice on how to prevent bad debts by knowing your client and conducting due diligence upfront, including using a new customer onboarding form, running credit checks, and regularly updating customer financial reviews. Ronda emphasises the importance of maintaining open and friendly communication, utilising reminders and direct communication for overdue invoices, and considering legal steps like charging interest, sending a letter before action, or moving to small claims court if necessary. Ronda also describes the role and operation of debt recovery agencies, including their no-win, no-fee model.

Today's Guest...

Ronda Jackson is passionate about helping you collect all money owed to you or your business. As the Director of Jacksons Credit Recovery Services, Ronda is a qualified credit manager and experienced negotiator. She helps business owners resolve conflicts and maintain a positive working relationship with their debtors to achieve the result we all want - your debtor paying you what they owe.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:31 Who are Ronnie and Reggie?

03:14 Strategies for Getting Paid on Time

03:41 Preventive Measures Against Bad Debt

06:20 Steps to Take When an Invoice Becomes Overdue

08:55 Escalating Debt Recovery Efforts

12:44 Navigating the Small Claims Court

18:39 The Role of Debt Recovery Agencies

21:00 Final Thoughts and Advice

22:59 A Personal Favorite: Travel and Places

24:36 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Key Takeaways...

👉 Importance of Due Diligence: Ronda emphasises the importance of knowing who you are dealing with, understanding their legal identity, and collecting all necessary contact details upfront to prevent bad debts.

👉 Communication is Key: Keeping communication open and friendly with clients, checking in regularly, and establishing multiple streams of communication can help in early detection of payment issues.

👉 Taking Preventive Measures: Conducting credit checks, looking at company accounts, and being proactive in preventing bad debtors can save time and effort in the long run.

👉 Escalating Debt Recovery Efforts: Steps such as sending reminder emails, making polite reminder phone calls, considering legal actions like letters before action, and proceeding to court if necessary can be effective in recovering debts.

👉 Working with Debt Recovery Agencies: Understanding how debt recovery agencies work, the no win no fee structure, and the importance of transparent pricing can be helpful when considering external assistance for debt recovery.

👉 Persistence and Principled Approach: Ronda highlighted the importance of persistence in debt recovery efforts, taking a principled stance on getting paid for the work done, and not being afraid to escalate actions if necessary.

👉 Navigating Legal Processes: Understanding the process of the small claims court, the responses expected from defendants, and the timelines involved can help in navigating legal avenues for debt recovery.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

https://jacksonscrs.co.uk/

—--

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

—--

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind...

Jon continues his chat from the previous episode with sales expert Helen Tebay. They discuss practical tips to convert cold leads into hot sales. Helen shares advice on dealing with unresponsive clients and the importance of booking follow-up steps during initial calls. They also cover strategies for getting video testimonials and staying focused during slow periods. Jon shares why proactive outreach and customer-focused communication are so important.

Today's Guest...

Helen Tebay helps service-based business owners like coaches, consultants, and experts to sell and market their businesses. Win more 4 and 5-figure clients faster. Feel better about selling and learn how to sell better.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:20 Dealing with Ghosted Leads

02:18 Booking Follow-Up Calls

04:39 Direct Communication Strategies

09:36 Staying Focused During Slow Months

12:42 Understanding Client Value

14:52 Gathering Client Testimonials

16:17 Leveraging Video Testimonials

24:18 Real and Relatable Marketing

25:48 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

27:17 Favorite Travel Destinations

28:34 Where to Find Helen Online

29:10 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Teaser

Key Takeaways...

Importance of Following Up and Being Clear

You should always schedule a follow-up call straight after your first meeting or sending a proposal. This keeps things moving and stops leads from disappearing. Be clear and direct when reaching out again, whether it’s through an email or a phone call. It helps you get answers and restart any stalled conversations.

Staying Active When Business is Slow

During quiet times, stay focused by taking small but effective steps. Have meaningful chats with potential clients, share helpful advice, or highlight past client wins. Doing things like hosting a live session or posting success stories keeps your name out there and shows you’re still open for business.

Keeping Your Marketing Real

People connect with what’s real. Instead of polished ads or perfect videos, try sharing behind-the-scenes clips or genuine client stories. This shows the true side of your work and helps build trust with new clients who can see what it’s like to work with you.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Connect with Helen on LinkedIn

Visit Helen’s Website

—--

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁

👉...

Jon introduces Faye Strange, a Pinterest expert, to discuss how architects can harness the power of Pinterest to reach ideal clients. Faye highlights the importance of understanding Pinterest as a visual search engine rather than a social media platform. The conversation delves into the significance of SEO, keyword research, and creating business accounts separate from personal ones. Faye also shares tips on making relevant and engaging pins, linking them to valuable content, and the long-term benefits of Pinterest compared to other social media platforms.

Today's Guest...

Faye Strange is a Pinterest expert who helps inspiring service-based businesses reach more of their target audience and increase their revenue through Pinterest marketing.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:03 Meet Faye Strange: Pinterest Expert

03:47 Understanding Pinterest: Basics and Misconceptions

08:49 Pinterest for Business: Strategies and Tips

15:47 Getting Started on Pinterest: A Step-by-Step Guide

26:36 Advanced Pinterest Tips and Seasonal Content

29:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

32:44 Personal Stories and Farewell

Key Takeaways...

👉 Pinterest as a Platform: Pinterest is often misunderstood and mistaken for a social media platform, but it is actually a visual search engine. This distinction is crucial for businesses to understand in order to use Pinterest effectively.

👉 Importance for Architecture Firms: Pinterest can be particularly valuable for architecture firms, especially those engaged in residential projects, home renovations, and home extensions. The platform allows firms to reach potential clients during their lengthy discovery phase, which can span years.

👉 Setup and Optimization:

    - Business Account: Establish a separate business account, distinct from personal accounts.

    - Keyword Research: Conduct keyword research using Pinterest's search bar to identify terms potential clients might use.

    - Website Claiming: Claim your website on Pinterest to ensure credibility and track performance metrics.

👉 Content Strategy:

    - Relevant Linking: Pins should link to relevant, value-adding content on your website, such as blog posts, case studies, or free resources.

    - SEO Practices: Implement SEO strategies, using well-researched keywords to optimize pins and improve visibility.

👉 Content Creation: Use tools like Canva to create multiple, varied pin designs for the same content, as different designs appeal to different users. This can help increase engagement and widen reach.

👉 Long-Term Benefits: Pinterest content has a long shelf-life, with pins continuing to generate traffic and visibility weeks, months, and even years after they are posted. This contrasts sharply with the short lifespan of posts on traditional social media platforms.

👉 Local SEO: For architecture firms operating in specific regions, including local area keywords (e.g., county or city names) in pins and profiles is essential to attract geographically relevant traffic.

👉 Cross-Platform Benefits: Optimising for Pinterest can also improve Google image search results, driving additional traffic to your website from searches originating outside of Pinterest.

👉 Seasonal Content: Creating seasonally relevant content can help maintain visibility year-round, as people often search for home improvement ideas that are timely.

👉 Traffic Growth: Consistent use and optimisation of Pinterest can result in sustained traffic growth and increased brand recognition over time, even without daily active engagement.

👉 Nurturing Leads: Use Pinterest to capture early interest and drive users to your email list for ongoing nurturing, making it easier

Jon is joined by Ian Anderson Gray, founder of the Confident Live Marketing Academy, to discuss how architecture practice owners can effectively use video as part of their marketing strategy. They delve into important strategies, AI tools for content creation, and tips to overcome the fear of being on camera. Ian also shares his experience and passion for music, and the episode explores the benefits of video marketing, the pros and cons of live versus pre-recorded video, and the concept of content repurposing. For those feeling time-poor, Ian provides practical advice and tool recommendations to streamline the video content creation process.

Today's Guest...

Ian is the founder of the Confident Live Marketing Academy and host of the Confident Live Marketing and Smart ADHD podcasts. He helps entrepreneurs to level up their impact, authority, and profits by using live video confidently. He's the founder of Seriously Social - a blog focused on live video and social media tools. He’s an international speaker, trainer, teacher and consultant. He has a passion for making the techno-babble of live video and social media marketing easy to understand. As well as being a geek, husband, and dad to two kids, Ian is also a professional singer and lives near Manchester in the UK.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:32 Meet Ian Anderson Gray

04:13 The Importance of Video for Architecture Practices

07:57 Live vs. Pre-recorded Videos

13:07 Content Repurposing Explained

16:22 AI Tools for Content Creation

24:45 Tool for Short Form Videos

25:30 Descript and Opus Clip: A Comparison

26:45 AI Tools: Pitfalls and Best Practices

29:51 Using AI to Enhance Creativity

33:00 Content Repurposing Example

36:46 Cost and Time Efficiency in Content Creation

39:21 Final Thoughts and Advice

42:33 Favorite Travel Destinations

44:27 Connecting with Ian Anderson Gray

44:55 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

Start Small and Build Gradually:

   - Ian advises starting with simple tasks and expanding over time. This approach prevents overwhelm and allows gradual improvement and scaling. He emphasises getting started and overcoming perfectionism, especially by using interviews, which are easier than monologues.

Leverage AI Tools for Efficiency:

   - AI tools like Descript, ChatGPT, and Opus Clip can significantly streamline the content creation process. These tools help with transcribing, editing, generating show notes, and creating short-form content. However, it's crucial to use AI responsibly by refining outputs to ensure they match your voice and brand, turning AI into a valuable assistant rather than a crutch.

Repurpose Content:

   - Repurposing content maximises the value derived from a single piece of content. By starting with a video, you can efficiently create various content formats like podcasts, blog posts, social media updates, and more. The key is to develop a system for repurposing that fits within your resource constraints and gradually increase the breadth of content repurposing as you become more comfortable with the process.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Ian on Facebook > https://www.facebook.com/iagdotme

Ian on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianandersongray/

Visit Ian’s Website > https://iag.me/

—--

👇 Book a chat with Jon to explore working 1-2-1 with him 📞

Jon discusses the benefits of podcasting for small architecture firms and other service-based businesses that deliver complex or technical services. He explains how podcasting can help articulate complex services, build trust, and attract the right clients. Jon also debunks common myths around podcasting, such as the need for expensive equipment or being an expert before starting. He shares practical tips on getting started, including using guest appearances to ‘dip your toe’ into podcasting. Be sure to contact Jon via the link below if you’d like to learn more about how podcasting could benefit you.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:51 Benefits of Podcasting for Your Business

05:59 Debunking Podcasting Myths

13:22 Overcoming Fears around Podcasting

18:08 How To Get Started with Podcasting

19:57 Conclusion and Next Steps

Key Takeaways...

🎙 Building Trust and Authority

A podcast helps you show people what you do and why you do it. When you share your knowledge, you build trust with potential clients. The right people will be drawn to you, and those who aren’t a good fit will move on.

🚀 Getting Past Common Podcasting Fears

Think you need fancy equipment or a perfect radio voice? You don’t!

✅ Start with what you have – A simple setup works fine.

✅ Learn as you go – You don’t need to be an expert to begin.

✅ Your story matters – People connect with you, not just your content.

🎯 What Does Podcast Success Look Like?

Success isn’t just about money or big download numbers. It’s about:

📅 Showing up consistently – Keep publishing, even if it’s not perfect.

💡 Sharing something useful – Help your audience, and they’ll keep coming back.

🎙 Enjoying the process – If you like doing it, you’ll stick with it!

Want to explore podcasting for your business?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Interested in joining our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with Jude Charles on using storytelling to attract better clients.

Jon speaks with Aya Schlachter, CEO and founder of MGS Global Group. Aya shares insights on how architects can use outsourcing to enhance productivity, increase firm capacity, and improve their bottom line. The conversation covers key benefits such as flexibility, access to a wider talent pool, and strategic growth. Aya also debunks common myths about outsourcing, discusses best practices for working with outsourcing partners, and offers philosophical advice on staying open to new opportunities. The episode provides valuable guidance for small and solo architecture firm owners seeking to build a profitable, future-proof business.

Today's Guest...

Aya is the CEO and founder of MGS Global Group, a company that accelerates growth for architecture and design firms worldwide by providing architectural support and staffing services internationally. Her team provides Revit, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, and 3D Visualization services to architects and interior designers. Aya is a keynote speaker and host of the Architect My Business Podcast – a business growth podcast for architects. She is a wife and mother of two, an avid traveler, a golfer, and a recreational triathlete who loves cooking and spending time outdoors.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

00:55 Meet Aya Schlachter: CEO of MGS Global Group

01:51 The Benefits of Cold Plunging

04:40 Diving into Outsourcing: Why and How

06:43 Debunking Myths About Outsourcing

12:01 Choosing the Right Outsourcing Partner

14:18 Best Practices for Starting with Outsourcing

15:05 Flexible Outsourcing for Architects

16:58 Integrating Outsourcing Partners

21:21 Strategic Outsourcing for Business Growth

24:15 Final Thoughts on Outsourcing

26:07 Connecting with Aya and Jon

Key Takeaways...

Leverage Outsourcing for Growth:

   - Outsourcing can enhance productivity, increase capacity, and improve the bottom line for architecture firms.

   - It allows firms to scale up and down based on project needs, providing flexibility.

   - Access to a wider talent pool is a significant advantage.

Debunking Outsourcing Myths:

   - Concerns about communication challenges are often unfounded; many outsourcing teams are proficient in English.

   - Outsourcing partners can research and learn local building codes and standards.

   - Ethical treatment of employees is a priority; outsourcing has positively impacted local economies.

   - Coordination can be effectively managed with technology, allowing for seamless integration.

Choosing the Right Outsourcing Partner:

   - Referrals are beneficial for finding reliable outsourcing partners.

   - Review the online presence and leadership of potential partners to ensure credibility.

   - Look for content and participation in industry events as indicators of a proactive partner.

Best Practices for Starting with Outsourcing:

   - Begin with small projects to test the compatibility and effectiveness of the outsourcing partner.

   - Flexible business models, such as project-based and contract-based arrangements, can accommodate varying needs.

   - Training and integration are crucial for smooth onboarding and collaboration.

Integrating Outsourcing Partners:

   - Treat outsourcing teams as extensions of the internal team, fostering strong relationships.

   - Providing training and aligning with company culture can improve integration and performance.

Strategic Outsourcing for...

In this episode, Jon hosts Architecture Business Club with guest James Talman, CEO of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and Competent Roofer. They delve into the intricacies of roofing in architectural designs and how architects can minimise risks to ensure that their next roof is designed and built properly. James also shares important information about the NFRC's crucial role in enhancing technical excellence in roofing, elevating industry standards, and offering free resources. The discussion further explores the Building Safety Act and how the industry is preparing to implement it to ensure safety and professionalism.

Today's Guest...

James Talman is the CEO of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and CompetentRoofer. Since 2016, James has led a transformation focused on enhancing technical excellence in roofing and elevating industry standards. He's played a key role in partnerships, including CITB's RoofCERT accreditation programme, and represents the NFRC globally, fostering connections with roofing bodies in China, Germany, USA, and Canada. James, a board member of Build UK, balances his professional life with a passion for sports and the outdoors.

Episode Highlights...

00:53 Introduction to the Guest - James Talman

01:39 Personal Interests and Hobbies

03:23 Understanding the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC)

06:29 Benefits of Working with NFRC Registered Contractors

08:41 Understanding the Competent Roofer Scheme

10:27 How NFRC Can Assist Architecture Practices

15:32 Reducing Risks and Ensuring Compliance

20:09 Understanding the Building Safety Act

24:49 Career Opportunities in Roofing

26:16 Personal Travel Experiences

27:34 Connecting with NFRC Online

28:31 Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode

Key Takeaways...

👉 The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is a membership organisation that provides support and resources for contractors, manufacturers, and service providers in the roofing industry.

👉 The NFRC offers a Competent Roofer scheme, which allows roofing contractors to self-certify their work to building regulations, eliminating the need for separate building control inspections.

👉 NFRC registered contractors undergo rigorous inspections and audits to ensure their commercial probity, office procedures, and health and safety standards meet industry standards.

👉 Working with NFRC registered contractors provides advantages such as independent inspections, comprehensive guarantees, compliance with data provision, and recourse in case of any issues.

👉 The NFRC has connections with suppliers and manufacturers in the roofing industry and can assist in finding specialist roofing contractors for specific projects, such as heritage buildings.

👉 The NFRC provides resources on its website, including essential safety information, guidance bulletins, and books on various types of roofing.

👉 The NFRC is actively involved in the development of the roofing industry, including implementing mandatory technical competencies and promoting careers in roofing.

👉 The Building Safety Act has introduced legislation and frameworks for competency in the construction industry, including roofing, to ensure safety standards are met.

👉 The NFRC is available to provide support, advice, and guidance to architects and other professionals involved in roofing projects.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

NFRC’s Website > https://www.nfrc.co.uk/

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural...

In this episode, Jon shares 10 key lessons from his decade-long experience as a sole practitioner in architecture. He talks about the importance of learning from mistakes, understanding your financial state even if you're not motivated by money, delegating tasks, and building an emergency fund in your business. He also emphasises the need to make progress over perfection, continuing to find joy in your business, and connecting with others to avoid feeling alone in your journey. Jon encourages you to learn from his mistakes so you can build a profitable future-proof architecture business.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:47 10 Years of Experience: The Journey Begins

01:23 The Reality of Being a Sole Practitioner

01:56 Learning from Mistakes: The Hard Truths

03:00 The Importance of Money in Business

04:46 The Gap in Architectural Education

06:52 The Power of Differentiation in Architecture

08:24 The Impact of Relocation on Business

10:43 Dealing with Unexpected Crises

12:11 The Perils of Perfectionism

13:18 The Struggle of Doing Everything Yourself

17:11 The Loneliness of Running Your Own Business

19:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Key Takeaways...

👉 Learn from your mistakes, fail fast, and move on.

👉 Don't neglect your understanding of money and financial management, even if you're not primarily motivated by money.

👉 Running a successful architecture business requires more than just being a great architect or designer, it requires developing business skills and knowledge.

👉 Educate your customers about the value you offer and how you work.

👉 Look for ways to diversify your income so you're not solely reliant on referrals.

👉 Build an emergency fund in your business to prepare for unexpected crises.

👉 Focus on making progress rather than pursuing perfection in your business.

👉 Delegate tasks that don't align with your strengths and priorities.

👉 Take the initiative to seek support and connection with others in your field.

👉 Your architecture business journey doesn't have to be lonely, find your tribe and create connections.

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats about the power of mastermind groups with expert business mentor Chris Ducker.

In this episode, Jon discusses the CEO mindset with Janet Murray, an online business strategist and copywriter. They delve into why many small business owners or practitioners behave more like freelancers rather than CEOs. Janet highlights how tracking data, developing business skills, and creating commercially viable services or products are key components of CEO thinking. She emphasises having a forward planning strategy, sales skills, and the confidence to assert the value of one's services.

