I am an Architect with 25 years experience. I need a very good exposure in business. How?

Answer 1

advertise.. create a budget as to how you will advertise/marekt your service. look at people you know, your current/past clients who are happy with your service should be able to give you some leads. Join in with community activities, volunteer.

Answer 2

I don't have a lot of information to go one but hopefully, I will be able to toss a few useful tidbits.

Are you a sole proprietor or the president of a small/medium/large firm?

I believe you are asking two questions in one. (1) How do I bring in more business and (2) how can I bring in more profitable business.

I have worked with architects who, in order to "get the deal" give away too much. They will meet with a prospect that really does not have a great handle on what they want. The architect in the early meetings will sketch here and there to show their skills and ability to interpret what the prospect is looking for and in the end, not get the job. In other words, they will allow the prospect to walk away with some sketches which pulls out the idea they had in their mind, only to take those somewhere else and hire someone else.

Point 1 - Do not work for free. In your initial presentations/meetings with a prospect, make sure you present a sense of authority...you are the expert and you get paid for that expertise. This alone will help create an upfront sense of value and instead of costing you the job, when applied correctly will help you land the job.

Point 2 - Learn about projects before anyone else does. One technique I teach both architects and general contractors is to find out about projects while they are still "a lump of clay" in the mind of the owner/developer. The Internet is a wonderful thing. Check the planning & zoning listings in the municipalities in your area. Most are available online, for free. When you see that "John Doe" is trying to get a parcel rezoned to build a (a) New Church or a (b) New Office or a (c) New Home, etc. Send them an intro letter wishing them luck on their approval process thusly introducing your services.

Point 3 - Networking. Actually VISIT the local P&Z departments of your area. I go in and ask a few questions, "Say, I am trying to learn what one needs to do to get a piece of land rezoned." They are more than happy to help you and you (a) may learn something new (b) introduce your self to the very people who could become very valuable lead sources for you.

Point 4 - Networking. Look into joining your local SMPS (Society for Marketing Professional Services - www.smps.org) This group is FULL of business development people for architecture, engineering and construction. You can meet many valuable people who can share leads, may want to partner, etc.

Point 5 - Networking. You may already be a member of your local AIA. Again, you may specialize in dental offices, medical offices and veterinary clinics and get to know a fellow architect who specializes in churches and education but can help each other and still not be competing for the same lead.

Point 6 - Create a marketing plan. Advertising is fine but targeted advertising is better. A "BOLD" listing in the Yellow Pages just ain't gonna cut it. (Again, if I knew what your area of specialization is, I could offer more.) Invest in a software program that will help you write a plan and remember that creating a marketing plan is NOT the answer...creating and WORKING a marketing plan is.

Point 7 - Review your collateral material. Does your name suggest what you do? Does your business card just offer the standard information or does it offer the standard information WHILE promoting architecture and your business. I am not talking about having a card that shouts "Huckster" I am talking about simple things like listing a few of your specialties or even that you are indeed an architect.

EXAMPLE:

DCH & Partners
1212 Commerce Highway
Anytown, US 12345
123.555.1234

Other than the location, phone number all this card tells me is that it is a partnership. If I met this person at a Chamber of Commerce Meeting, "Business After Hours" meeting, etc. and was excited that I met an architect but went home with 35 other business cards...would I remember this was the person I wanted to call?

How about this...maybe a tag line at the bottom?

DCH & Partners
1212 Commerce Highway
Anytown, US 12345
123.555.1234

Architects + Planners + Space Design + Consulting

Point 8 - Partnering. Find three or four very reputable general contractors who specialize in building what you specialize in designing and partner. A smart GC will understand the wisdom offered in a Design/Build arrangement for the owner.

Point 9 - SELL! go back to some of your past clients...give them the ole "Calling to touch base" phone call. If they hired you once, they may hire you again. They may know someone who needs your service and your phone call may prompt that thought.

Point 10 - Get yourself in front of local groups. Architecture is a fascinating discipline. Prepare a 30 minute presentation and offer it to Rotary Clubs, Chamber Meetings, Kiwanis Clubs, etc. These groups are always looking for speakers and you can very easily and very carefully turn it into a 30 infomercial.

There are TONS of ways to promote your business with little or no cost.

I hope this helps...

Bobby

Answer 3

what have you done successfully? have you built a bridge that is still standing? even if you worked for another firm or on your own your name on your work is your exposure. i learned this in business class right down everything you know about your profession you should be able to put together a portfolio from that goodluck!!!

Answer 4

join some leadership school or business school or logon to www.nonifamily.net for details or mail me here

Answer 5

For information go to - www.naukri.com

Answer 6

more details