A/E/C = Processes.

Networking and business growth = People.

Then processes.

First, you metaphorically nudge the door open.

Focus your 30-second elevator pitch on the other person.

Processes take more than 30 seconds and are cumbersome.

Your job in business development and shortlisted meetings is to avoid cumbersome.

Instead, pique people's curiosity. There's no need to be a walking bid package.

Nudge the door open.

Be interesting so they are interested.

When a prospect invites you to a meeting or coffee, ease into the process. But only if asked.

When do you feel the most confident?

When you know in your heart you've prepared and are ready. 

You FEEL self-assured and skilled at what you do.

You trust yourself at a deep core level. 

Forget the business adage that feelings don't belong in the office.

You have to consider how you physically feel when you think about:

• Shortlisted meetings
• Team collaborations
• Networking events
• Speaking at a presentation

With physical tightness, anxiety, or a headache, you're not ready. 

You can't be confident and win bids when you don't feel secure and strong. 

Architects, engineers, and construction pros win bid packages by preparing their data.

And their mindsets.

School construction is a huge revenue source for many of my A/E/C clients.

You don't have to design and build schools to know the value of learning.

Taking time to develop new skills to grow your firm is a no-brainer.

Consider networking, for example.

Many of my coaching clients tell me they go to industry events without an intention or introduction.

They say they stink at small talk.

You can guess what happens next.

They return to the office feeling unproductive and overwhelmed.

You could have, would have, or should have been working on a bid package. Maybe you could have finalized new sub schedules.

The networking was a bust, even though your ideal clients were there.

Lost revenue and opportunities hurt.

I coach and teach strategic networking.

Project managers, supervisors, estimators, and others I coach are fortunate that principals know communication directly impacts profits.

The beauty is that the same people skills apply to BD presentations.

Here's the...

Business development and sales tip for A/E/C leaders: 

Golf lessons don't replace communication training. 

I talked recently with Jeff Sample, a new friend and entrepreneur. We chatted about leadership and mindset.  

Sure, business deals happen on golf courses.

Jeff told me about an AEC firm paying for engineers' golf lessons.

No. No. No.

Successful Seller Doer meetings demand clear, relatable presentations peppered with storytelling. 

No golf balls or lessons necessary.

Prospects expect you to connect the dots and differentiate your firm from others. 

Architects, engineers, and construction pros don't learn this on the back 9.