Today's Guest...

Janet Murray is an online business strategist & copywriter.

She’s the creator of the 2024 Courageous CEO Strategic Business Planner & Resource Kit (along with a whole host of content kits that save time on content planning/creation) - and the host of the Courageous CEO podcast.

Janet has been podcasting for around a decade and has published more than a thousand podcast episodes.

As a copywriter, Janet specialises in creating - and writing strategic copywriting campaigns. Strategic copywriting is about publishing the right content at the right time to achieve a specific goal - which is why it’s typically more effective than other approaches to content.

She’s also a keynote speaker who has spoken on big stages all over the world including The Youpreneur Summit (London), CMA Live (Edinburgh), and Inbound (Boston, USA).

Janet plays the piano, sings, runs, and talks to her 3 cats (although not at the same time). She’s also the mum of a teenage daughter and is a long-suffering ‘football widow’.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:50 Getting to Know Janet Murray

01:52 Janet's Unique Journey: Starting a Choir in 30 Days

04:18 The Importance of CEO Mindset in Small Business

07:04 The Difference Between Freelancers and CEOs

09:34 The Power of Strategic Planning and Data Tracking

13:52 Understanding Commercial Viability and Value

17:14 The Role of Confidence and Expertise in Business

18:46 The Power of Saying No and Understanding Your Value

19:27 Janet's Strategic Business Planner and Resource Kit

41:12 Closing Remarks and Future Episode Teaser

Key Takeaways...

👉 Small business owners should adopt a CEO mindset to strategically steer their business. This involves setting clear annual and quarterly financial targets, understanding important sales periods, and having a data-driven approach to business growth.

👉 Understanding and harnessing the value of your business is crucial. This could be honing in on unique selling points of the business, establishing effective systems, or creating assets that generate recurring income.

👉 Being able to effectively communicate the value of your product or service is important. This includes being able to articulate the transformation your service provides and having the confidence to sell it.

👉 Not all business owners are CEOs, but thinking like a CEO can help to grow a business. For the business to be deemed a business, it should have the potential to operate even without the presence of the owner.

👉 Pricing should reflect the value and transformation a product or service offers, not just the time it takes to deliver it. Professionals should be confident in their pricing and not underestimate their worth.

👉 Instead of trying to do everything, focusing on the right marketing and sales activities that strategically align with business goals will drive success. If a business owner needs immediate income, they should consider tactics that yield short-term results, such as reaching out to potential clients directly.

👉 A successful business is not just about generating income, but also about creating a legacy or adding value to the market. Capturing important data and monitoring the business strategy can help achieve this.

Links...

In this episode, Jon offers a deep dive into lead generation strategies for small to solo architecture practice owners. Jon highlights the significance of lead generation in avoiding the feast and famine cycle common to many businesses, emphasising the importance of both inbound and outbound leads. He busts common myths surrounding lead generation and outlines various misconceptions, such as the overreliance on social media for leads. The episode provides practical advice on generating outbound leads, including understanding the difference between cold, warm, and hot leads, utilising a strategy that aligns with business goals, and avoiding common mistakes like failing to schedule lead generation time. Jon shares tactics tailored to different types of leads and stresses the importance of conversations in converting leads to customers.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction to Lead Generation

00:46 Understanding Lead Generation Basics

02:17 Debunking Common Myths About Lead Generation

02:52 Inbound vs. Outbound Leads: What You Need to Know

05:56 Strategies for Generating Outbound Leads

06:43 Identifying and Nurturing Different Types of Leads

08:14 Common Mistakes in Lead Generation and How to Avoid Them

14:54 Effective Tactics for Engaging Hot and Cold Leads

21:54 Concluding Thoughts and Next Episode Teaser

Key Takeaways...

👉 Importance of Lead Generation: Lead generation is essential for maintaining a consistent stream of potential clients and to avoid cycles of feast and famine.

👉 Inbound vs. Outbound Leads: Inbound leads come to you passively and you have little control over their quality and frequency. Outbound leads require proactive outreach by you or your team but can lead to more consistent lead generation.

👉 Lead Nurturing: Recognise and nurture leads based on their level of familiarity with you and their readiness to become paying customers (cold, warm, and hot leads).

👉 Avoid Common Mistakes: Like focusing only on cold leads, not scheduling time for lead generation, and being reactive instead of proactive.

👉 Lead Tracking and Follow-Up: Track leads and follow up with them. Use a CRM system or a simple method like a spreadsheet to manage and nurture leads effectively.

👉 Have a strategy: Develop a lead generation strategy aligned with your business goals. Use the right tactics to attract and nurture cold leads, and convert hot leads into customers.

👉 Use The Right Tactics: Implementing tactics like creating valuable content for cold leads and engaging in high-touch, proactive outreach for hot leads to convert leads into customers.

👉 Conversations Lead to Conversions: Invite your leads into conversation with you to understand their needs, intent, and move them towards becoming customers.

—--

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

—--

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

In this episode, host Jon is joined by personal brand and visibility coach Fifi Mason. They discuss how to be more visible and authentic when running your architecture business. Fifi shares strategies to overcome self-silencing, an internal barrier that prevents individuals from expressing their thoughts or ideas due to fear of perceived consequences. Fifi also highlights the importance of being seen for business owners, especially on social media platforms, and provides practical tips for posting on these platforms. In the episode, they also have a light-hearted conversation about their shared love for dogs.

Today's Guest...

Fifi Mason is a Personal Brand & Visibility Coach, and her mission and purpose is to help individuals with quieter voices show up authentically, amplify their impact and create the change they wish to see in the world. To find out what’s holding you back from showing up as the face of your business – visit fifimason.com and take Fifi’s Self-Silencing Quiz.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction to Visibility in Business

00:50 Getting to Know Fifi Mason

01:18 A Shared Love for Dogs

02:27 Understanding Visibility in Business

04:46 Common Visibility Mistakes in Business

08:17 Overcoming Self Silencing

10:57 The Journey to Visibility

13:37 Tips to Overcome Self Silencing

20:00 Social Media Visibility Tips

29:20 Fifi's Favorite Place

30:22 Connecting with Fifi Mason

30:50 Closing Remarks and Preview of Next Episode

Key Takeaways...

👉 Visibility in Business: It’s important to be seen and heard, especially online, in order to reach the right people and build meaningful connections.

👉 Overcoming Self Silencing: The holding back from sharing thoughts, ideas, and opinions due to fear of the perceived consequences. Strive to break free from these self-imposed barriers and find the confidence to express yourself.

👉 Common Visibility Mistakes: Such as hiding behind a logo and not showing your personality. Be authentic and differentiate yourself to really connect with other people.

👉 Social Media Visibility: Share your unique approaches, personal stories, and testimonials in order to connect with the audience and build know, like, and trust.

👉 Take Small Steps Towards Visibility: Start with sharing personal content with close friends and family, and gradually expanding to a wider audience. Find the right balance between sharing personal stories and maintaining professionalism.

👉 Find Your Community: Find and engage with a community of like-minded individuals, whether through existing groups or creating one's own community. This helps you build connections and find an audience receptive to your ideas and opinions.

👉 The Power of Stories: Stories are an effective way to connect with people on social media. Sharing stories that show vulnerability and personal growth can help in building deeper connections and resonating with your audience.

👉 Hope and Possibility: It’s possible to overcome your shyness, introversion, and the fear of being visible. Gradually step out of your comfort zone and gain a sense of freedom and enjoyment that comes with being visible and authentically you.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Connect with Fifi and take her Self-Silencing Quiz >>> https://fifimason.com/connect

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

In this episode of Architecture Business Club, host Jon discusses the importance and effectiveness of email newsletters for solo and small firm architecture practice owners with Nikita Morell, a copywriter who specialises in the architecture industry. They explore how newsletters can create a direct and personal connection with the audience, bypassing social media algorithms, and emphasise consistency and personalization over visual design. Nikita shares insights on crafting engaging content, segmenting the audience for tailored messaging, and strategies for building an email list. And shares tips for writing newsletters that resonate with readers. Will you try using an email newsletter to build relationships, credibility, and likability with your clients?

Today's Guest...

Nikita Morell is a copywriter for architecture professionals. She is also the founder of Architects WordShop: an online shop dedicated to helping architects with their words. Nikita specialises in helping architecture practices and sole practitioners around the world with their website messaging and uncovering their ‘X factor’ (the one thing that makes them different from every other firm) — so they can get a steady stream of ridiculously good projects. She analysed 663 architecture websites (you can see the results on her website) and is recognised for her unboring email newsletter and slightly controversial LinkedIn posts.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Email Newsletters

00:56 Meet Nikita Morell: The Architect's Copywriter

03:17 The Underrated Marketing Tool: Email Newsletters

05:43 Designing Your Email Newsletter: Aesthetics vs. Content

07:41 Crafting the Perfect Email Newsletter

18:46 Building and Segmenting Your Email List

22:15 Final Thoughts and A Personal Favorite Place

Key Takeaways...

👉 Email newsletters are an underrated marketing tool in the architecture industry. They allow architecture professionals to stay top of mind with clients and have a direct, personalised conversation with them. 

👉 Email newsletters do not have to look visually stunning. Plain text emails can be just as effective in delivering the message. Focus on the content and writing style to create a genuine, conversational tone.

👉 Before writing an email newsletter, consider the value it will provide to your ideal clients and your business. Personalise the content to connect with different segments of your audience and avoid generic, boring newsletters.

👉 Use lead magnets on your website to attract subscribers. Segment your email list based on different client types to personalise the content and improve engagement.   

👉 Consistency is key in email newsletters, but focus on quality over quantity. Regular newsletters help build trust, credibility, and likability with your audience.

👉 Personalise the newsletters by writing directly to the audience and prompting replies with questions. Keep the tone conversational and relatable to humanise the communication.

👉 Nikita encourages architects to give email newsletters a try and emphasises the enjoyment and personal connection they can bring.

👇 Links Mentioned In The Episode...

To get Nikita's hilarious emails full of FREE copywriting tips & templates go to www.nikitamorell.com/newsletter

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

-----

👇...

Jon chats with Jackie Goddard, a voice and acting coach. They explore the benefits of public speaking for architects and architecture practice owners, offering practical tips to overcome the fear of public speaking. Jackie, who has extensive experience in acting and coaching, shares her insights on how effective communication can aid in personal and business growth. They also discuss the significance of storytelling, preparation, and the three B's method: Believe, Breathe, and Be Prepared.

Today's Guest...

Jackie Goddard is a former fashion designer and recovering actor who’s spent 30 years working in and around the arts, most recently as a voice and acting coach. Through her company, Power to Speak, Jackie now works with entrepreneurs, business leaders & teams to make them excited about sharing their ideas and developing their Power To Speak. She is often asked to speak to audiences about public speaking, but also to share her thoughts on topics like the acting process, resilience, joy, and failure. Since 2020 Jackie has hosted a podcast, talking to speakers, authors, actors, & entrepreneurs to discover how they use their voice, story, and creativity for their work & wellbeing.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:22 Meet Jackie Goddard

03:34 The Benefits of Public Speaking for Architects

06:29 Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

11:13 Transforming Fear into Excitement

15:55 The Power of Storytelling in Public Speaking

21:18 First Steps to Public Speaking

27:29 The Three B's of Public Speaking

31:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

32:45 Favorite Places and Farewell

Key Takeaways...

Preparation is Key:

   - Jackie emphasises the importance of thorough preparation in overcoming the fear of public speaking. Getting all your thoughts out on paper, organising them, and practicing out loud with someone are crucial steps. Preparation helps to internalise the content, making it easier to present with confidence and fluidity.

The Power of Storytelling:

   - Incorporating stories into your public speaking can make your message more memorable and engaging. Personal stories are particularly effective because they are easier for the speaker to remember and help build a connection with the audience. The essence is to tell stories that resonate with the audience, not just boast about personal achievements.

Shifting Mindset from Fear to Excitement:

   - Jackie explains that anxiety and excitement are physiologically similar, and by changing your mindset to see the act of public speaking as an exciting opportunity rather than a daunting task, you can improve your performance. Believing in what you are talking about and focusing on the positive outcomes can transform nervous energy into enthusiasm.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Grab Jackie’s (free) guide: ‘Speak With Confidence 101’

Visit Jackie’s Website 

Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn

Curious about working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources...

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step...

Jon speaks with Tom Lewith, a chartered architect and co-founder of New-works, about the challenges and transformations in the field of architecture. Tom discusses the closure of his previous practice, TDO, and the reasons behind starting New-works with a focus on specialisation, collaboration, wellbeing, and sustainability. They delve into the industry's pressing issues like climate change, mental health, the Building Safety Act, and the impact of AI. Tom shares insights on creating a structured and fulfilling workday, emphasising the need for specialisation and collaboration in architecture to handle these challenges. The conversation also touches upon personal passions and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance.

Today's Guest...

Tom Lewith is a Chartered Architect and co-founder of New-works. Prior to New-works he co-founded and ran TDO, a leading all-services architecture studio. The success of the practice and its work led to Tom being named in The Architects’ Journal ‘40 under 40’, and the studio featuring in the Architecture Foundation’s ‘New Architects 3’. Big issues affecting the industry like climate change, mental health, AI, and the Building Safety Act demand fundamental change. So in 2024 Tom co-founded New-works to explore a new way of working based on the principles of specialism, collaboration, wellbeing and sustainability.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

00:56 Meet Tom Lewith: Architect and Innovator

03:12 Tom's Journey into Architecture

04:34 The Rise and Fall of TDO

06:52 Challenges in the Architecture Industry

11:42 The Birth of New-works

16:52 Specialisation and Collaboration in Architecture

24:02 Stagnation in Architecture Practices

25:39 Embracing Change and Specialisation

27:02 The Power of Saying No

31:05 Introducing New-works

31:33 NewWorks' Unique Approach to Architecture

33:05 Structuring the Workday for Creativity

36:59 Reflecting on the Evolution of Work Practices

40:49 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

43:45 A Personal Favorite Place

45:03 Connecting with Tom Lewith

Key Takeaways...

Specialisation and Collaboration:

   - Tom Lewith's approach with New-works highlights the importance of focusing on what you are passionate about and specialising in your strengths. By concentrating on the early stages of architecture (from initial client engagement to early design), New-works creates space for creativity and efficiency. Collaborating with partners who excel in other stages of a project ensures that the entire process is handled by experts, leading to better outcomes and more sustainable practice.

Structured Workday for Better Productivity:

   - Implementing a structured workday is crucial for maintaining productivity and mental health. New Works starts their day with non-work activities to prepare mentally and physically, then dedicates a specific time block (10 AM to 2 PM) for deep work without interruptions. This focused period allows for significant progress on creative tasks, followed by a more flexible part of the day for emails, meetings, and other communications. This balance helps reduce anxiety and ensure a productive and enjoyable workday.

The Power of Saying “No”:

   - To create a sustainable and profitable architecture practice, it is essential to say "no" to projects and clients that do not align with your core strengths and passions. By focusing on what they do best, architects can deliver higher quality work and maintain their enthusiasm for their projects. Saying no also helps define your unique value proposition, making it easier to attract the right clients and opportunities that match your expertise.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Learn more about New Works >

Jon interviews Fabio Zammit, a seasoned software engineer and entrepreneur. Fabio shares actionable website tips and digital marketing strategies to help small architecture practice owners generate more leads from their online presence. The discussion covers key topics such as SEO, user-friendly website design, showcasing case studies, call-to-action best practices, leveraging social proof, and effective strategies to drive traffic to your website. Whether you're aiming for quick wins or long-term success, this episode provides valuable insights to optimise your architecture practice's online footprint.

Today's Guest...

Fabio Zammit is a seasoned software engineer with over two decades of experience, including stints at industry giants like HSBC and AOL in London. His journey led him to establish Root Codex, an agency designed to fill the gaps he identified in the tech industry. Root Codex specialises in seamlessly integrating top-tier software engineers into your existing tech teams, eliminating the challenges of freelance management and hiring. This approach ensures that businesses can scale up their tech capabilities effortlessly.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:14 Meet Fabio Zammit: Software Engineer and Entrepreneur

02:01 Fabio's House Building Journey

04:25 Importance of Website Design and Layout

06:41 Showcasing Work: Best Practices for Case Studies

11:50 The Role of Social Proof and Testimonials

16:34 Understanding SEO: Basics and Best Practices

23:50 Targeting Keywords: Broad vs. Niche

26:37 Keyword Research Tools: SEMrush and Ahrefs

27:06 Best Practices for Site Speed

28:39 Effective Calls to Action (CTA)

30:51 Mobile-First Approach

35:26 Enhancing Online Credibility

37:51 Driving Traffic: PPC and SEO Strategies

44:52 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

47:46 Travel Inspirations: Tuscany

48:52 Conclusion and Contact Information

Key Takeaways...

Importance of a User-Friendly Website:

   Fabio emphasises the necessity of having a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing website design. It’s essential your website loads quickly, uses optimised images, and has an intuitive layout. Responsive design is important too, ensuring your website looks good and functions well on mobile devices.

Effective Use of SEO and PPC:

   Use long-tail keywords for better targeting and creating fresh, relevant content consistently. Additionally, for quicker results, use pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns tailored to the business’s target audience, whether on platforms like Google, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Utilising Social Proof and Clear Calls to Action:

   Social proof, such as displaying testimonials and Google My Business reviews is important to build trust and credibility. Include clear calls to action (CTAs) throughout your website, making buttons and contact forms easily accessible and visible to guide visitors toward taking the next step.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Visit Fabio’s Website

Connect with Fabio on LinkedIn

Website Tools > Semrush   |   Ahrefs   |   HotJar

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore...

Jon is joined by Melanie Boylan, an award-winning social media trainer and Google Business Profile specialist. Melanie explains how optimising Google Business Profiles can significantly enhance online visibility for architecture firms. The episode covers the basics and benefits of Google Business Profiles, including step-by-step guidance on setup, optimisation tips, and unique features like FAQs and call-to-action options. Melanie also shares how to leverage tools for consistent posting and answers listener questions about managing profiles efficiently. Melanie also shares her personal interest in space and science, and her experiences sharing this passion with her family. The episode ends with insights about the benefits of having a well-optimised online presence and practical advice for small architecture firms to get started.

Today's Guest...

Melanie Boylan is an award-winning Social Media Trainer, Digital Marketer, Speaker, Journalist and award-winning Podcaster with The Monday Morning Marketing Podcast and has been training and managing social media accounts for business since 2013.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Meet Melanie Boyland: Social Media and Google Business Profile Expert

01:50 Melanie's Passion for Space and Science

05:08 The Importance of Google Business Profiles for Architects

07:54 Setting Up and Optimising Your Google Business Profile

11:43 Maximising the Benefits of Google Business Profiles

18:37 Posting and Managing Your Google Business Profile

25:23 Final Tips and Recommendations

33:22 Conclusion and Farewell

Key Takeaways...

