Susan Young's
Amplify Blog

 

 

 

The Truth About Shortcuts to A/E/C Legacies

You don't need more tech hacks to develop new A/E/C leaders.

We need to share wisdom in heartfelt and relatable ways.

There are no shortcuts to wisdom, especially post-COVID.

Emerging leaders are craving meaningful "lessons learned" from senior execs.

They believe they have to be perfect and know everything.

Many feel like they're shouting into the abyss.

C-suite execs riding their own ego waves are drowning out the messages and cries for help.

Quit beating the drum about sustainable growth.

Instead, commit to developing today's communication skills.

Have deeper conversations.

When your entire org chart prioritizes communication, sustainable growth comes easily.

I'll show you the way. Drop me a note.

Let's do it.

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Continous Business Improvement is Key for Architects and Engineers

A/E/C NewsFlash: 

Architects, engineers, and construction pros are in business.

No matter your degree or major, you must know the bigger picture of your role.

You've got to understand the marketing, revenue, and operations of day-to-day business.

How do YOU contribute to goals like sustainable growth, winning pursuits, succession planning, and effective communication?

College degrees and certifications don't give us a "pass" on learning.

It's not a one-and-done. 

Can you say continuous improvement?

Don't be the Radio Shack or Kodak of your firm.

Take initiative, think creatively (unrelated to designs, infrastructure, or building materials), and show up in a bigger, bolder way.

People who strategically connect the dots win trust and lead the industry. 

*Take the initiative with one of our communication, sales, and mindset development training programs.

Click here for training info or drop me a note.

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Solving a Common Communications Conundrum

Consider this if you struggle to introduce yourself, believing you don't need to prepare a 30-second elevator pitch.

Would YOU hire YOU?

Rambling.

Winging it.

Self-serving.

Confusing.

Missing the mark.

Clueless about prospects' needs and desires.

Here's the solution so that your networking generates new business.

Harness the power of your words.

Be intentional with how you articulate your value.

Every word wields power.

When you write your introduction and OWN it, people pay attention.

On we go.

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How to Uplevel Servant Leadership in A/E/C

Let's back up the bus on servant leadership in A/E/C.

Being of service and positively impacting communities is a noble pursuit.

The buzz around this phrase, though, weakens the intent.

Servant leadership isn't exclusive to your broader community.

It also applies to internal teams within A/E/C firms.

Are leaders genuinely addressing the real challenges and deeper problems your staff may not openly share?

Servant leadership starts at home.

It may include coaching or training for YOU to improve your communication skills and lead by example.

Internal servant leadership can be sharing your wisdom, screw-ups, and experiences with your team.

It may involve implementing programs that help staff prioritize and reduce burnout.

The productivity piece gets woven in; don't worry :)

Exceptional servant leadership can only happen

when firms have a solid internal foundation.

Once that's in place, go into the community and make a freakin' impact!

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The Instant Way to Connect and Communicate That You Probably Don't Know

Ever feel like you're "talking past" someone?

It's super frustrating.

It's like you're speaking Spanish, and they're speaking French.

Of course, there is confusion and misunderstanding!

Uncertainty runs rampant in A/E/C because most people aren't aware of our three main communication modalities.

It's important to know YOUR preferred style of communicating.

But to grow profits and trust, it's vital to identify other peoples' preferences.

Then, you'll feel more self-assured because you speak the same language. 

There is less stress and fewer mixups. 

How do you get on the same page as your prospects, clients, and colleagues?

We drop subtle clues and cues about our preferred communication method in every interaction.

Knowing how to pick up the clues makes it easy to bridge communication gaps.

You'll confidently resolve conflicts when they arise.

This single transformational skill skyrocketed my business 25 years ago. I use it every...

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Here's the Missing Piece of Communication in Construction

 

Interpersonal communication in A/E/C is about the CONSTRUCT of your interactions with others.

And the negative self-talk that loops around your busy brain 24/7. 

We all experience it but few know how to control the mental chatter that holds us back.

I was there, and, thankfully, I'm not there anymore.

In my interview with Ron Nussbaum, host of the Construction Champions Podcast, I'll show you how to retool your mindset and confidence so that you're a Top Tier Communicator. 

I share the crucial piece in the short clip above.

And I invite you to click here and watch the 30-minute episode on YouTube. 

 

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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...

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How to Become a Confident Public Speaker

There's a rampant fear of public speaking in A/E/C. 

Here's the real cold hard truth about this. 

You say you're afraid or nervous about speaking up. 

But, it's not the talking part that brings anxiety. 

The underlying issue is you don't trust yourself. 

You say you don't feel confident even though you know the material inside and out. 

It's about facing your truth about the deeper issue of self-doubt and trust.

I see it every day with coaching clients and in my group programs. 

A/E/C pros who are willing to commit to becoming better communicators quickly lose their fear of public speaking. 

They actually enjoy engaging with others (and generating business.) 

It's an inside job. 

Transform your negative self-talk first to gain confidence and begin to trust yourself at a deep core level. 

Your self-inflicted fear of public speaking will subside. 

Then, you'll grow connections, opportunities, and profits.

Reach out if you're ready to...

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Project Managers Can Conquer Fears of Shortlisted Presentations

You have a fear of speaking up at presentations or meetings? 

Maybe you’re afraid you stink at networking.

Or maybe you’ve been scaring yourself with imposter syndrome because you don’t have all the answers for clients. 

Read the words on the man’s shirt that I saw this morning. 

Facts Over Fear. 

Fact: All humans are born with 2 innate fears. 

1- The fear of falling.
2- The fear of loud noises. 

Somewhere along life’s journey, you’ve convinced yourself you stink at public speaking, networking, and pursuits.

Blah, blah, blah.

I was there years ago, and I’m not anymore.

Today, I know it’s all learned behavior that you can unlearn to be more successful. 

That’s a fact. 

Is it time to stop scaring yourself and staying stuck? 

Facts Over Fear. 

Reach out if you are ready to stop the negative self talk and step into your potential. 

You decide.

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Do You Know Enough About the Prospects You're Pursuing?

The phone call was from a 215-Philly area code.

Assuming it was my cousin, Marc, I picked up the phone.

To my surprise, the caller was a woman who knew my first name. 

She asked to speak with the director of technology for my firm.

As an entrepreneur for 24 years, my firm has an agile team of freelancers and part-timers. 

Interestingly, the technology department is my husband. 

He's an IT project manager working in the next room in our home.

The key takeaway from this encounter is the importance of thorough research before shortlisted interviews and networking events.

Look online for insights about people you'll be interacting with so you know their values, projects, and interests.

You'll gain valuable information and have more meaningful and memorable conversations. 

This level of preparation not only establishes trust and respect. It also fosters genuine connections with decision-makers. 

Know your audience ahead of time. 

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