Susan Young's
Amplify Blog

 

 

 

Project Managers Who Sound Like Leaders in Client Meetings

Tongue-tied spells trouble in business.

Every A/E/C professional knows the moment when technical skills aren't enough in client meetings.

You're in a shortlisted presentation, and you or a team member are trying to lead a tough conversation.

You look around and see frustration, fidgeting, and faces that scream trouble.😮

You know, at the moment, communication is the differentiator that wins pursuits.

🎯That's precisely why I created the Top Tier Communicator online training program.

It's a flexible communication and leadership class built for you (or your team).

Learn today's skills to build confidence, communicate with clarity, and lead effectively — without leaving the job site or office.

Here's the truth: In our industry, communication isn't a "soft skill." It's a revenue skill.

Details on my new training options are here.

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Your Secret Sauce to Beating Competitors

Reading body language and other nonverbal communication skills is key to capturing more pursuits.

When you connect Human-to-Human (H2H) using this technique, you'll have clients and referrals for life.

🧨These little-known nuances blow away the A/E/C pros I coach, and they use this knowledge for years to come.

It's intriguing, high-level communication, and it's fun!

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5 Superpowers of Emerging Leaders in A/E/C

Refreshing energy is front and center for 2025.

Which employees, including yourself, will excel beyond your wildest dreams in the coming months?🤩

Let's empower your team to excel together and help younger staff build confidence with the superpowers below.

Emerging leaders with under 10 years of industry experience will become unstoppable.🎯

{RELATED: EMERGING LEADERS CAN REMOVE SELF-DOUBT SO THEY COMMUNICATE CLEARLY, FEEL CONFIDENT, AND GENERATE BUSINESS. ENROLL NOW IN TOP TIER COMMUNICATOR ONLINE TRAINING.}

➡️These 5 superpowers are a good jumping-off point.

  1. Charisma. People with this quality have allure, a special style, charm, light-heartedness, and magnetism. Others quickly recognize there's something interesting about their personality that's attractive. 🔷A/E/C PRO TIP: Most babies aren't born with charisma. We can learn this trait and reinvent ourselves to be more personable and confident. For example, notice role models and mentors who have positively impacted you. How do
  2. ...
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The Costly Unneccesary Risk A/E/C Keeps Taking

 

Trust and nurturing relationships are mission critical in business and life. 

The best wisdom and career advice I've ever heard is in this short video clip.🤩

And it applies to the A/E/C industry and your firm.

Take a look.⬆️⬆️⬆️

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When A/E/C Leaders Refuse to Adapt

A/E/C FACT about lost bids, productivity, trust, and talent: 

Struggles with people skills will only end when industry leaders seriously commit to learning today’s communication strategies.

For themselves and their teams. 

🔷”People didn’t understand it wasn’t working while it wasn’t working.” 

I heard this line on Election Night TV coverage. 

It hit me straight between the eyes as it’s spot-on for the sustainable growth CEOs are pursuing. 

➡️Put egos aside. 

➡️Level up your own leadership and self-awareness. 

➡️Prioritize communication and BD training now —not next quarter or next year. 

“People didn’t understand it wasn’t working while it wasn’t working.” 

Let that land. 😮

Then equip yourselves with the right and repeatable tools for lasting growth and transformation.💪💯

Reach out and let’s do it. 

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Refining Your Communication Just Got Way Easy

Strengthening your communication skills doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.

In the chaotic world of A/E/C, on-demand learning helps you combat burnout and stress.

That's why we've opened our curated Communication Vault to the public!

 

🧨Now you can access the timeless tips, processes, and strategies I share in my Amplify programs whenever you need support and tools.

🔐 The key to the Communication Vault is here! 🔐

 So if you're wanting to:

🔷Enhance your body language in shortlisted meetings

🔷Improve small talk when networking

🔷Be seen as a trusted subject matter expert...

…the Communication Vault has all the tools you need to be engaging and self-assured.

🎯We're always adding fresh content, too: short video clips, webinars, worksheets, and guides to uplevel your communication and boost your confidence.🎯

Check out the Communication Vault here!

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Becoming More Approachable and Confident at A/E/C Meetings

You don't have to say anything at shortlisted interviews and networking events.

Others pick up on your body language and subconsciously decide if you are approachable.

Your nonverbal communication says it all. 

Humans are "people-watchers." 

Research has long shown that we observe more than we listen. 

Prospects and clients make snap decisions in under five seconds about whether to engage with you. 

This underscores the importance of your nonverbal cues.

✅How do you move and behave?

✅What is your face "saying" about your confidence and mood?

✅Are your gestures (even if you're standing alone in a luncheon) inviting and welcoming?

Yes, architecture, engineering, and construction firms hire me to teach staff how to confidently and clearly speak and deliver presentations. 

It's easy to get your words tangled. I get it. 👀

Still, impactful communicators reach beyond their words so they win pursuits. 

They recognize that nonverbal skills are equally critical in this balance.

Usi...

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Don't Read the Slides. Read This to Win Pursuits.

Reading slides in shortlisted interviews doesn't engage prospects.

🔥Top-tier communicators in A/E/C know how to read the room.

Reading the room means you notice peoples' facial expressions, body language, and energy.

Do people in your presentations look distracted, impatient, or confused?

😮You must notice what people aren't saying.😮

Then, you can subtly re-engage and bring prospects back to your message without missing a beat.🎯

Successful business development teams think on their feet in a split second. 

They know how to course correct.

There is no overwhelm or anxiety.

🏆This technique is pivotal to winning pursuits and competitive projects.🏆

You can learn to read the room (click the link so you can learn this skill) and form deeper connections with practice.

The slides are secondary.

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Are You Making this Huge Communication Mistake?

 

Sending mixed messages to prospects and clients leads to confusion.

Does your body language match your words? 😮

Here's a 30-second video example of a classic disconnect.

I coach an engineer in our Amplify program who tells the group he's got exciting things underway.

Watch what happens. 

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