Importance of Having a Website and Google Business Profile:

   - Having a website provides a central hub for all your business information and content. A Google Business Profile complements your website by improving your search engine visibility and making it easier for potential clients to find and contact you.

   - A simple and clear website is often sufficient for service businesses, and a Google Business Profile can greatly enhance your online presence by presenting your business in Google search results and Maps.

Fully Optimising Your Google Business Profile:

   - Fully optimising your profile involves more than just setting it up; it requires filling out all available fields, regularly posting updates, and encouraging client reviews. 

   - Regularly check and update the profile to ensure accuracy and relevance. Google may add categories based on how people find you, so it's important to review these periodically to manage customer expectations and avoid misunderstandings.

Leveraging Google Business Profile Features for Engagement:

   - Google Business Profile allows for various types of posts, including text, images, videos, and even scheduling links, which can drive engagement and facilitate easy contact with clients.

   - Features such as call-to-action buttons, FAQ sections, and review management can significantly streamline the customer journey, making it easier for them to contact you directly from the search results, thus enhancing user experience and increasing the likelihood of converting inquiries into clients.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Visit Melanie’s Website

Connect with Melanie on LinkedIn

---

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with...

In this episode of the Architecture Business Club, host Jon Clayton discusses LinkedIn strategies for business growth with social media strategist Sarah Clay. They dissected common misconceptions about LinkedIn, emphasizing its role as a search engine and networking tool, not just a social media platform. Sarah highlighted the importance of showcasing the team and process behind architecture projects on LinkedIn, not just completed works. She affirmed the benefits can include expanding networks, identifying industry trends, and understanding audience needs.

Today's Guest...

Sarah Clay is a LinkedIn trainer to B2C and B2B companies as well as solopreneurs, who offers a no-nonsense, accessible approach to her teaching whilst injecting some fun into learning. Sarah’s specialism is working with entrepreneurs and business owners to help them get more leads from LinkedIn. An award-winning social media trainer and strategist, Sarah has over 10 years’ experience heading up marketing and PR departments. Sarah ran her own social media agency ‘Sarah Clay Social’ looking after social media for all sizes of business before focusing on training business owners how to love and leverage LinkedIn to accelerate their business growth.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:58 Getting to Know Sarah Clay

02:48 Debunking LinkedIn Myths

04:19 How Architects Can Leverage LinkedIn

06:42 Benefits of Being Active on LinkedIn

09:26 Exploring LinkedIn's Search Feature

10:49 Intermission and Reminder to Subscribe

11:10 Practical Use of LinkedIn's Search Feature

14:47 Three Steps to LinkedIn Success

17:09 Overcoming Fear of LinkedIn

17:52 Sarah's Home Renovation Experience

21:03 Sarah's Favorite Place in the World

22:13 Contact Details and Closing Remarks

22:41 Preview of Next Episode and Farewell

Key Takeaways...

👉 LinkedIn is more than just a social media platform. It is a search engine, a directory, and a networking tool. It can be leveraged by architecture practices to find collaborators, connect with potential clients, and stay updated on industry trends.

👉 Architectural practices should showcase not only their work but also their personalities on LinkedIn. Sharing personal stories, talking about why they love what they do, and highlighting their team members can help build trust with clients and differentiate themselves from competitors.

👉 The search bar on LinkedIn is a powerful tool that can be used to find specific individuals or companies with expertise in certain areas, such as energy efficiency. By using relevant keywords and filtering by location, architects can connect with the right people for their projects.

👉 To succeed on LinkedIn, architecture practice owners should focus on three key steps: optimize their profile with keywords, consistently post valuable content, and actively engage with others using the search bar.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Sarah Clay’s Website > https://sarahclaysocial.com/

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this...

In this episode of the Architecture Business Club podcast, host Jon Clayton talks with Linden Dover, co-founder and COO of Weaver, an online platform that assists architects and design professionals in finding, vetting, and hiring building contractors. Linden shares the rigorous three-step approach adopted by Weaver to vet contractors, emphasizing the importance of continual assessment. He also discusses his past experiences, specifically a 2016 instance regarding a rogue contractor that eventually led to the founding of Weaver. Ultimately, the continual vetting process maximises the chances of a successful match between a project and contractor and also ensures clients have a pleasant experience.

Today's Guest...

Linden Dover is an entrepreneur and seasoned property development professional with a deep-rooted passion for design, craftsmanship, and innovation. As the Co-Founder and COO of Weaver, an online platform connecting contractors to home renovation projects in the UK, he has cultivated a thriving network of trusted professionals. The platform, recognized and backed by influential industry leaders like BTOV, FJ Labs, and Atlassian Executives, stands as a testament to his commitment to elevating the construction and renovation industry.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:01 Meet the Guest: Linden Dover

01:57 Linden's Personal Journey and Relocation to Mallorca

03:02 The Birth of Weaver: A Story of Overcoming Challenges

06:55 The Weaver Vetting Process: Ensuring Quality Contractors

14:38 The Importance of Continual Assessment

16:47 The Two-Way Vetting Process: Ensuring Quality Projects

18:31 Tips for Finding the Right Contractor

23:09 The Importance of Respect and Communication in the Construction Industry

27:54 Linden's Favorite Place: A Hidden Gem in Mallorca

29:37 Conclusion and Farewell

Key Takeaways...

Do your due diligence: Don't just rely on looks or recommendations. Interrogate and thoroughly assess potential contractors.

Visit ongoing projects: Whenever possible, go visit a project that the contractor is currently working on. This will give you a good sense of their workmanship and the way they conduct themselves on site.

Verify credentials: Check if the contractor has the appropriate insurances and references for your specific type of project. Make sure they have the necessary experience and expertise.

Get references and verify them: Reach out to past clients and ask them about their experience working with the contractor. Ask about their communication, timeliness, and ability to resolve disputes.

 Continual assessment: Look for contractors who are continually assessed and have a good track record. Consider working with platforms or networks that provide ongoing evaluation and feedback.

Consider specialization: If your project requires specific skills or expertise (e.g., sustainable design, unique materials), ensure that the contractor has experience in that area.

Avoid solely focusing on price: While cost is an important factor, prioritize factors such as communication, timeliness, and overall fit for your project. Cheaper quotes may lead to unexpected costs and low-quality work.

Provide feedback: Communicate with contractors and provide feedback on their performance. This helps

In this episode of Architecture Business Club, Jon encourages listeners to reflect on their past year in business and consider their business plans for the upcoming year. Highlighting the importance of setting an objective and assessing which actions led to successful results and which actions were detrimental. Jon discusses his personal achievements and challenges, highlighting his own goals for the year ahead.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:25 Reflecting on the Past Year

01:56 Identifying Achievements and Challenges

02:37 Overcoming Perfectionism

03:40 Setting Goals for the New Year

04:27 Choosing a Theme or Word for the Year

05:56 Planning for Business Growth

07:51 Understanding the Difference Between Goals and Tasks

10:53 Creating an Annual Plan for Your Business

14:12 Planning in Quarters

14:55 Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode

Key Takeaways...

👉 Reflect on your previous year: Take the time to look back and reflect on what worked well and what didn't. Make course corrections if necessary.

👉 Set clear goals: Define your objectives for the year and set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals.

👉 Embrace imperfection: Avoid being a perfectionist and instead focus on progress. It's better to take action and make improvements later.

👉 Seek growth opportunities: Continuously strive for personal and professional growth. Look for ways to expand your knowledge, reach new audiences, and increase your income.

👉 Break down tasks: When planning, distinguish between goals, projects, and tasks. Break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks to stay organised and productive.

👉 Consider quarterly planning: Break down your yearly goals into quarterly sprints. Quarterly planning allows for course corrections and helps you stay focused throughout the year.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Andrew & Pete > https://www.andrewandpete.com/

Chris Ducker > https://chrisducker.com/

Mike Cole > https://thismikecole.com/

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with online business strategist and copywriter, Janet Murray about how to think more like a CEO.

In this episode, Jon announces exciting developments for the Architecture Business Club, aiming to extend its value beyond just being a podcast. The club, intended for solo and small firm architecture practice owners, is about to introduce several new offerings to foster a community within the architecture industry. Key announcements include the launch of a new website for enhanced accessibility to resources, the release of a free 'Architecture Business Blueprint' for business growth, and plans for an interactive community platform that may feature discussion groups, webinars, Q&A sessions, and in-person events. Additionally, Jon introduces the Architecture Mastermind Group for peer support and accountability, and one-to-one coaching, mentoring, and consulting services for personalised business guidance. This episode emphasises the club's vision of being more than a podcast by providing a holistic support system for architects, architectural technologists, and designers.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Welcome to Architecture Business Club!

03:11 Introducing the New Architecture Business Club Website

05:13 Unveiling the Architecture Business Blueprint

08:21 Building a Community Beyond the Podcast

12:16 Exploring Mastermind Groups and One-to-One Coaching

15:10 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward

Key Takeaways...

👉 Expansion Plans: Jon is enthusiastic about expanding the Architecture Business Club beyond just being a podcast. He aims to create a community where architecture professionals can come together, socialise, share knowledge, and support each other.

👉 New Website Launch: A new website for the Architecture Business Club has been launched to provide a central hub for resources, podcasts, and updates. Jon encourages feedback and engagement from the audience to improve the website further.

👉 Architecture Business Blueprint: Jon has prepared a comprehensive document called the Architecture Business Blueprint, aimed at helping architecture professionals build and grow their businesses. The blueprint is offered as a free resource on the website.

👉 Focus on Community Building: Community plays a crucial role in Jon's vision for the Architecture Business Club. He emphasises the importance of creating a club-like atmosphere where professionals can connect, learn, and support each other.

👉 Mastermind Groups and Coaching: Jon highlights the value of mastermind groups for achieving business goals and offers opportunities for one-to-one coaching, mentoring, and consulting to support professionals in their business endeavors.

👉 Future Plans: Jon is dedicated to focusing entirely on the Architecture Business Club and supporting others in the architecture industry. He is committed to providing you with valuable content.

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 Check out our new website at…

https://architecturebusinessclub.com

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

👇 Follow or Connect with...

In this episode, host Jon is joined by Anna Lundberg, founder of One Step Outside who helps professionals break free from a traditional 9-5 job to find a more meaningful definition of success. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from employee to business owner, the importance of building a personal brand, the need for work-life integration versus balance, and the potential for future-proofing the business. Anna also shares her five-pillar business framework and how it helps solo and small-firm architecture practice owners navigate their business journey. She further explores alternative business models, moving past one-to-one client services. They also touch upon travel experiences and their relevance in expanding horizons and sparking curiosity.

Today's Guest...

Anna Lundberg is all about crafting careers and businesses that don't just focus on traditional success measures, but take a more balanced approach. Founder of One Step Outside®, she is on a mission to help experienced professionals break free from the 9 to 5 and pursue a more meaningful definition of success. She is the host of the Reimagining Success® podcast and the author of several books. And she's juggling all this while raising two little kiddos down in sunny Dorset.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:56 Guest Introduction: Anna Lundberg

01:42 Anna's Journey: Leaving Corporate World

02:02 Anna's South America Adventure

02:39 The Impact of Travel on Career Decisions

05:11 The Five Pillars Framework Overview

06:39 Pillar One: Defining Your Version of Success

10:05 Pillar Two: Cultivating Confidence and Resilience

14:27 Pillar Three: Developing the Right Business Model

18:32 Exploring Alternative Business Models

21:53 Exploring Creative Solutions in Business

22:22 Understanding Client Needs and Preferences

23:11 Exploring Different Business Models

24:10 Building Trust and Progression in Business

26:19 Pillar Four: The Importance of Personal Branding

30:38 Pillar Five: Work-Life Integration

34:06 Recommendations for Starting or Improving a Business

37:45 The Role of Travel and Location in Personal Fulfillment

40:58 Connecting with Anna Lundberg Online

41:57 Preview of the Next Episode and Closing Remarks

Key Takeaways...

👉 Importance of Self-Awareness - Understanding one's own strengths, preferences, personality, and life situation is crucial before starting or revamping a business.

👉 Redefining Success - Anna encourages not to limit the definition of success to monetary outcomes. Instead, she suggests it should include aspects such as freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment.

👉 Cultivating Resilience and Confidence - Building resilience and confidence is essential in managing the ups and downs that come with running a business.

👉 Diversifying Business Models - Not to be limited by traditional business models, and consider alternatives such as paid resources, teaching, mentoring, and upselling other services.

👉 The Value of Personal Branding - Creating a personal brand can help differentiate a business and establish a stronger connection with clients.

👉 Work-Life Integration, not Balance - Anna argues for the idea of work-life integration, suggesting that it's about finding a way for work and personal life to harmoniously co-exist.

👉 Importance of Progression - Offering entry-level services or products can help bring clients into your world and possibly upsell them to premium services later.

👉 Taking Small Steps towards Big Goals - Ambitious goals can be made more achievable by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Anna’s Website >

Jon discusses the significance of networking and attending in-person events such as conferences and workshops for solo and small firm architecture practice owners. He challenges common myths about networking, offers practical advice for introverts, and suggests strategies for making the most out of these events. Jon also highlights the benefits of meeting new people, gaining visibility, and building relationships, alongside alternative online options. He shares his personal experiences and announces his upcoming speaking engagement at London Build 2024, inviting listeners to join him at the event to learn, network, and socialise.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:06 Why Networking Matters

02:15 Debunking Networking Myths

04:22 Alternatives to In-Person Networking

04:50 Personal Networking Experiences

06:27 Four Ways You Get Sales

08:15 Networking Tips for Introverts

09:57 A Strategic Approach To Networking & In-Person Events

12:12 Top Networking Recommendations

15:28 Upcoming Event: London Build 2024

16:53 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

Importance of Networking:

   - Networking events and in-person interactions are critical for growth, as they provide opportunities for meeting potential clients, collaborators, and mentors.

   - Networking helps in gaining new ideas, discovering trends, building visibility, and enhancing credibility.

Debunking Myths about Networking:

   - Networking is not just for extroverts; introverts can do it too!

   - Networking should not be approached with aggressive selling; the focus should be on listening and helping others.

   - It’s not necessary to attend every event regularly; attending selectively based on your goals can be effective.

   - Tangible results can arise from networking, and it should be viewed as more than a one-time event.

Alternatives to In-Person Networking:

   - Online events and communities can be valuable substitutes when in-person attendance isn’t possible.

   - Building relationships online can still yield significant benefits, although in-person interactions often have a more substantial impact.

Networking Tips for Introverts:

   - Start with smaller events.

   - Bring a friend for support.

   - Prepare in advance by researching other attendees.

   - Focus on listening more than talking.

Strategies for Effective Networking:

   - Be authentic and true to yourself at networking events.

   - Follow up with new contacts to build lasting relationships.

   - Have a clear strategy and goals to measure the effectiveness of networking activities.

Hosting Your Own Event:

   - If local events are unavailable, consider organizing your own meetups or workshops.

   - Events can be informal and simple, such as a gathering at a local café or pub.

Upcoming Networking Opportunities:

   - Engage in larger industry events like London Build 2024 for extensive networking and learning opportunities.

   - Take advantage of casual meetups alongside formal events to build deeper connections.

—--

Join me at London Build on Nov 20th & 21st at Olympia London.

I'll be speaking at the Skills & Marketing Hub (at 10am on Nov 20th) and then hanging around for the rest of the event.

We’ll also be hosting an evening meet-up at a nearby venue (details coming...

Jon discusses the importance and benefits of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for solo and small firm architecture practice owners. The episode covers the basics of CRM systems, their key features, and how they can help automate tasks, manage client communications, and streamline operations. Jon also offers advice on selecting the right CRM for different practice sizes and provides tips for successful implementation and consistent use.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:24 Understanding CRM Systems

03:09 Benefits of CRM for Architecture Practices

04:44 Key Features to Look for in a CRM

06:02 Choosing the Right CRM for Your Practice

08:32 Implementing a CRM System Successfully

12:07 Optimising your CRM for Long-Term Success

13:30 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

The Importance of CRM Systems:

   CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems are key for architecture practices, regardless of size. They help manage client relationships, streamline communications, and automate routine tasks, which is essential for maintaining strong relationships over long project timelines and improving overall efficiency.

Key Features and Choosing the Right CRM:

   Not all CRMs are created equal, and it's important to choose one that fits the specific needs of your practice. Key features to look for might include project tracking, communication history, automation for repetitive tasks, and integration with other software like AutoCAD or Revit. The choice of CRM should consider factors such as the scale of projects, team size, budget, and specific business goals.

Implementation and Optimisation:

   Successful implementation of a CRM involves setting clear goals, training your team, and ensuring accurate data migration. Consistent use and regular review of CRM data to identify trends can help refine processes over time. This consistent use is key to keeping sales and project pipelines full and moving, ultimately adding value to your practice.

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with architect, Doug Hodgson about mental health and wellbeing in architecture.

In part two of Jon's conversation with Ange Lyons they chat about the challenges of freelancing. They discuss dealing with tricky clients, avoiding scope creep, and combating loneliness. They also share practical tips on contracts, invoicing, and handling social isolation. If you're a small business owner in architecture, this episode offers valuable advice to help you build your dream business and enjoy more freedom and fulfillment.

Today's Guest...

Ange Lyons is a brand and marketing graphic designer based in London UK. With over 20 years of experience in the design industry, she has successfully run her business, Lyons Creative, for the past 12 years. Ange specialises in creating marketing designs, brands, magazines and websites, working across both print and digital media. She provides graphic design services to a diverse range of industries, including insurance and finance corporations, publishing houses, charities, and freelancers. This variety ensures that her skillset remains broad and adaptable. Ange is passionate about engaging with people and offering her assistance wherever possible. Her love for colours and fonts is evident in her work, and she delights in sharing this enthusiasm with others.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:40 Client Challenges and Scope Creep

04:03 Handling Difficult Clients

07:31 Best Practices for Contracts and Invoicing

14:13 Dealing with Social Isolation

21:38 Time Management Tips for Freelancers

27:34 The Power of Newsletters

30:18 Favorite Travel Destinations

32:54 Conclusion and Contact Information

Key Takeaways...

Clear Contracts and Boundaries

Make sure your contracts are clear to avoid misunderstandings with clients. Include what work you’ll do, the difference between revisions and redesigns, and when payments are due. It’s worth getting legal advice or using contract templates from trusted sources. You can also use tools like CRM systems to keep track of contracts and invoices.

Finding Community and Beating Isolation

Freelancing can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do it all on your own. Join online groups, try co-working sessions, or organise meet-ups in your area. Online co-working over Zoom lets you check in with others while you work, helping you stay accountable and feel part of a group. Communities like Architecture Business Club or Being Freelance are great places to start.

Managing Your Time and Staying Productive

Being your own boss means juggling lots of tasks. Try using a Pomodoro timer, setting work hours in a planner, and switching off social media notifications to stay focused. Prioritise your day with a task list, focusing on one big job at a time. Tools that track your time can also help you keep on top of your schedule.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Connect with Ange on LinkedIn

Visit Ange’s Website

—--

Want to be the first to hear how to join our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business...

In this episode of Architecture Business Club, host Jon discusses starting his own architectural design side hustle in 2010. He takes us through his motivation for starting a side business, shares details about the challenges he faced including dealing with job insecurity due to redundancy and his drive to create a location-independent business. Jon provides insights on how he got off the ground with consultations, grant funding opportunities, and forming a business plan. He also highlights the importance of having a proper presence for the business and a great online presence. In the latter part of the episode, he provides advice for those thinking of pursuing a similar path about avoiding perfectionism, understanding their motivations, and advice on possible conflicts of interest with current employers. The episode concludes with Jon sharing his lessons learned and answering key considerations for anyone thinking about starting an architecture side hustle.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:08 Understanding Side Hustles

01:32 Why Start a Side Hustle?

03:20 Starting the Side Hustle Journey

07:35 Overcoming Perfectionism and Launching the Business

10:31 Reflections and Lessons Learned

12:37 Tips for Starting a Side Hustle

13:50 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

Key Takeaways...

👉 Starting a side hustle in architecture can provide additional income and flexibility.

👉 Side hustles are usually extra jobs or small businesses done outside of a regular job.

👉 Starting a side hustle can be motivated by factors like job insecurity, the desire for location independence, and the need for extra money.

👉 To start a side hustle, it is important to have a plan and consider factors like business goals, products/services, competition, and financial forecasts.

👉 Seeking advice from professionals, such as mentors, accountants, and insurance brokers, can be beneficial when starting a side hustle.

👉 Establishing a virtual office, creating a website, and setting up business listings are important steps to establish a presence for the side hustle.

👉 It is important to consider why you are starting a side hustle and whether you want it to remain a small venture or grow into a larger business.

👉 Contingency plans should be considered in case the side hustle grows more quickly than expected or takes up more time.

👉 Finding a niche and being clear about who you want to serve can help differentiate the side hustle and attract the desired types of projects.

👉 Connecting with professionals, peers, and industry organisations can provide valuable advice and support for running a side hustle in architecture.

Free Places To List Your Business Online

Apple Maps > https://businessconnect.apple.com/

Bing Places > https://www.bingplaces.com/

Free Index > https://www.freeindex.co.uk/advertise.htm

Thomson Local > https://www.thomsonlocal.com/product/freelisting

Yell > https://www.yell.com/free-listing/

Yelp > https://business.yelp.com/advertise/free-online-business-advertising/

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE...

In this episode, Jon chats with Ray Brown, a business coach, and entrepreneur who specialises in mentoring architectural practices through his organisation, ArchiBiz. The discussion highlights the significant gap in business education for architects and introduces foundational strategies to build profitable and sustainable businesses without compromising on design standards. Ray Brown shares insights from his journey from building and selling businesses in Scotland to coaching startups and top executives in Australia. The focus is on essential business education for architects, including finance, operations, sales, marketing, and project management. The episode emphasises the importance of financial literacy, strategic planning, and investing in foundational business education early in one's career to avoid common mistakes and set up for long-term success.

Today's Guest...

Ray Brown is a business coach and entrepreneur. He built and sold several businesses in Scotland before relocating to Australia with his family in 2005. Ray has coached everyone from startups to top executives of major companies. He also chairs multiple company boards. But today his main focus is coaching and mentoring architectural practices. Ray recognised there was a significant gap in the education provided to architects around running a business. So he founded Archibiz to help ambitious architects build profitable and sustainable businesses whilst maintaining good design standards.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

02:07 Ray Brown's Journey from Scotland to Australia

04:01 The Importance of Foundational Business Education

06:31 Challenges Architects Face in Business

10:00 The Misconceptions of Architecture as a Business

15:45 The ArchiBiz Approach

17:44 Unlocking Business Success for Architects

18:02 The Power of Forecasting in Architecture

18:53 Monthly Board Meeting Insights

19:51 Investing in Your Architectural Practice

27:28 The Importance of Financial Literacy

28:50 Final Thoughts and Advice

30:02 Favorite Travel Destinations

Key Takeaways...

👉 Foundational business education is essential for bridging the gap between architectural skills and business acumen.

👉 Ambitious architects can build profitable and sustainable businesses while maintaining high design standards through the right coaching and mentoring. 

👉 Financial literacy is key to understanding your business's performance and forecasting future trends.

👉 Process-driven transformation, achieved through regular small improvements, can have a significant impact on business success.

👉 It's important to understand the basics of finance, operations, sales, marketing, and project management for running a smooth architectural practice.

👉 Investing in business education and mentorship, like the ArchiBiz Business Foundations Program, can provide substantial returns by equipping architects with essential business running skills.

👉 Changing the mindset from just being an architect to being a business owner specializing in architecture is necessary, recognising that architectural practices are businesses requiring strategic management to thrive.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

ArchiBiz Business Foundations Program

—--

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

—--

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community...

Jon talks to Stephen Drew, the founder of Architecture Social and Interior Design Social, about the challenges of finding, hiring, and retaining great architectural staff. Stephen enlightens listeners about the importance of creating engaging job adverts that go beyond listing required skills, and instead paint a vibrant picture of the company culture. He advises businesses to be agile, and transparent about their financial situation, and to constantly engage with employees about their professional goals. Stephen encourages companies to think from an employee's perspective and leverage their unique strengths, like flexibility and opportunities for more hands-on experience, which are particularly attractive to candidates. He also highlights the cost-saving advantage of employee referrals and the importance of fostering relationships with local universities for potential new hires.

Today's Guest...

Stephen Drew is the Founder of the Architecture Social and Interior Design Social as well as an ambassador for the Architect's Benevolent Society, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a professional member of the Recruitment Employment Confederation and the Association Of Professional Staffing Companies. Architecture Social has a fresh spin on an old formula by breaking down traditional barriers between companies and creatives, providing a supportive environment to develop professional skills, find new jobs, and socialise.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:57 Guest Introduction: Stephen Drew

01:40 Personal Interactions and Casual Conversation

03:31 Stephen Drew's Journey into Recruitment

05:46 Challenges and Solutions in Recruitment

08:22 Mistakes Employers Make in Recruitment

08:35 Effective Job Advertisements and Hiring Strategies

15:18 The Importance of Respect and Communication in Hiring

19:00 Salary Transparency in Job Advertisements

21:46 Understanding the Market and Setting Salaries

22:38 Balancing Business Needs and Employee Expectations

23:29 The Importance of Flexibility and Progression in Retaining Staff

25:32 The Art of Negotiation and Counter Offers

28:40 The Role of Flexibility and Experience in Attracting Candidates

31:49 Advice for Sole Practitioners on Their First Hire

34:18 The Importance of Practice and Comparison in the Hiring Process

34:42 Closing Thoughts and Personal Reflections

Key Takeaways...

👉 Putting thought into the job description and the portrayal of your firm can significantly impact the number of quality candidates you attract.

👉 Be clear about your expectations and honest about what you can offer. Create clear goals for potential hires to work towards and be open about salary discussions.

👉 Ensure that you're ready to make a decision when you start the interview process.

👉 Employees need to feel that they can progress in their roles and that their concerns are being listened to.

👉 Flexibility is vital in current times, so allowing options like remote working can contribute greatly to job satisfaction and staff retention.

👉 When it comes to sole practitioners hiring their first team member, taking the time to establish connections with universities and job boards can open up a pool of eligible candidates.

👉 Avoid rushing the hiring process to ensure you find the right fit for your practice.

👉 Your job ads should focus on selling your firm as a great place to work rather than just listing what you want in an employee. Be upfront about both your expectations and what you're offering.

👉 Mention the benefits that you offer, like flexibility and opportunities for professional development to make your firm more appealing to potential hires.

👉 Staying engaged with your staff, setting clear goals for them, and providing them...

Jon talks to Prachi Rampuria, co-founder of Eco Responsive Environments, about how collaboration can change small architecture practices and help solve big problems like climate change. Prachi discusses the benefits of working together and shares real-life examples from her projects. They also talk about the challenges of professional silos and how to overcome them. Learn tips on communication, maintaining relationships, and the importance of listening. Discover how teamwork can lead to innovation and a better future for architecture.

Today's Guest...

Prachi Rampuria is a co-founding director of EcoResponsive Environments, an award-winning urban design and architectural practice with a singular mission: using a complex-systems approach, they design to support health and wellbeing. As a consultancy, their services include feasibility studies, visioning and development briefs, outline and detailed planning applications, strategic master planning, public realm and regeneration strategies, research publications, and teaching. Prachi is a Design Council Expert, teaches at Oxford Brookes University’s MAUD course, and sits on multiple Quality Review Panels. She has also co-authored a book titled 'EcoResponsive Environments' published by Routledge in 2024.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:16 Meet Prachi Rampuria

04:42 The Importance of Collaboration in Tackling Global Challenges

09:16 How Collaboration Can Lead To Innovation

17:16 Overcoming Professional Silos

25:57 Benefits of Collaboration for Small Practices

28:22 Challenges and Solutions in Collaborative Projects

33:23 Future of Collaboration in Architecture

37:48 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

38:46 Favorite Places and Final Thoughts

42:01 Outro and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

Working Together: Teaming up is one of the best ways to solve big problems, like climate change. As a small practice, you can bring in other experts to share ideas and create fresh solutions. Working together can also help you stay flexible and save money by creating teams that fit each project.

Breaking Down Walls: For good teamwork, you need to get rid of “walls” between different job roles. This means respecting other people’s skills, listening closely, and being okay with asking questions if you don’t know something. Building trust and keeping clear communication will help everyone work better together.

New Ideas from Different Minds: New ideas often come when different people share their views. When you collaborate and involve a mix of experts early on, it’s easier to tackle complex issues and find solutions that one team alone might not achieve.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Visit the EcoResponsive Environments Website

Connect with Prachi on LinkedIn

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion...

Jon speaks with Ange Lyons, a seasoned graphic designer, about common challenges freelancers face. They discuss marketing strategies, setting charge rates, and the importance of networking. Jon also shares info on joining a supportive community for architects and designers. The episode offers simple, practical advice for freelancers looking to avoid isolation and grow their businesses. Don’t miss part two of this conversation in the next episode!

Today's Guest...

Ange Lyons is a brand and marketing graphic designer based in London UK. With over 20 years of experience in the design industry, she has successfully run her business, Lyons Creative, for the past 12 years. Ange specialises in creating marketing designs, brands, magazines and websites, working across both print and digital media. She provides graphic design services to a diverse range of industries, including insurance and finance corporations, publishing houses, charities, and freelancers. This variety ensures that her skillset remains broad and adaptable. Ange is passionate about engaging with people and offering her assistance wherever possible. Her love for colours and fonts is evident in her work, and she delights in sharing this enthusiasm with others.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

02:27 Meet Ange Lyons

05:54 Marketing Tips for Freelancers

13:37 Creative Marketing Strategies

22:27 Setting Your Chargeout Rate

29:58 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Key Takeaways...

Why Networking Matters

Both Jon and Ange talk about how joining local and online networking events can help you connect with potential clients. It’s also a great way to feel less alone when you’re freelancing. Ange shares how being part of a local group in Walthamstow once led to a client referral years later.

Creative Ways to Market Yourself

Jon and Ange share fun and clever ideas for getting your name out there. Ange talks about sending small gifts, like notebooks, cookies, or brownies, to clients. These thoughtful touches can lead to them sharing about you on social media. Jon gives an example of an architect who created a personalised booklet as a unique business card—something too good to throw away.

Project Pricing vs. Hourly Rates

Jon and Ange discuss why pricing by project can often work better than charging by the hour. While hourly rates show exactly what you’re earning in the short term, project-based pricing can lead to better results if you plan carefully. They also explain why it’s important to agree on clear details with clients at the start to avoid extra work that wasn’t planned.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Connect with Ange on LinkedIn

Visit Ange’s Website

—--

Want to be the first to hear how to join our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉

Jon interviews entrepreneur Chris Ducker about the power of mastermind groups and how they can bolster your business. They discuss the two different types of masterminds; peer-led and leader-led, and the benefits and misconceptions about both. Chris shares his experiences, highlighting the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and self-education. He emphasises the vital role of the leader in leader-led masterminds. Chris also shares a bit about his background, including his love for sketching, which was inspired by his father's profession as an architect.

Today's Guest...

Chris Ducker is a serial entrepreneur and author of the bestselling books, Virtual Freedom and more recently, Rise of the Youpreneur. Based in Cambridge, England, Chris owns and operates several businesses, including the VA recruiting hub, VirtualStaffFinder.com, and the personal brand enterprise education company Youpreneur.com. He is regarded as one of the top experts in the world on the subjects of remote team building and scaling an expert business. Since 2008, Chris has been a trusted international business mentor, keynote speaker, and podcaster, and currently spends most of his time working with successful entrepreneurs, as well as investing in and advising startup companies. His work is regularly published on ChrisDucker.com and he can be followed on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction to Mastermind Groups

00:47 Meet Chris Ducker: Expert Business Mentor & Entrepreneur

01:44 Chris's Personal Journey and Love for Sketching

07:59 The Power of Mastermind Groups

10:59 Benefits and Misconceptions of Mastermind Groups

11:33 Types of Mastermind Groups

13:23 Chris's Personal Experiences with Mastermind Groups

22:08 Choosing the Right Mastermind Group

24:38 Final Thoughts and Advice

30:39 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Key Takeaways...

👉 Mastermind groups present a platform for validating business ideas and achieving goals. They can be peer-to-peer groups or a leader-led group run by someone more advanced in their business journey, providing guidance and advice to others.

👉 Success in business doesn't occur by mere participation in groups such as masterminds, it requires actual action. Entrepreneurs must not only participate in discussions but also implement the strategies and advice offered.

👉 The choice of mastermind group must align with an entrepreneur's business stage. An advanced group might feel overwhelming and an overly beginner group may not provide enough growth potential.

👉 Continuous education is a must for staying ahead in business. This could be achieved through podcasts, books, and mastermind group discussions.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Chris Ducker's Website - https://www.chrisducker.com

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on...

In this episode, host Jon interviews Mahmood Reza, a business finance expert, tax advisor, and author of 'I Hate Numbers.' This discussion focuses on the importance for architects, especially those running solo or small practices, to understand their financial numbers for business growth, tax savings, and overall financial health. Mahmood emphasises the significance of planning, recognising money's role in achieving business goals, and overcoming financial stress. They explore the 'Plan It, Do It, Profit' concept which outlines the journey from planning to profitability. Mahmood also shares insights on money mindset, the impact of personal background on financial decisions, and the importance of record keeping for informed business decisions. Additionally, advice on profit margins, managing taxes, and utilising bookkeeping software for financial management is provided. The episode concludes with personal anecdotes and the relevance of having a healthy relationship with money to foster a successful architecture practice.

Today's Guest...

Mahmood Reza is a business finance fixer, tax advisor, and author of I Hate Numbers. He has helped thousands of sole traders, business owners, artists, creatives, and social enterprises have businesses, not hobbies, make money, save tax, improve their money mindsets, and reduce their financial stress and anxiety. Mahmood believes that once you understand what your numbers are, where they come from, and what they mean, you can use them to make better decisions and ultimately make (or keep) more money.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Unlocking Financial Freedom in Architecture

00:45 Introducing the Money Matters Expert

01:17 The Power of Understanding Your Numbers

03:51 A Deep Dive into Money Mindset

08:11 The Blueprint to Profit: Plan It, Do It, Profit

11:35 Setting Realistic Profit Margins for Small Businesses

19:06 The Importance of Record Keeping and Tax Planning

26:06 Final Thoughts and Advice from Mahmood

28:06 Mahmood's Favourite Place

29:24 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

Key Takeaways...

👉 Understanding Your Numbers is Crucial: Mahmood emphasises the importance of knowing your business numbers – including expenses, revenues, and profits – to make informed decisions, improve financial health, and ensure sustainable growth.

👉 Changing Your Money Mindset: Your background and attitude towards money can significantly impact your business finances. Changing a negative or fearful mindset about money to a more positive and proactive one can lead to better financial management and success.

👉 The Impact of Planning and Action: The concept of "Plan It, Do It, Profit" introduced by Mahmood outlines the importance of planning, taking action according to the plan, and focusing on profitable outcomes. This process encourages business owners to have clear goals and a path to achieving them.

👉 Financial Targets: Achieving profitability is a gradual process that comes from understanding and managing business finances effectively.

👉 The Importance of Record Keeping: Accurate and consistent record-keeping is vital for understanding the financial state of a business, making informed decisions, and staying compliant with tax obligations.

👉 Investing in Financial Management Tools: Investing in cloud-based bookkeeping software can simplify financial management, improve efficiency, and reduce stress related to finances.

👉 Dealing with Taxes: Preparing for tax obligations by setting aside a portion of income and understanding the impact of different taxes on a business is crucial for financial health and compliance.

👉 Personal Fulfillment and Financial Goals: Whilst financial success is important, aligning business goals with personal fulfillment, freedom, and flexibility is equally vital.

Links Mentioned In The

Jon is joined by LinkedIn personal branding expert Beatrice Ronchetti. They discuss how architecture practices can use LinkedIn as a powerful tool to generate business opportunities, even with a free plan. Beatrice introduces her CLEAR framework (Clients, Link Up, Expose & Educate, Active Engagement, Reach Out) for standing out on LinkedIn. They also cover the importance of understanding your audience, engaging authentically, and providing valuable content. And you’ll learn about tracking success metrics. You can start small on LinkedIn but if you stay consistent the results may surprise you!

Today's Guest...

Beatrice Ronchetti is a LinkedIn personal branding expert who helps senior professionals and business leaders stand out on LinkedIn and beyond. A specialist in the property sector, her strategies have enabled leaders to generate over £20M in opportunities from LinkedIn by positioning them as go-to experts in their industries. Passionate about empowering leaders, especially women, she collaborates with female-led groups to inspire bold, authentic leadership. Beatrice helps you show up confidently, unlock opportunities, and elevate your personal brand.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:45 Meet Beatrice Ronchetti: LinkedIn Personal Branding Expert

03:58 Why Use LinkedIn (over other social media platforms)?

07:46 Beatrice's CLEAR Framework for LinkedIn

10:58 What Are The Key Things We Need To Understand About Our Clients?

13:48 How To Find and Connect with Clients on LinkedIn

17:40 Creating Engaging Content on LinkedIn

25:45 Active Engagement Strategies on LinkedIn

27:46 Effective Commenting Strategies

30:18 LinkedIn Headline Tips

31:09 Commenting vs. Sharing on LinkedIn

35:00 What's The Best Way To Reach Out to New Connections?

39:04 How Can We Measure Success on LinkedIn?

42:47 Quick Tips for LinkedIn Success

46:57 Personal Insights and Farewell

Key Takeaways...

Know Your Ideal Client

To grow your business on LinkedIn, you need to really understand who you want to reach. Think beyond job titles and locations—what problems do they have? What do they want to achieve? When you know this, you can create content that speaks to them.

Get Involved

Don’t just scroll and like posts—start real conversations. Comment, ask questions, and join discussions. The more you engage, the more people will notice you, helping you build stronger relationships and new business opportunities.

Share Helpful Content

Your posts should help, not just sell. Share tips, insights, and solutions to your audience’s problems. Mix it up with videos, images, and case studies to keep things interesting and easy to engage with.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Click here to connect with Beatrice on LinkedIn

Click here to learn how Beatrice can help you

—--

Want to be the first to hear how to join our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business...

Jon continues his chat with filmmaker, author, and master storyteller Jude Charles to explore the power of storytelling in business. They discuss how capturing and sharing personal and professional stories can humanise a brand and attract more clients. Jude offers practical advice on building a 'story bank,' the importance of video storytelling, and how speaking engagements can enhance your business. Real-world examples from architects and interior designers illustrate how storytelling can be leveraged for greater business success.

Today's Guest...

For over 18 years, Jude Charles has been producing documentaries for entrepreneurs. He has produced stories for Google, Steve Harvey, and dozens of visionary CEOs. Jude is the author of Dramatic Demonstration. This book is a roadmap that teaches you how to dig deep to find compelling stories that no one else knows, and then leverage those stories to grow your business. Jude’s mission is to lead and empower entrepreneurs to have relentless, unwavering courage.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:29 The Power of a Story Bank

04:01 Crafting Engaging Stories

08:50 Success Stories in Design

14:42 Marketing Beyond Your Portfolio

22:40 The Impact of Video Storytelling

27:04 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

29:04 Travel and Connection

31:12 Closing Remarks

Key Takeaways...

Why storytelling matters

🗣️ If you want people to trust you and feel a real connection, sharing stories helps. When you tell personal stories, it shows the human side of your business. It makes you easier to understand and easier to like. Jude says it’s a good idea to keep a “story bank” – a place where you write down little things that happen each day. You can use these stories later when you need them.

Using video to tell better stories

📹 Video is a great way to tell stories. People can see your face, hear your voice, and really get a feel for who you are. Jude says video helps people understand what your business is all about – sometimes much faster than reading words on a website. It helps them decide if you’re the right person to work with.

Marketing isn’t just about pretty pictures

📸 If you're an architect or designer, don’t just show your finished work. Let people see what happens behind the scenes. Share clips of your team working, or happy clients talking about their experience. And try speaking on podcasts or at events – it helps more people find you and trust you. These simple things make a big difference when it comes to getting the right clients.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Grab a free copy of Storytelling for Design Creatives

Visit Jude’s Website

Follow Jude on Instagram

—--

Want to explore podcasting for your business?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Interested in joining our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects,...

In this episode, Jon shares his own struggles with time management and offers insights into why many sole practitioners in architecture face similar challenges. He discusses the importance of realistic scheduling, delegation, and various techniques including default diaries, theming workdays, time blocking, and more to improve time management. Jon also reflects on the transitional benefit of commutes and explores methods like the Pomodoro technique and Parkinson's law to enhance productivity. The talk emphasises the uniqueness of everyone's work habits and the necessity of tailoring time management strategies to individual needs.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Diving Into Time Management Challenges

03:22 Reflecting on the Commute: A Hidden Benefit

05:50 Exploring Time Management Techniques

14:51 Personal Experiences and Adjustments

17:03 Top Recommendations for Effective Time Management

20:37 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

Key Takeaways...

Challenges in Time Management: It’s a common struggle for sole practitioners to managing their time effectively. We have a tendency to overestimate daily productivity whilst ‘wearing multiple hats’ in a small practice.

Reflecting on Workweek: Jon’s workweek has evolved from traditional working hours to a more flexible schedule that fits around family life. He emphasises the importance of transitions between work and home life.

Tactics for Time Management: There are various tactics for improving time management, such as creating a default week or diary, theming workdays, utilising time blocking, and the concept of the maker vs. manager schedule. Bear in mind that certain tactics just may not work for you.

Recommendations for Effective Time Management: Jon suggests setting realistic expectations, planning the day ahead with a short task list, and aligning tasks with personal energy levels and circadian rhythms.

Continuous Improvement: Jon emphasises the concept of continuous improvement in time management. You may need to try a few time management tactics and adjust your approach to suit your own needs.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Article on Time Blocking

Maker’s Schedule, Manager’s Schedule

Parkinson’s Law

Pomodoro Technique

TimeCrafting

—--

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

—--

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

In this episode Jon chats with Ian Knowles, a Norfolk-based architectural designer and the director of Ikonic Architecture, sharing his journey from an employee to starting his own architecture business specialising in residential architecture, including bespoke new builds and renovations. Ian discusses overcoming the initial fears associated with leaving a steady income, the importance of a business plan, handling home renovation projects, and tips for finding clients and managing finances as a new business owner. The podcast also advises listeners on leveraging personal networks, direct outreach, and using government schemes for business support. Ian shares his personal experience with starting Ikonic Architecture, the decision to specialise in retrofit and sustainability within residential architecture, and the steps towards establishing a successful practice.

Today's Guest...

Ian Knowles is a Norfolk-based architectural designer and the director of Ikonic Architecture, with over 10 years in architecture and construction, and a background in architectural stonemasonry. Ikonic Architecture specialises in residential architecture, from unlocking space in existing homes to bespoke new build dwellings.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:03 Meet Ian Knowles: From Architectural Stonemasonry to Ikonic Architecture

01:50 The Journey of Renovating a 1930s Home

03:40 Setting Up Ikonic Architecture: Challenges and Strategies

05:08 The Financial Blueprint for Starting an Architecture Business

08:01 Navigating Business Growth and Outsourcing

08:42 Filling Knowledge Gaps and Leveraging Resources

12:42 Choosing a Business Structure: Sole Trader vs Limited Company

14:40 Financing Strategies for New Architecture Practices

24:57 The Importance of Specialisation in Architecture

30:24 Acquiring Clients and Leveraging Networks

35:14 Ian's Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Practice Owners

38:11 Ian's Favorite Place: The Vibrancy of London

40:11 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

Key Takeaways...

Overcoming Fear: The transition from employment to starting your own practice can be daunting. Ian's biggest fear was finding clients and ensuring a steady flow of work. His experience highlights the importance of confronting these fears and embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Preparation and Planning: Ian underscores the importance of preparing a detailed business plan before launching. This plan serves as a roadmap, outlining your business's identity, target market, financial strategy, and more.

Learning and Adaptation: Both emphasise the importance of continuous learning and filling knowledge gaps, especially in areas not covered by traditional architectural education, such as business management.

Networking and Utilising Resources: Leveraging networking opportunities, reaching out to people within your existing network, and making use of governmental and regional business support schemes can offer valuable guidance and support.

Client Acquisition Strategies: Diverse strategies, including leveraging previous professional relationships, direct outreach, and engaging in conversations, as well as experimenting with online lead generation platforms, can help in acquiring clients.

The Value of Specialisation: Specialising in a particular niche, such as residential architecture, can differentiate your practice in a competitive market and help in attracting clients.

Financial Management: Understanding the financial aspects of running a business, from startup loans to cash flow management and the strategic use of savings, is crucial for sustainability.

The Courage to Start: The overarching advice from Ian is to 'go for it,' emphasising that the fear of failure should not deter aspiring entrepreneurs, as learning from failures

Jon discusses the importance of attending events like the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists' (CIAT) AT Awards, even if you're not a nominee or an architectural technologist. Jon shares his positive experiences from the 2023 AT Awards, highlighting the friendly atmosphere, valuable networking opportunities, and unexpected benefits such as new business connections and professional growth.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Overview of the AT Awards

02:39 Common Misconceptions About the AT Awards

03:10 Personal Experience at the AT Awards

05:23 Networking and Opportunities

08:35 Excitement for the Upcoming AT Awards

09:32 Encouragement to Attend and Final Thoughts

11:33 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

Value of In-Person Networking: Attending events like the AT Awards provides unique opportunities to connect with industry professionals in person, which can lead to unexpected and valuable opportunities, such as meeting online connections, industry leaders, and making new contacts. Jon shares his experience of meeting influential figures and gaining new opportunities, underscoring the benefit of face-to-face interactions over virtual ones.

Dismantling Misconceptions: There are common misconceptions about industry award events, such as they are only for nominees or they are too formal and boring. Jon's personal experience dispels these myths by highlighting the friendly atmosphere, the networking opportunities, and the enjoyable aspects (like free drinks and after-parties!) making a strong case for attending even if you’re not a nominee.

Personal and Professional Growth: Attending events can also serve as a break from the usual routine and promote personal growth. Jon mentions how stepping out of his comfort zone to attend the AT Awards proved beneficial, not only socially and professionally but also by providing inspiration and motivation. These events offer a fresh perspective and new ideas, contributing to the growth of an individual's career and business.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

👉 Click here to grab your ticket for the AT Awards 2024

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

In The Next Episode...

Next time, Jon is joined by Martin Huntbach to talk about lead generation.

Jon interviews mindset expert and business strategist Mark Franklin about The Four Fears® that every business owner faces: fear of not being ready, fear of not being good enough, fear of not having enough time, and fear of failure. Mark shares his insights and strategies to help listeners overcome these fears and achieve their business goals. Along the way, Mark and Jon discuss their mutual love of music and how it ties into their professional journeys, with personal reflections on perfectionism, impostor syndrome, and time management. This episode is packed with actionable advice and relatable stories to inspire small firm founders in the architecture industry.

Today's Guest...

Mark Franklin is an author, speaker, mindset expert and business strategist with over 20 years’ experience supporting business owners to embrace their Four Fears® - the most common barriers preventing them from having the business or life of their dreams. His Four Fears® Programmes are designed to move business owners and their teams from inertia to victory and find joy in that journey. Mark’s vision is to help others write a better story for themselves and their families.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:42 Meet Mark Franklin: The Four Fears® Guy

04:53 Exploring The Four Fears®

09:33 Fear of Not Being Ready

14:39 Fear of Not Being Good Enough

24:48 Balancing Quality and Efficiency in Work

25:24 Fear of Not Having Enough Time

30:19 Overcoming the Fear of Failure

31:42 Launching the Podcast: Jon's Journey

39:17 Embracing Vulnerability and Moving Forward

41:07 Favorite Travel Destinations

43:58 Connecting with Mark Franklin

44:32 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

Accept Mistakes and Keep Moving

You don’t need to be perfect to make progress. Waiting for everything to be just right can slow you down. Taking action, even when things aren’t perfect, is often the best way forward.

Face Common Business Fears

Many business owners worry about not being ready, not being good enough, not having enough time, or failing. These fears are normal, but they don’t have to stop you. The key is to recognise them and take action anyway.

Find Support and Build Confidence

Talking to others can help you push past doubts. Whether it’s business friends, mentors, or a supportive group like the Architecture Business Club, surrounding yourself with the right people gives you the confidence to take bold steps.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn

Visit Mark’s Website

Buy Mark's Book > How to Embrace the Four Fears® of Business Ownership

—--

Want to join our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural

In this episode of Architecture Business Club, host Jon Clayton speaks with service positioning expert, Janine Coombes, to discuss different approaches to pricing and positioning architectural services. Acknowledging common charging methods such as percentage of build costs, fixed price, or by the hour, they address the potential of learning from other service sectors. Janine stresses the importance of selling the benefit rather than the service. She urges architectural service providers to emphasize the outcome of their work rather than the service itself. They also delve into the concept of 'niching', carving out a specific corner of the marketplace to establish a unique proposition. The episode also broaches the delicate topic of handling pricing proposals.

Today's Guest...

Janine Coombes is a service positioning expert who helps coaches and consultants to earn drastically more from their 1:1 services without slogging their guts out or moving to a more complicated business model. She has an extensive background in business and marketing including working with big brands like EE, Orange, and Europcar. Janine also has a business degree, a post-graduate marketing diploma (CIM Dip) and for the last 7 years has been helping small, service-based business owners to position and sell their offers. She regularly speaks on stages like Atomicon, You Are The Media, and MarketEd.Live. She’s a skilled writer and one of the most creative content creators out there.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction to Architectural Services Pricing

00:27 About the Host and the Show

00:59 Introduction to Guest Speaker - Janine Coombes

01:12 Janine's Background and Expertise

02:01 Janine's Unusual Hobby

03:00 Pricing Strategies for Architectural Services

03:28 The Importance of Positioning and Niching

03:35 Common Mistakes in Pricing Services

06:38 How to Present Services to Potential Clients

11:02 The Art of Sending a Fee Proposal

26:49 The Benefits of Niching

30:49 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

33:41 Preview of the Next Episode

34:02 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Key Takeaways...

👉Pricing architectural services: Consider a different approach to pricing and positioning architectural services beyond charging by the hour or percentage of bill costs. Sell the benefit and focus on the end result. Position yourself in a specific corner of the marketplace to stand out and avoid being seen as a commodity.

👉Presenting services: Be clear on who you want to work with and identify the types of projects and personalities that you enjoy working with. Promote yourself based on the end result and create a unique proposition to attract clients.

👉Fee proposals: Take the time to have conversations with potential clients before sending out a fee proposal. Gather information, understand their needs and motivations, and then present the proposal in person or on a video call. Reiterate the benefits of your services before mentioning the price.

👉Niching: Explore niching in architectural services by creating different offers for specific target markets. You can have a range of services for different people, each with a sharp target market. This allows you to cut through the competition, be more competitive on price, and become known for your expertise.

👉Confidence in pricing: Look at what other businesses are charging for similar services and recognize that you provide more value and care than they do. Associate your price with the benefit you bring to clients' lives. Consider incremental price increases after each successful project.

👉Understanding clients: Take the time to understand your clients' motivations, why they want to undertake a project, and the consequences of not doing it. Explore what's at stake for them and how motivated they are to take...

This episode features Aylin Round, founder of Arch Jobs. Aylin and Jon discuss the essential aspects of writing effective job ads to attract the best candidates for architecture practices. The conversation covers the differences between a job ad and a job description, the importance of clearly stating the role, benefits, and salary, and tips on advertising job vacancies effectively. Aylin emphasises the value of transparency, offering potential hires clear insights into job expectations and company culture. Additionally, they explore various platforms for job advertising, including specialised architectural job boards and the significance of a well-structured job ad. Aylin also shares personal insights and recommendations for practices to improve their hiring process.

Today's Guest...

Aylin Round is the founder and owner of ArchJobs, a dedicated online platform for advertising and applying to architectural roles across the UK. With extensive experience in the architectural sector, she has developed a profound understanding of the unique challenges faced by job seekers and businesses in this industry. She also offers personalised career coaching sessions to assist job seekers with their CVs, and portfolios. And provide guidance on structuring an effective job search strategy.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction: The Art of Crafting a Killer Job Ad

01:04 Meet the Expert: Aylin Round on Architectural Hiring

02:26 The Essence of a Great Job Ad vs. Job Description

03:22 Maximising Your Job Ad's Potential: Tips and Strategies

05:40 Where to Advertise Your Architectural Vacancy

12:31 The Do's and Don'ts of Job Ad Content

21:02 Crafting the Perfect Job Ad: A Step-by-Step Guide

23:44 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Job Ads

25:55 Final Thoughts and Expert Advice

28:59 Connecting with Aylin Round and Closing Remarks

Key Takeaways...

👉 The difference between a job ad and a job description: A job ad is about selling the opportunity and the benefits to potential candidates, whereas a job description is more detailed and focuses on job requirements and responsibilities.

👉 Importance of writing a compelling job ad: A well-crafted job ad can attract the right candidates, especially important for small practices that may not have the budget for recruitment agencies.

👉 Where to advertise: Utilise your own website, social media, architectural job boards, and your professional network to advertise vacancies. Consider the target audience when choosing where to post your job ad.

👉 Content details crucial to job seekers: Include job title, location, company information, responsibilities, software abilities, salary (avoid saying 'competitive'), benefits (like hybrid or flexible working), and clear application instructions.

👉 Common mistakes to avoid: Do not underestimate the effort it takes to apply for a job. Simplify the application process, be transparent about salaries, and avoid asking for salary expectations during the application stage.

👉 Effective job ad structure: Start with practice name, job title, and location. Provide a concise company overview, role details, requirements (limit bullet points), salary/benefits info, and application instructions.

👉 Encourage diversity and give applicants a chance to learn: Limit the requirements to what's essential and be open to training candidates, fostering a culture of learning and growth within the practice.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

https://www.archjobs.co.uk/

—--

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

Jon discusses how architecture practices can escape the feast and famine cycle by using launches as part of their marketing strategy. He is joined by Sigrun, an award-winning business coach, best-selling author, and entrepreneur, who explains the power of launching to create a steady and predictable pipeline of work. Sigrun shares her journey from studying architecture to becoming a leading business mentor and outlines how architects can implement launches to grow their practices. The episode also touches on the potential for architects to create online courses as an additional revenue stream. Sigrun offers practical insights into creating excitement through events, addressing common misconceptions, and the stages involved in the launch process.

Today's Guest...

Sigrun is an award-winning business coach, bestselling author, and multiple 7 figure entrepreneur. She is on a mission to accelerate gender equality through female entrepreneurship. She’s been called the leading business mentor for online entrepreneurs in Europe, is a TEDx speaker, and host of the top-rated Sigrun Show podcast. Sigrun’s online business journey started shortly after finishing her master’s degree in architecture. She’s since been featured in Forbes and numerous leading media publications in Europe and has won 5 Stevie Awards; as the Hero of the year, Entrepreneur of the year, Solo entrepreneur of the year, Manager of the year, and Sales Achievement of the year.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:44 Meet Sigrun: Business Coach and Entrepreneur

04:37 Sigrun's Journey from Architecture to Online Business

19:22 The Concept of Launching Explained

23:15 The Power of Limited Editions

24:17 Creating Urgency in Marketing

25:40 Addressing Skepticism in Service Businesses

28:01 Effective Launch Strategies for Service Businesses

29:39 Stages of a Successful Launch

33:53 Leveraging Digital Products for Architects

34:28 Success Story: Zero Energy Buildings

38:59 Final Thoughts on Launching

41:50 Exploring Iceland: A Personal Favorite

44:02 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

The Power of Launching:

Launching is a marketing strategy that creates excitement and urgency around a product or service. By planning and executing a well-structured launch, you can significantly boost their sales in a short period. This approach works for is applicable not only to products but also to services and can lead to a more efficient and effective way of attracting and retaining clients.

Building Expertise and Authority:

Sharing expertise through online courses or digital products can enhance a business's authority in its field. By teaching others, businesses not only diversify their income streams but also attract new clients who recognize their expertise. This dual benefit can lead to increased business through both educational content and traditional service offerings.

Creating Urgency and Scarcity:

Communicating limited availability of services or spots creates a sense of urgency and encourages prospective clients to act quickly. This strategy is particularly effective in service-based businesses, as it ensures that potential clients do not delay making a decision, which can help in maintaining a steady flow of work and avoiding peaks and troughs in workloads.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Get Sigrun’s Book ‘Kickstart Your Online Business’ Now - For Free 🎁

Visit Sigrun’s Website

Sigrun on Facebook

Jon continues his deep dive into mental health within the architecture profession with guest Doug Hodgson. The discussion offers valuable insights into dealing with overwhelm and burnout, as well as practical steps Doug's practice, New-works, has taken to safeguard their team's mental health. The conversation also touches on the broader industry issues, such as the housing crisis, the role of architectural technologists, and the need for significant changes in architectural education and professional collaboration to improve mental well-being across the industry. The episode underscores the importance of a balanced work structure, staying connected to creative work, and fostering a supportive, diverse workplace environment.

Today's Guest...

Doug Hodgson is an Architect and leads the Retrofit agenda for New-works, a practice he co-founded to explore a new way of working, based on the principles of specialism and collaboration, wellbeing and sustainability - with a fundamental belief that wellbeing in the workplace generates better relationships and better architecture. Prior to New-works, Doug had co-founded TDO, was a Design Fellow at Cambridge University, and in 2020 was named in The Architects’ Journal 40 under 40. Doug is passionate about improving mental health and wellbeing, and has found from his own experience of being proudly openly gay that there’s an urgent need for greater kindness, understanding, and inclusion in the construction industry to make the profession more relevant.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:21 Practical Tips for Managing Mental Health

02:17 The Importance of Nature and Breaks

06:42 Challenges in the Architecture Profession

12:57 New-works' Approach to Mental Health

16:59 Advice for Practice Owners

22:32 The Role of Professional Organisations

30:55 Personal Reflections and Favorite Places

33:31 Conclusion and Contact Information

Key Takeaways...

The Importance of Mental Wellbeing and Nature:

   - Both Jon Clayton and Doug Hodgson emphasise the critical role mental health plays in the architecture profession. They advocate for taking breaks, spending time in nature, and establishing a structured workday that allows for physical wellness and mental health activities. Doug discusses how a connection to nature and taking time off when feeling overwhelmed can significantly impact mental health positively.

Innovative Work Structure at NewWorks:

   - Doug elaborates on the unique work structure at New-works, which reserves time in the morning for physical well-being and the late afternoon for mental well-being, with core creative work happening mid-day. This approach has led to increased efficiency and productivity and illustrates the importance of balancing work with personal well-being.

Collaboration and Diversity in Architecture:

   - The conversation touches on the need for more collaboration within the architecture profession, advocating for cross-disciplinary work and better integration with various sectors like architectural technologists. Additionally, Doug emphasises the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the profession and the need for organisations like RIBA to support these initiatives more actively. This includes rethinking education and fostering environments where young professionals from diverse backgrounds can thrive.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Learn more about New-Works

Connect with Doug on LinkedIn

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉

Jon shares the excitement for London Build 2024, taking place on 20th - 21st November at London Olympia. Discover why it's the UK's biggest construction show with over 35,000 attendees, 700 speakers, and 450 exhibitors. Jon talks about the opportunity for networking, CPD training workshops, and having some fun! He also invites you to his talk at 10am on Wednesday 20th November at London Build’s Skills & Marketing Hub. Don't miss out - grab your free tickets through the link in the show notes and connect with Jon on social media before London Build 2024.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:43 What Is London Build?

02:14 Why Attend London Build?

03:13 Why Jon Is Excited About London Build

04:50 What Is Jon's London Build Talk About?

05:36 Where & When To Hear Jon's Talk

07:08 Why Attend Jon's Talk?

08:50 How to Get Tickets

10:02 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

What London Build 2024 Is All About: London Build 2024 is the UK’s biggest construction show. You’ll find over 35,000 people there, with more than 700 speakers across 12 stages, plus over 450 exhibitors. It’s packed with activities too: meet-the-buyer sessions, celebrity guests, music, DJs, networking parties, and more. It’s like a full-on festival for the construction world!

Why You Should Go to London Build 2024: This event is more than just a conference—it’s a place to meet people, learn new skills in CPD workshops, and connect with others in the industry. It’s also fun, with live music, a bar, and free entry for everyone. There’s a bit of everything to enjoy!

Jon’s Talk at the Event: Jon is excited to join London Build 2024 and will be giving his first talk at the event. His presentation, "The Simple Way to Stand Out from Your Competitors," covers how to find your niche, use content marketing, and build your personal brand. He’s looking forward to sharing ideas and meeting you at the event.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

👉 Click here to grab your free tickets to London Build 2024 🎁

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with architect Prachi Rampuria about the benefits of collaboration, in particular how it can help our industry’s approach to pressing issues like the climate crisis.

Jon discusses effective marketing strategies for small architecture firms with marketing expert Sarah Noel Block. Sarah, founder of Tiny Marketing, shares her expertise on creating a lean marketing engine, including identifying dream clients, crafting a signature offer, choosing core content, and setting up lead generators. The episode also illustrates how to convert initial client interactions into profitable gateway offers, providing invaluable tips for architects to grow their businesses efficiently. Join the discussion to learn actionable strategies to streamline your marketing efforts and attract your ideal clients.

Today's Guest...

Sarah Noel Block is the founder of Tiny Marketing & creator of the Lean Marketing Engine. She is passionate about revolutionizing marketing for founder-led business services companies. With over a decade of experience, Sarah has mastered the art of efficient, high-impact marketing that drives growth without draining resources. Her approach leverages lean principles to create scalable marketing strategies, ensuring every dollar spent translates into measurable results. Her mission is to empower businesses to build a pipeline of ready-to-buy prospects, using smart, streamlined tactics to achieve their goals.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:35 Introducing Sarah Noel Block

03:53 What is a Lean Marketing Engine?

05:19 Identifying Your Dream Client

09:47 Crafting Your Signature Offer

15:48 Choosing Your Main Marketing Channel

17:53 Creating Core Content

23:23 Passive Lead Magnets and Active Lead Generators

27:50 The Gateway Offer

37:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

39:18 Guest's Favorite Place

40:24 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Key Takeaways...

🔹 Focus on One Strong Channel – Instead of trying to be everywhere, pick one place where your ideal clients are and show up consistently. A clear offer makes it easier for them to say yes.

🔹 Create Once, Use Everywhere – A podcast, blog, or video series can be turned into social posts, emails, and more. This saves time and keeps your message clear.

🔹 Start with a Small Paid Offer – A low-cost service, like a strategy session or project review, helps clients get to know you. It builds trust and makes the next step feel natural.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Visit Sarah’s Website

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

—--

Want to be the first to hear how to join our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review...

In this short bonus episode, host Jon thanks numerous individuals and communities for their support in creating the 'Architecture Business Club'. From tutorial influencers, such as Mark Asquith who provided a crucial podcast launch accelerator course, to organisations that posted a press release, like CIAT and Designing Buildings, every shout-out offers a snapshot of the hard work that goes into making a podcast. Special thanks go to his first three guests, Linden Dover, Janine Coombs, and Kris Baxter. The episode concludes with a thanks to followers for their positive reception and a shout out to his wife Jo for her patience and support.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:53 Acknowledging the Support Teams

01:05 Appreciation for Training and Courses

01:35 Gratitude for Personal Support

02:22 Thanking the Communities

02:53 Acknowledging the Writing Club

03:19 Appreciation for Press Coverage

03:39 Thanking the First Guests

04:07 Gratitude for Social Media Support

04:20 Special Thanks to Family

04:28 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Podcasting Resouces

Captivate > https://www.captivate.fm/

Colin Gray > https://www.thepodcasthost.com/

Descript > https://www.descript.com/

Mark Asquith > https://www.markasquith.com/

Podcast Launch Accelerator > https://www.captivate.fm/courses/the-podcast-launch-accelerator

Squadcast > https://squadcast.fm/

Supportive People

Andrew & Pete > https://www.andrewandpete.com/

Chris Ducker > https://www.chrisducker.com/

Danielle Hone > https://therealmee.com/

Mike & Liz Cole > https://thismikecole.com/

Rachel Extance > https://rachelextance.com/

Trevor Smith > https://www.trevorsmith.design/

Awesome Communities

Atomic > https://atomic.site/

CIAT > https://architecturaltechnology.com/

Cole Collective > https://thismikecole.com/cole-collective/

Rachel’s Writing Club > https://rachelextance.com/rwc/

Youpreneur > https://youpreneur.com/

Press Coverage

CIAT

Jon discusses the importance of digital sustainability with web designer and developer Molly Scanlan. The conversation covers how websites have a carbon footprint, actionable steps to make websites more sustainable, and why it's essential for architecture practices to integrate sustainability into their digital presence. Molly shares tips on optimising website content, choosing eco-friendly hosting, and the importance of mindful digital practices. The episode also highlights the broader benefits, including improved SEO and enhanced user experience, providing valuable insights for small business owners in the architecture field.

Today's Guest...

Molly Scanlan builds low-carbon websites for social enterprises and non-evil businesses. She started her first business at 21, put in a valiant stint as a primary school teacher and is now a freelance web designer, developer, writer and event speaker. Molly is a frequent podcast guest, talking about sustainability and small business and sharing her twisting career story.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:47 Meet Molly Scanlon: Sustainable Website Expert

04:14 What Is A Sustainable Website?

05:39 What Exactly Does Digital Footprint Mean?

10:25 How Can I Lower My Digital Footprint?

15:21 What Common Myths Are There About Sustainable Websites?

16:32 Why Might Architecture Practices Want A Sustainable Website?

20:06 Other Benefits from Sustainable Websites

22:10 Balancing Website Sustainability and Appearance

24:10 Efficient Use of Photos and Videos

28:21 Creative Constraints and Sustainable Design

33:43 How to Communicate Your Sustainability Efforts

39:01 Final Thoughts and Personal Insights

42:43 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

Your Website’s Carbon Footprint – Websites use energy, just like buildings do. Every time someone visits your site, data centres and servers work to load pages, using electricity. You can make your website greener by reducing file sizes, cutting out unnecessary content, and choosing a web host powered by renewable energy.

A Faster, Smoother Experience – A well-designed, sustainable website isn’t just better for the planet—it’s better for your visitors too. Simple, streamlined pages load faster and are easier to navigate. This not only improves the user experience but can also help your site rank higher on search engines.

Sustainability That Matches Your Business – If you run a business that values sustainability, your website should reflect that. Keeping it lean and efficient shows that you care about both the environment and good design. Plus, working within creative limits often leads to smarter, more effective solutions.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Connect with Molly on LinkedIn

Sign up for Molly’s super short (yet mega useful) email newsletter

—--

Interested in joining our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint...

Jon chats with Laura Pearman, an expert in personal branding about the importance of personal branding for solo and small firm architecture practice owners. They discuss how you can adapt your personal brand as your business grows. Laura shares tips on how to start and build a strong personal brand, and explains common misconceptions people have about it. They also discuss how external factors like your views on the environment and technology may influence your personal brand. Jon and Laura also share personal stories about their own experiences. Laura shares steps you can take today to align your personal brand with your business goals.

Today's Guest...

Laura Pearman is an internationally recognised Personal Brand Consultant with over a decade of experience helping leaders create impactful and authentic personal brands. Based in the UK, Laura specialises in bespoke strategies, combining creative vision with sharp business acumen. She’s known for her quirky Vintage style, straight-talking Northern charm, and ability to bridge the gap between business owners and creatives. Laura’s work has empowered countless leaders to elevate their authority, embrace their uniqueness, and drive results.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Meet Laura Pearman: Personal Brand Consultant

05:33 Personal Branding Misconceptions

09:11 Challenges for Architects in Personal Branding

15:52 Practical Steps for Personal Branding

23:04 Client Success Stories

29:11 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

39:09 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

Your Personal Brand Grows with You

Your personal brand isn’t something you set up once and forget about. It changes as your business and the industry evolve, so you’ll need to keep refining and updating it to stay relevant.

Stay True to Who You Are

The best personal brands feel real and reflect who you truly are. Make sure your brand matches your values and those of your business to create a consistent and relatable image.

Use Research to Guide Your Brand

Good personal branding is based on research. Look into industry trends, key players, and new ideas. Tools like the PESTLE model can help you spot what matters and keep your brand relevant.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Grab Laura’s Personal Branding Checklist 🎁

Connect with Laura on Instragram 🤝

Watch Laura’s YouTube Channel 📹

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this...

In this festive edition of Architecture Business Club, host Jon takes listeners on a journey revisiting the Christmases of his past, present, and future as a practitioner in the field of architecture. He shares amusing anecdotes of the wild office Christmas parties from the late '90s and early 2000s, contrasts them against his current quieter festivities as a sole practitioner, and outlines his hopeful aspirations for the future. The podcast aims to build a community of solo and small firm architecture practitioners, offering them support, cheerleading, and opportunities to share their experiences. Jon also teases what listeners can expect from the podcast in 2024.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:34 Christmas Parties in the Past

03:17 Christmas Gifts and Secret Santa

04:13 Christmas Party Gossips

06:45 Christmas Party Memories

11:30 Christmas Celebrations in 2023

14:12 Christmas Plans for the Future

16:10 Conclusion and Farewell

Key Takeaways...

👉 Christmas parties and socialising with colleagues can be important. It builds relationships and fosters a sense of community in the industry.

👉 Giving a Christmas bonus, even a small one, can help staff feel valued and appreciated. This reinforces the idea that small gestures can have a significant impact on employee morale and satisfaction.

👉 Christmas celebrations have changed over the years and can be very different depending on whether you are a sole practitioner or work with a team. If you’ve recently become a sole practitioner try to adapt and find new ways to celebrate.

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon reflects on the past year and shares his thoughts on planning the year ahead to set yourself up for success. He also teases what’s coming up in 2024.

Jon sits down with LinkedIn expert Nicole Osborne to discuss strategies for turning LinkedIn followers into paying clients. Nicole, bringing over 20 years of marketing experience and a distinctive approach blending German efficiency and infectious enthusiasm, provides valuable insights on crafting LinkedIn posts, handling client objections through content, and creating genuine FOMO. The conversation touches on best practices for engaging with LinkedIn lurkers and avoiding common mistakes. Tune in to learn how to elevate your LinkedIn presence and attract the right clients for your architecture business.

Today's Guest...

Nicole Osborne is your LinkedIn Meister, she’s here to help you knock through your inner Berlin Walls and build a WUNDERBAR LinkedIn presence that gets the right clients raising their hands. With 20+ years in marketing, and her signature blend of German efficiency, fun, and infectious enthusiasm, Nicole makes your LinkedIn less of a chore and more of a kunden-magnet (client-magnet).

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:34 Meet Nicole Osborne: LinkedIn Expert

03:12 Engaging Your Audience with Questions

06:53 Best Practices For Asking Questions On LinkedIn

09:20 Handling Client Objections on LinkedIn

15:14 Creating Genuine FOMO on LinkedIn

18:30 Offering Downloadable Content

19:38 The Importance of Transparency

20:19 Celebrating Client Successes

21:08 Engaging LinkedIn Lurkers

24:52 Common LinkedIn Mistakes

29:20 Optimising Your LinkedIn Profile

31:06 Nicole's Favorite Travel Destination

32:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Key Takeaways...

👉 Understanding Your Audience: Tailor your LinkedIn profile and content to what your target audience values and needs. Pose engaging questions that are easy for your audience to answer and have a positive spin.

👉 Using Questions Effectively: Use questions to engage your audience but ensure they are simple, positive, and easy to respond to. Test different types of content (polls, images, videos) and formats to see what resonates with your audience.

👉 Handling Objections in Content: Address common client objections openly in your LinkedIn content to build trust and demonstrate expertise. Utilise your content to show potential clients you understand their challenges and have solutions.

👉 Creating Genuine FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): Highlight your achievements and celebrate client successes to create genuine interest and urgency in your services. Utilise scarcity by being transparent about your availability and capacity.

👉 Engaging Lurkers: Make it easy for "lurkers" (silent followers) to engage by sharing relatable and vulnerable content. Consider linking email newsletter content to LinkedIn posts to drive engagement.

👉 Avoiding Common Mistakes: Have a clear strategy to stand out and differentiate yourself from peers. Focus your posts on potential clients rather than peers to provide valuable and relatable content. Overcome the fear of imperfection; start posting and learn from feedback to refine your approach.

👉 Optimising Your LinkedIn Profile: Regularly review and optimise your profile to make sure it aligns with what potential clients need to know about you. Ensure a routine that includes posting, growing your network, and being active in direct messages.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

If you’d like help with your LinkedIn strategy or content, learn about Nicole Osborne from Wunderstars here > https://wunderstars.com/wundercontent/

Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn >

Jon and guest Helen Tebay discuss how small architecture firms can overcome a sales slump. They talk about the importance of staying calm, being consistent, and focusing on problem-solving. They share tips on how to re-engage with past clients, use content to answer questions, and look back at successful months to find patterns. Helen also compares sales strategies to dog training, highlighting the need for consistency and the right energy. Tune in for practical advice on getting more sales for your architecture practice!

Today's Guest...

Helen Tebay helps service-based business owners like coaches, consultants, and experts to sell and market their businesses. Win more 4 and 5-figure clients faster. Feel better about selling and learn how to sell better.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:48 Dog Training and Sales Parallels

04:14 Staying Calm During Sales Slumps

06:52 Analysing Past Successes

13:22 Reconnecting with Past Clients

20:36 Creative Marketing Strategies

24:54 Quick Sales Tips for Architects

29:10 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Key Takeaways...

Staying Calm and Solving Problems When Sales Drop:

If sales slow down, try not to worry. Instead of panicking, look back at what worked well before. Think about what actions and mindsets led to good sales times. Staying calm and focused on solutions will help you handle slow sales periods better.

Reconnecting with Past Clients:

Reaching out to past clients or leads is a good way to get new sales quickly. A follow-up message can remind them of your work and bring them back. Personal messages, like checking in or suggesting new services, can make them feel valued and more likely to return.

Showing Value and Easing Client Worries:

Help clients feel more comfortable by sharing helpful info. Create videos or articles that answer common questions or show what to expect in the architecture process. Showing successful projects and sharing client stories can also help build trust and show that your services are worth it.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Connect with Helen on LinkedIn

Visit Helen’s Website

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

In The Next Episode...

You can hear Part 2 of my conversation with Helen in the next episode.

Upcoming Exciting Episodes on Architecture Business Club - Next time Jon talks about side hustle architectural services. In future episodes Jon interviews experts such as Sarah Clay, a social media strategist, and Bob Gentle, a digital marketing and personal brand coach. Founder of Architecture Social, Stephen Drew, also shares his insights from the world of architectural recruitment. Furthermore, Jon invites listeners to suggest topics and guests and apply to be guests themselves. He encourages reviews on Podchaser to boost discoverability of the podcast and engagement on LinkedIn and other social media platforms.

Guest's Coming Soon...

Bob Gentle > https://amplifyme.agency/

Sarah Clay > https://sarahclaysocial.com/

Stephen Drew > https://architecturesocial.com/

Episode Highlights...

00:01 Introduction and Welcome

00:24 About the Host and How to Stay Connected

00:42 Upcoming Episodes Teaser

01:04 Guest Interviews Preview

02:04 Invitation for Guest Suggestions and Participation

02:18 How to Contact the Host

02:31 Appreciation and Review Request

02:53 Connecting on Social Media

03:05 Final Thoughts and Sign Off

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/

Jon speaks with award-winning marketing consultant Ayo Abbas. They discuss the essentials and opportunities of digital marketing for small architecture firms. Ayo shares her extensive experience and success in using digital marketing to boost brand visibility and lead conversions. Key highlights include leveraging social media, understanding the importance of SEO, and creating an effective marketing strategy. The episode emphasises that small firms can compete effectively with the proper use of digital tools. Ayo also shares her passion for cooking and her favourite place. This episode is half of a two-part series, in collaboration with Ayo’s podcast, The Built Environment Marketing Show.

Today's Guest...

Ayo Abbas is an award-winning built environment marketing consultant. She has 23 years’ experience working across the real estate and construction sector for major firms. Ayo founded her own consultancy business Abbas Marketing offering B2B marketing strategy and content creation services. Ayo was named as the overall winner for the Digital Woman of the Year Awards 2022. She also hosts her own podcast The Built Environment Marketing Show that shines a spotlight on marketing best practice. In 2023, Ayo was honoured to be a RIBA London Awards judge and named as an architectural trailblazer by Architizer Magazine.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:55 Collaborative Podcasting

04:18 Diving into Digital Marketing Basics

08:42 Digital Marketing Myths

10:49 Opportunities For Architecture Practices

14:35 Targeted Advertising and Platform Insights

19:32 Leveraging LinkedIn for Architects

20:41 Exploring Other Social Media Platforms

21:24 Understanding SEO and Landing Pages

23:37 Email Marketing Strategies

24:13 The Power of Video Content and Webinars

27:05 Maximising Digital Marketing Efforts

31:38 Ayo's Favorite Place

33:16 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Key Takeaways...

The Importance of Digital Marketing for Small Practices:

   Digital marketing presents big opportunities for small architecture firms and sole practitioners to boost their brand visibility and generate leads cost-effectively. Leveraging digital platforms can help small firms compete with larger ones by strategically using tools like email marketing, social media, and search engine optimization (SEO).

Strategic Planning and Execution:

   Having a clear digital marketing strategy is key. It helps businesses define their goals, target audience, and the best channels to use to reach them. Execution should be consistent, and small businesses should focus on platforms and methods that align with their strengths and resources. It's important to test different tactics and measure their effectiveness continuously.

Leveraging Digital Platforms for Authentic Engagement:

   Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram, as well as tools like webinars and podcasts, provide unique opportunities for professionals to connect authentically with their audience. Showing up consistently and engaging with potential clients on these platforms can significantly enhance brand recognition and trust, which are essential for business success.

This episode is half of a two-part series, in collaboration with Ayo’s podcast, The Built Environment Marketing Show - LISTEN HERE 👇

https://www.abbasmarketing.com/mitc-podcast/small-practice-marketing

Connect with Ayo on LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayoabbas/

Ayo’s...

The episode features an in-depth conversation between host, Jon, and guest, Ann Vanner, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and a Chartered Architect who recently returned to practice after a long break. They discuss Ann's experiences and challenges upon reentering the world of architecture, the changes she has noticed in communication modes, document management, planning process, and more. The discussion extends to the importance of continual learning, forming partnerships, aligning visions, and recommendations for those considering a similar transition in their careers.

Today's Guest...

Ann Vanner is a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Architectural Technologists, a Chartered Architect, an academic, and a Living Future Accredited Professional. Ann’s starting point and approach to architecture is Practical Creativity. Her practical background spans over 20 years, in architectural practices in the UK and Germany. She brings an unconventional and unwavering passion for the built environment and a desire to make a positive change in the environment and for those who she works with. Ann has recently returned to practicing architecture.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:52 Meet the Guest: Ann Vanner

01:51 Ann's Personal Interests: Sailing

03:14 Returning to Practice: The Decision

05:50 Changes in Architecture Practice: Planning Process

08:00 Changes in Communication and Document Management

13:27 The Importance of Continuous Learning

15:03 The Benefits of Partnership in Practice

19:03 Tips for Starting a Partnership

25:04 Advice for Returning to Practice

29:26 Connecting with Ann Online

29:54 Closing Remarks and Preview of Next Episode

Key Takeaways...

👉 If you're thinking about returning to practice or starting a practice, know that it's a learning process. Don't be afraid of this; embrace it. Being able to adapt to new technology (like email and YouTube tutorials) and being open to learning new skills can significantly ease the transition.

👉 Communication methods have changed significantly, email and different digital communication methods are central now. Managing the information flow through these channels can take time and patience, but maintaining proper documentation and communication is key in any business.

👉 When starting a partnership-based business, ensure that there's alignment between the partners on the vision, mission, and values of the practice. Have open and honest discussions and regularly check-in with one another to keep the alignment.

👉 Running a personal practice or starting a partnership based business gives you the freedom to create a work environment that suits your preferences and lifestyle. It can be more fulfilling and can bring a new spark of enthusiasm to your career.

👉 Document management techniques have changed over time. Modern practices tend to digitize their documents for easier management and tracking of project history.

👉 Continual learning is essential in architecture. The methods, tools, and technologies associated with architecture are always changing, so continuous learning is crucial to keep up-to-date and remain competent in the field.

👉 Balancing your strengths and weaknesses with your partner can lead to a more effective and productive partnership. Be aware of your strengths and lean on your partner for areas where you are weak. 

👉 Finally, it's also crucial to make brave moves when needed. If you have an aspiration or a dream, such as reopening a practice or starting a new one, sometimes the best advice is to just do it. It may not be easy, and it may require a considerable amount of effort, but the rewards can be significant.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Habitat Architects Website...

In this episode of the Architecture Business Club podcast, Jon discusses with Kris Baxter the role of business coaching in transforming architectural practices. Kris, a Chartered Architectural Technologist and founder of Studio 11 Architecture, shares his own experiences with business coaching. He recounts how coaching focused on his personal development, which reflected positively on his business. Looking within, Kris changed the direction of his firm to align it with his personal goals, aspirations, and happiness rather than just creating another job. Their discussion highlights the significance of self-awareness, adaptability in dealing with people, and setting personal end goals for successful business ownership and positive transformation.

Today's Guest...

Kris is a Chartered Architectural Technologist and the founder of Studio 11 Architecture. A collective of creative designers that produce distinctive, functional architecture across the UK. The team specialise in bespoke home design, has won a string of awards, and had their work featured on the UK's most popular property design show.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:44 Introduction to Guest Kris Baxter

01:17 Personal Interests and Hobbies

01:50 Understanding Business Coaching

02:17 Kris's Business Before Coaching

05:42 The Impact of Coaching on Kris's Personal Life

05:57 Misconceptions about Business Coaching

07:54 First Coaching Session Experience

15:27 Impact of Coaching on the Architecture Business

21:02 Advice for Those Considering Coaching

25:15 Podcast Wrap-up and Contact Information

Key Takeaways...

👉Business coaching can have a profound impact on both the personal and professional aspects of a business owner's life.

👉Owning a business should align with your end goals and aspirations, otherwise, it can feel like just going to work.

👉Self-reflection and self-awareness are important in understanding one's behavior and how it affects day-to-day interactions with staff and clients.

👉Effective communication and adaptability are crucial skills for success in business.

👉Finding a coach who works well with you and understands the specific needs of your business is essential.

👉Having clear end goals for your business allows you to make strategic decisions and navigate challenges.

👉Being open-minded, seeking advice from others, and learning from different sources can lead to new insights and opportunities.

👉Building a team that enjoys their work and aligns with the goals of the business can contribute to its success.

👉Don't compare yourself to other architectural practices, focus on what you do well and stick with it.

👉Taking time for self-reflection and resetting can help in planning for the future and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Studio 11 Architecture > https://www.studio11architecture.co.uk/

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever

In this special Boxing Day episode of Architecture Business Club, Jon looks back at 2024 and counts down the top five podcast episodes of the year. Jon, who helps small architecture firm founders build their dream businesses, celebrates the podcast's achievements, including reaching 10,000 total downloads and launching a membership community. He shares personal Christmas traditions and highlights, shares the year’s top five (most downloaded) episodes, and states the importance of community and connection for sole practitioners. Jon also encourages listeners to reflect on their own year and join the podcast's supportive community.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:29 Jon's Christmas Plans

02:33 Podcast Achievements and Milestones

06:47 Top 5 Podcast Episodes of 2024

07:09 Number Five

09:56 Number Four

11:26 Number Three

14:07 Number Two

16:44 Number One

17:45 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead to 2025

Key Takeaways...

Focus on What You Do Best

Specialise in the areas of architecture you love and are great at. Work with others who specialise in different stages, like project delivery. This helps you work smarter, deliver better results, and feel less stressed.

Don’t Go It Alone

Running a business solo can feel lonely. Make an effort to connect with others—whether that’s meeting in person, chatting on the phone, or joining online groups. A supportive network makes your work more enjoyable and sustainable.

Start, Even If You’re Afraid

Fear of failure shouldn’t stop you from starting your architecture practice. Mistakes will happen, but they’re just lessons in disguise. The most successful business owners learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.

Want to be the first to hear how to join our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

In The Next Episode...

Next time, Jon looks ahead and shares what's in store in the coming weeks.

Jon dives deep into the details of the Architecture Business Club membership community. Launched last year for small firm founders in architecture, the membership aims to provide a supportive network for business growth, shared knowledge, and professional fulfillment. The doors to new members will open on March 1, 2025. Jon explains the community's features, including weekly Zoom sessions, a WhatsApp chat group, a member directory, and in-person meetups. He covers membership costs, inclusivity, remote participation, and how it differs from other professional bodies. The episode also outlines community guidelines and the refund policy for new joiners.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:25 Benefits of the Community

02:38 Who Can Join?

03:15 Weekly Sessions and Activities

03:44 Additional Resources and Meetups

06:01 Membership Costs and Time Commitment

07:29 Why Isn't This Community Free?

10:06 Can I Join If I Live Outside The UK?

11:40 Is There A Minimum Age Limit?

12:42 Does This Community Include Any Coaching Or Mentoring?

13:08 Can I Promote My Products Or Services To Other Members?

13:34 What Are Your Community Guidelines?

14:55 Inclusion and Refund Policies

15:26 How to Join and Final Thoughts

16:26 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Why Join the Architecture Business Club?

🔹 Support & Resources – Connect with others in architecture and related fields. You get:

Weekly online sessions 💻

A friendly chat group for advice & ideas 💬

A shared library of useful resources 📚

🔹 Open to Everyone in Architecture – Whether you're an architect, interior designer, planner, or architectural technologist, you’re welcome. It’s for anyone working in and around architecture, no matter your job title.

🔹 Built for You – The club runs regular online meetings, occasional in-person meetups, and shared resources. It’s a paid membership, which means committed members who add real value. Plus, as an early member, you get to help shape how the club grows!

Fancy joining us for a drink in London (after Futurebuild 2025)?

👉 Click here to register your spot 🍺

—--

Interested in joining our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with Molly Scanlan about sustainable websites.

Architecture Business Club is for solo and small firm architecture business owners who want to build a profitable, future-proof architecture practice that both you and your clients love.

It features weekly interviews with inspiring people from the world of architecture and business who share actionable tips to improve your own architecture business.

Plus occasional solo episodes to share my own experiences in the industry.

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/

Jon shares insights into his work supporting small practice founders and sole practitioners in the architecture industry. He discusses his coaching, consulting, and mentoring services designed to help architecture businesses achieve their goals. Jon highlights the various ways he assists clients, from strategic planning and marketing to financial forecasting and team building. Real client stories illustrate how his tailored approach has helped small practices overcome challenges and grow. Listeners are invited to connect with Jon for personalised support and to explore potential collaborations.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:13 Services Offered Beyond the Podcast

06:42 Client Success Stories

11:21 How to Work with Jon

13:37 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

Personalised Support for Small Architecture Practices:

   Jon provides personalised one-to-one support for small practice founders and sole practitioners. This includes coaching, consulting, and mentoring services tailored to each client's unique needs, helping them achieve goals such as growing their practice, working fewer hours, or building their team.

Real-Life Client Success Stories:

   Jon shares real-life examples of how he's helped clients overcome specific challenges. These stories illustrate practical solutions and strategies, such as improving time management, integrating specialised services like retrofit and low-energy design, enhancing marketing tactics, and developing new business plans aligned with long-term goals.

Initial Engagement Process for New Clients:

   Emphasising the importance of a good fit, Jon explains the initial engagement process for prospective clients. This involves one or two initial meetings, usually held on Zoom, to understand your needs and decide if he’s a good fit for you. This ensures that both parties are aligned and that Jon can effectively support your business objectives.

—--

👇 Book a chat with Jon to explore working 1-2-1 with him 📞

https://tidycal.com/mrjonclayton/quick-chat

—--

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

👇 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁

https://chat.whatsapp.com/BtFJsJF6iL37vUb5tHNpkI

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with Jackie Goddard to discuss the benefits of public speaking.

Jon is joined by Jude Charles, an expert in storytelling and documentary filmmaking for entrepreneurs. They discuss the three types of stories every business should share: origin stories, success stories, and vision stories, to build a strong connection with their audience. Jude shares his insights from over 18 years of experience, highlights from his book 'Dramatic Demonstration,' and personal anecdotes to demonstrate the power of effective storytelling in business. Additionally, Jude reveals the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in storytelling and offers a simple two-step formula for crafting impactful stories. Don't miss this episode to learn how strategic storytelling can help you attract ideal clients and grow your business.

Today's Guest...

For over 18 years, Jude Charles has been producing documentaries for entrepreneurs. He has produced stories for Google, Steve Harvey, and dozens of visionary CEOs. Jude is the author of Dramatic Demonstration. This book is a roadmap that teaches you how to dig deep to find compelling stories that no one else knows, and then leverage those stories to grow your business. Jude’s mission is to lead and empower entrepreneurs to have relentless, unwavering courage.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:39 Meet Jude Charles: Filmmaker and Storytelling Expert

04:03 Why is Storytelling Important in Business?

07:42 Three Essential Stories Every Business Should Share

12:23 Overcoming Challenges and Building Trust Through Stories

15:44 What Holds People Back From Sharing Stories?

20:02 The Simplicity of Effective Storytelling

27:21 Conclusion and Next Steps

Key Takeaways...

📖 Why Storytelling Matters in Business

Telling your story helps people trust you and connect with you. When you share your journey, successes, and big ideas, you show what makes you different. People remember stories – and that makes you stand out.

💬 Being Real Builds Trust

Being open about your experiences (even the tough ones) helps people relate to you. When you’re honest and real, your audience feels a stronger connection. That trust makes them more likely to work with you.

✏️ Keep Storytelling Simple

Jude Charles breaks storytelling into two easy steps:

1️⃣ Pick a clear moment – A time when something important happened.

2️⃣ Share the lesson – What you learned from it.

That’s it! No overthinking, just simple, powerful stories that connect with your audience.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Grab a free copy of Storytelling for Design Creatives

Visit Jude’s Website

Follow Jude on Instagram

—--

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

—--

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

Jon talks with branding expert Vardeep Edwards. They discuss what it takes to build a unique brand in a crowded market. You will learn about the importance of understanding and developing your brand, and how to make a real connection with people. Vardeep shares her experience and gives practical tips on defining your brand identity, creating emotional connections, and using different content types to raise brand visibility. They also touch on the role of AI tools in branding. This episode aims to help small architecture practice owners grow a successful business.

Today's Guest...

Vardeep Edwards is the founder of The Branding Fox - a Brand Development & Design studio dedicated to your brand transformation. She has over twenty years of experience and has worked with the likes of ODEON, Marie Curie, Pentagram & EMAP, helping growing businesses with their branding and design needs. Vardeep believes that creating a brand foundation is crucial for your business to grow. She can help you translate this concept into an impactful and purposeful brand identity so that you have clarity on your brand, your positioning and how to attract your dream clients.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:13 Meet Vardeep Edwards: Branding Expert

03:22 The Importance of Branding

06:18 Defining Your Brand Identity

09:00 Understanding Your Audience

12:44 Bringing Personality to Your Brand

20:10 Content Creation Tips

25:42 Building Emotional Connections

29:59 Raising Brand Visibility

33:33 Integrating Branding into Your Business

37:22 The Role of AI in Branding

41:43 Travel Stories and Conclusion

Key Takeaways...

Understand Your Brand and Audience

You need to be clear about what your brand stands for—its values, identity, and what makes it different. At the same time, it’s just as important to know who your audience is, what they need, and where they spend their time. This understanding helps you create better branding and marketing plans.

Keep Developing Your Brand

Your brand isn’t something you set up once and leave. It’s a process that grows with your business. You should regularly check what’s working, listen to feedback, and adjust as the market changes. This way, your message stays clear and makes sense to your audience.

Build Real Connections Through Content

Sharing real and interesting stories, like behind-the-scenes moments or personal experiences, helps people trust you. Creating content—both long posts and short updates—shows your brand’s personality and message. Use things like social media, interviews, or in-person chats to connect with people and build stronger relationships.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Connect with Vardeep on LinkedIn

Vist Vardeep’s Website – The Branding Fox

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group...

Jon is joined by Helen Nurse, co-founder of Digital Agency Capture One, to discuss innovative ways to use WhatsApp for business communication. Helen shares insights on how WhatsApp can improve engagement with clients, facilitate seamless communication during projects, and even serve as a powerful lead generation tool. The episode also highlights ways to automate responses and manage data effectively through WhatsApp API, offering practical tips for small business owners to enhance their customer interaction and project management.

Today's Guest...

Helen Nurse is the co-founder of digital agency Capture 1, specialists in creating digital content, video, filming, post-production and presentations. For the last five years she has specialised in chat-based communications, helping businesses and organisations to use WhatsApp automations and interactive strategies so you can make communication with your customers more efficient, personal, and effective.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:36 Meet Helen Nurse

04:28 Why Use WhatsApp for Business?

07:18 Common Misconceptions About WhatsApp

09:21 WhatsApp Use Cases and Automation

17:38 Setting Up WhatsApp for Business

20:29 Automating Lead Generation with WhatsApp

20:56 Enhancing Customer Experience with AI

22:17 The Importance of Timely Responses

23:28 Efficient Business Operations with WhatsApp

25:36 Adapting to Modern Customer Expectations

26:42 WhatsApp for Architecture Projects

31:26 Tips for Using WhatsApp in Business

36:09 Exploring New Places: Travel Stories

38:53 Conclusion and Contact Information

Key Takeaways...

Keep in touch easily – WhatsApp is a great way to talk to clients because so many people use it. Quick replies help you stay connected and keep conversations flowing.

Save time with automation – You can set up auto-replies and message flows using tools like ManyChat. This means less manual work and faster responses for your clients.

More than just messaging – Use WhatsApp for customer support, getting new leads, and managing projects. You can also send personalised messages to different groups of people.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Connect with Helen on LinkedIn

Visit Capture1’s Website

—--

Want to join our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

In The Next Episode...

Next...

In this episode, host Jon discusses the significance of strategic planning for business success. Drawing comparisons between embarking on a business journey and going on a road trip, he stresses the importance of setting a clear destination (dubbed the 'big business goal') for the year ahead. Jon advocates for a quarterly approach, stating that breaking down the year into four manageable chunks allows for better planning, easier course corrections, and the capacity to see real results in a business over a 90-day period. Several measurable metrics and tangible tactics for achieving quarterly goals are suggested. Jon reminds listeners of the value of rewarding achieved goals and introduces the concept of creating 'jeopardy' to add urgency to get the work done. Lastly, he suggests methods for holding oneself accountable for plans, including making your intentions public and utilising accountability buddies.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction To Quarterly Planning

01:31 The Analogy of Business Journey to a Car Journey

02:17 Setting Your Business Goals

02:42 The Concept of Quarterly Planning

03:54 The Benefits of Quarterly Checkpoints

04:08 What to Include in Your Quarterly Plan

04:32 Reflecting on the Previous Quarter

04:58 Setting a Main Quarterly Goal

06:10 Financial Measures in Your Quarterly Plan

08:52 Building Your Authority and Visibility

10:54 Tying Your Plan with Marketing and Promotion

13:03 Sticking to Your Quarterly Plan

16:06 What to Do Next Quarter

17:20 Outro and Preview of the Next Episode

Key Takeaways...

👉 Planning is essential: it’s important to plan your business journey, just like planning a car trip. Set specific goals and map out the best route to achieve them.

👉 Break down your business journey into manageable stages or quarters. By focusing on one stage at a time, it becomes easier to stay on track and make course corrections if needed.

👉 Reflect and make improvements on the previous quarter and identify what went well, what could have been better, and any obstacles that stood in the way. This reflection helps in making improvements and ensuring better results in the next quarter.

👉 Set clear quarterly goals and focus on one main goal at a time. This helps in making progress towards the overall business goal for the year.

👉 Measure key metrics such as revenue, leads, sales conversations, conversion rates, average spend, and profit margin. By monitoring these metrics, you can track your progress and make necessary adjustments.

👉 Promote strategically: Think about different ways to promote your business throughout the year. Creating different peak points or focusing on different aspects of your services/products can keep your promotions fresh and engaging.

👉 Stay accountable and motivated by making your plan visible, sharing your goals publicly, finding an accountability partner, creating a sense of jeopardy, and rewarding yourself when you achieve your quarterly goals.

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never...

In this episode, marketing mentor Laura Robinson explains the concept of 'First Date Offers'. These are short, chargeable, bite-sized experiences designed to attract potential clients and give them a taster of your high-priced services. Laura recommends creating a First Date Offer that's fun and comfortable for you to deliver, ensuring you avoid too broad a scope, follow up promptly, and limit its availability to create an urgent need. She also notes these offers are a low-risk way to differentiate your business in your industry and help you attract customers. Laura illustrates her concept with examples from multiple industries, including architecture.

Today's Guest...

Laura Robinson is a marketing mentor for expertise-based businesses. She has been working in marketing and copywriting for more than 14 years. In that time, she has helped hundreds of business owners create and sell online offers, and to make their online marketing more effective. She’s delivered masterclasses for Enterprise Nation, Membership Academy, and Andrew & Pete’s Atomic Community. She has also shared her expertise as a speaker at Erin Wong’s Momentum Day, and Atomicon, one of Europe’s largest business conferences.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:31 About the Host and the Show

00:54 Introducing the Guest: Laura Robinson

01:58 Laura's Unique Experience as a Marine Mammal Medic

03:37 Introduction to First Date Offers

03:49 The Concept and Creation of First Date Offers

05:17 Explaining Voxer and its Benefits

06:53 The Impact of First Date Offers on Business

08:28 Laura's Experience with Home Renovation and Architects

11:54 Brainstorming First Date Offers for Architecture Practices

20:22 Pricing and Pitfalls of First Date Offers

27:28 Summarising the Concept of First Date Offers

30:25 Laura's Favorite Place and Conclusion

Key Takeaways...

👉 First Date Offers are small, chargeable, one-to-one experiences that you can offer potential clients. It has to be enjoyable for you, quick to deliver, provide value to your customers, and can lead to selling higher-priced services.

👉 First Date Offers act as a sample of what it is like to work with you and can lead to hiring you for more extensive services. It is recommended that the delivery method of this offer should mirror your standard mode of communication with clients.

👉 Pricing for your First Date Offers should be determined in such a way that there is no resentment from your side for delivering the service. Think creatively about how you make it easy for people to say yes to work with you. 

👉 First Date Offers can help you filter the types of clients you'd like to work with more.

👉 For your First Date Offers to be successful, it's crucial to stay within a narrow scope. Trying to offer too much within this set time can leave all parties feeling dissatisfied.

👉 Follow up after the First Date Offer is essential because it helps you to stay in touch with the client who might become a higher-paying customer in the future.

👉 In terms of availability, these offers should be limited in order to generate some sense of urgency in the customers.

👉 The First Date Offer shouldn't be about buying a certain amount of time but about getting a particular problem solved or a question answered. It's not reliant on the time taken but about delivering value to the client.

👉 Ensure the First Date Offer is something that appeals to the type of client you want to attract. This can help you shape your business to only work with clients who you feel you would enjoy working with.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

If you're running a business that needs to fit around your other life challenges, priorities, and adventures...sign up for Laura’s free Comfy...

Jon discusses the opportunity and benefits of being a podcast guest with podcast expert, Colin Gray. The conversation covers how to prepare effectively, the importance of standing out with unique viewpoints, and the value of personal stories in connecting with audiences. Additionally, they provide practical advice for pitch strategies, the significance of post-appearance promotion, and insights on content creation for architects. Colin, founder of The Podcast Host and Alitu, shares tools and tips to help prospective guests thrive in their podcast debut and offers resources to aid new podcasters. Colin encourages simplicity, content quality, and authenticity as key elements of successful podcasting.

Today's Guest...

Colin Gray is a podcaster, speaker, PhD, and founder of ThePodcastHost.com and Alitu. ThePodcastHost.com is a huge audio, video, and written resource on how to create a successful show. Alitu.com is a podcast maker tool, designed to help you create your podcast in the easiest way possible, and with full creative control, including call recording, audio cleanup, audio editing, building your episode, and hosting your show.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Meet the Expert: Colin Gray

03:59 The Power of Podcasting for Architects

08:04 Crafting Your Unique Pitch

16:26 Preparing for Your Podcast Debut

21:43 Avoiding Common Podcast Pitfalls

26:24 The Importance of Spontaneity in Podcasting

27:22 Vocal Warm-Ups and Technical Preparations

30:35 Leveraging Podcast Appearances for Growth

38:10 Creating and Promoting Your Own Podcast

43:50 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

46:54 Favorite Travel Destinations

48:41 Conclusion and Resources

Key Takeaways...

Preparation is Key for Being a Podcast Guest:

Spend time identifying and crafting your unique viewpoints and stories that differentiate you in your industry. Proactively send prep questions to the host, which can guide the conversation and ensure you cover important points during the interview. Plan technical preparations, like testing software, ensuring no updates disrupt the recording, and doing vocal warm-ups to enhance your speaking performance.

Promote and Leverage Your Podcast Appearance:

Actively promote your podcast episode on your social media channels, email list, and website to help grow the show and build a favorable relationship with the host. Use the episode content in various ways, such as embedding it on your website, creating clips for social media, or adding it to playlists to maximise its value and reach. Consider reusing the episode content for your marketing materials or as a feature on your "About Me" page, which can be powerful in showcasing your expertise.

Simplify the Process When Starting Your Own Podcast:

Focus on the content rather than getting bogged down by gear and software choices. Use simple, reliable tools to begin with. Embrace a 'live recording' mindset for the first few episodes to avoid the overwhelming task of editing and improve your speaking skills naturally. Start recording and publishing episodes as quickly as possible to gain experience and feedback, which will help you refine and improve your show over time.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

👉 Get Started Podcasting with (free) resources from The Podcast Host 🎁

👉 Create Your Podcast The Easy Way Using Alitu

👉 Connect with Colin Gray on LinkedIn

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉

Jon explores architectural communications and business development with Robert Woodburn Park, a communications expert with over 25 years of experience. The discussion spans Robert's journey from working in practice to running his consultancy and the integration of storytelling with visuals in architecture. The conversation examines the evolution from traditional to digital media, providing practical marketing advice for small architectural practices. Topics include effective marketing strategies, the importance of a strategic focus, leveraging social media, and balancing brand building with lead generation. Robert introduces Beedier, a platform offering up-to-the-minute information, research, and news relating to business development, communications, and marketing for architects.

Today's Guest...

Robert Woodburn Park is a seasoned architectural communications expert, providing in-house graphics and marketing leadership for over 25 years for successful studios such as Allies and Morrison, Alison Brooks, PLP Architecture, and JTP. He now runs his own consultancy, and this year launched Beedier.com - a new media platform for architectural business development information.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:52 Personal Interests and Hobbies

04:11 Early Days of Digital Communications in Architecture

09:03 Integrating Storytelling with Visuals

13:03 Transformative Changes in Architectural Communications

22:56 Balancing Brand Building and Lead Generation

29:52 Challenges for Smaller Firms

33:06 Introducing Beedier: A Resource for Architects

35:24 The Importance of Social Media for Architects

39:09 Key Elements of Business Development

42:01 Travel Stories and Favorite Places

45:12 Conclusion and Contact Information

Key Takeaways...

Strategic Communication in Architecture Marketing:

You need to focus your communication on what works best for your architecture practice. This means knowing the right ways to market, like using social media, websites, going to networking events, or getting PR. It helps create a clear and interesting story about your projects.

Balancing Brand Building and Lead Generation:

You should aim to split your marketing spend between building your brand (45%) and finding new clients (55%) to keep your business growing. Building your brand is about getting noticed (through awards, being featured, or being online), while lead generation brings in new projects and clients. Smaller practices should stick to what they’re good at and not try to do too much.

Importance of Storytelling and Visuals:

Telling the story behind your projects is really important. It makes your work more interesting and helps people remember it. Using strong stories with good images can help others better understand and appreciate your work.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

👉 Visit Beedier

🎵 Listen to Beedier’s Alternative 80’s Playlist (curated by Jon) on Spotify 🎵

—--

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural...

Jon is joined by copywriter and careers advisor Mel Barfield to explore the concept of luck in your career. They discuss whether luck is just about being in the right place at the right time or if it can be maximised through strategic actions. Mel shares insights from 'The Luck Factor' book, highlighting factors like maximising chance opportunities, listening to lucky hunches, expecting good outcomes, and learning from bad experiences. She also dives into the importance of self-promotion and how being visible online can lead to unexpected opportunities. They also cover Mel's career journey, the power of social media connections, and practical tips for small architecture firm founders to boost their business visibility. Additionally, they discuss the relevance of being authentic in online interactions and the impact of COVID-19 on career flexibility and entrepreneurial approaches. You’ll get actionable insights on leveraging luck and strategic networking to grow your career and business.

Today's Guest...

Mel Barfield is a copywriter, event speaker, and a qualified careers advisor who’s studied the theory behind how we navigate the world of work. She writes for Freelancer Magazine. And is an award-winning tone-of-voice expert. She is also the cohost of the Indie Business Club podcast for independent creatives and anyone else that’s interested in forging their own career path.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:33 Introducing Mel Barfield

02:12 Superman and 80s Movies Nostalgia

04:57 Mel's Career Journey

07:32 How Luck Works In Your Career

09:20 How To Maximise Your Career Opportunities

12:31 The Role of Luck in Career Success

14:32 The Impact of COVID on Career Paths

15:48 The Power of Online Connections

21:29 Promoting Yourself and Your Work

26:18 The Value of Self-Promotion

26:53 Attracting the Right Audience

29:45 Repelling Content Strategy

30:29 Setting Boundaries with Clients

35:28 One Simple Thing You Can Do To Be More Visible

39:49 Indie Business Club Podcast

44:08 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

45:44 Travel Favorites

Key Takeaways...

Create More Opportunities by Putting Yourself Out There – Luck isn’t just chance; it’s about making connections. Go to networking events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and share what you do. The more people know about you, the more doors open.

Be Yourself Online – Trying to please everyone won’t help you stand out. Showing your personality in your content attracts the right people and helps build real connections. Don’t be afraid to be you!

Say No to the Wrong Clients – Not every client is a good fit. Share your values, working style, and boundaries upfront. This saves time and makes sure you’re working with the right people.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Connect with Mel on LinkedIn

Listen To The Indie Business Club Podcast

Visit Mel’s Website

Visit Copy or Die’s Website

—--

Interested in joining our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Interested in launching your own podcast?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to...

In this episode of Architecture Business Club, host Jon speaks with Mike Cole, an IFC-accredited coach and qualified accountant, about embracing neurodiversity in your architecture business. Mike discusses his experience with dyslexia and the strengths it has brought to his work, such as problem-solving and big-picture thinking. He shares his journey of self-acceptance and encourages listeners to lean into their uniqueness and find the most efficient ways for them to work. He also highlights the importance of understanding oneself, both strengths and weaknesses, to build a profitable future-proof architecture business. Mike has also created a quiz to help you discover what's holding you back in your businesses and career.

Today's Guest...

Mike Cole is an ICF-accredited coach and qualified accountant with a wealth of business experience from leading multinational teams in £multi-billion corporates to supporting solopreneurs to develop their unique, profitable businesses. Mike combines skillful coaching, and extensive business experience to guide busy people, who are overflowing with ideas, along their unique path to success. He creates calm, collaborative spaces that unblock thinking, generate rapid insight, and result in actionable steps.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity

00:55 Guest Introduction: Mike Cole

03:19 Understanding Neurodivergence

04:23 Mike's Personal Journey with Dyslexia

06:09 Overcoming Challenges in the Workplace

13:26 Transitioning to Small Business Ownership

15:18 The Difference Between Coaching and Mentoring

16:45 Building a Business Around Your Strengths

19:25 Understanding and Embracing Your Unique Strengths

20:23 The Coin Analogy: Embracing Both Sides of Your Personality

22:19 The Power of Big-Picture Thinking and Trust

25:08 The Impact of Diagnosis and Self-Understanding

27:50 Leaning into Your Specialness: Final Thoughts and Encouragement

31:44 Connecting with Mike and Final Remarks

Key Takeaways...

👉 Embrace your quirks or your neurodivergent attributes. Whether in business or life, try to understand and lean into your unique traits and strengths, even if they may deviate from the 'norm'. This promotes authenticity and usually leads to better results in one's work.

👉 Take time to understand the best working methods for you. By analysing and adjusting the way you work you can leverage your strengths, and boost efficiency. 

👉 Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Find peace with your weaknesses and focus on maximising your strengths. Your strengths are what make you valuable to others.

👉 Consider problems from different perspectives. Different people understand and solve problems in unique ways due to their varied experiences, skills, and thought processes. Embracing this diversity of thought can lead to innovative solutions.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Mike’s Quiz - https://www.milico.uk/quiz

Mike’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thismikecole/

Mike’s Instagram - @thismikecole

-----

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

Jon is joined by May King Tsang, the original FOMO creator, to discuss strategies for generating excitement and urgency for your business. They explore how to build buzz around your events, products, and services using May King’s proven techniques. Learn the importance of consistent social media presence, branding, and relationship-building, and discover the power of pre, live, and post FOMO. Plus, May King shares her personal journey and insights on maintaining authenticity online.

Today's Guest...

May King Tsang is the original FOMO Creator, generating buzz and excitement to help sell out your next event! FOMO means the fear of missing out and in business it's a good thing! FOMO helps raise your profile, sells your products + services. It gets people to your Expo and increases footfall to your Trade Show booth. May King has been helping clients generate FOMO since 2012 both online and in person, and she is available NOW to help you too.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:44 Introducing May King Tsang

04:27 What is FOMO?

08:36 The Five-Step Formula to Generate FOMO

13:55 What Type of Content Can We Share To Build FOMO?

22:47 The Challenge of Being Your Authentic Self

23:39 What Are The Different Types of FOMO?

24:31 Creating Pre FOMO

25:52 Live and Post FOMO Strategies

26:53 FOMO for Architects: A Practical Example

28:51 Engaging Your Audience with Consistent Content

33:19 The Power of Repurposing Content

34:55 Getting Started with FOMO: Tools and Tips

35:48 Final Thoughts on FOMO

37:13 Travel Stories

40:10 Connecting with May King Tsang

40:36 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

Creating Excitement with FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

May King Tsang talks about using FOMO to build excitement around your business. You can do this in three ways:

• Before an event – Create anticipation and get people talking.
• During the event – Keep the energy high by sharing updates and engaging with your audience.
• After the event – Keep the buzz going so people stay interested and don’t want to miss the next one.

Showing Up Consistently & Being Yourself

Being active on social media isn’t just about business. Sharing your work, personal stories, and daily life helps people get to know, like, and trust you. The more real you are, the more people will want to connect and engage with you.

Keeping It Simple & Taking Action

You don’t need fancy equipment to make great content—your phone is enough. The most important thing is to start posting. When you show up regularly, even silent followers (the ones watching but not commenting) may turn into future clients.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Visit May King’s Website

Connect with May King on LinkedIn

—--

Want to be the first to hear how to join our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Interested in working with Jon?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Resources…

👉 Grab the...