There was an engineering webinar yesterday with 225 people online. 

I was one of them.

I was on camera.

As I scrolled through the participants, I noticed 99 percent were off-camera. 

No faces. 

Most didn't even have a headshot or image—just a dark screen with their name.

😮The chat? Silent.

😮The interaction? Nonexistent.

😮The engagement? Almost zero.

There was no technical glitch. It was a communication culture issue.

When busy A/E/C firms invest in webinars, training, or virtual meetings, they often forget the human part:

➡️ People don't engage when they don't feel safe and confident.

➡️ Cameras stay off when participants feel awkward.

Yes, I realize some may have been eating lunch or caring for a child. Zoom fatigue is a real thing. But the entire group??!!

➡️ Silence in the chat is a symptom of disengagement or a lack of confidence to express views or at least say hi to others online. 

I posted in the chat right before the start of the program: "Thank you (organizer's ...

What if you saw training differently?

Successful A/E/C firms that capture pursuits face and embrace workplace training data. 📈

They don't make excuses about budgets, limited time, or keeping training in-house: 

• Nearly 50 percent of managers with 10 or more years of experience report having received a total of only nine hours of training.
• Almost 45 percent of managers who have been in their role for less than a year haven't had any training.

Research from Lorman shows that internal programs may save your firm money in the short term, but the benefits are limited.

🎯Most employees crave fresh perspectives and innovative problem-solving strategies.

To scale and narrow talent gaps, proactive firms are willing to invest in external training.

A/E/C executives must be open-minded and know that scalability is intertwined with today's business development and communication skills.

How does your team measure up against competitors? 

Savvy leaders recognize the return on investment i...

Articulating complex data and information doesn't have to be an ongoing struggle in A/E/C.

From misunderstandings in e-mail threads and texts to confusing slide decks and messaging to stakeholders, there's room to improve communication.

Interpersonal communication is at the root of reworks, lost bids, budget overruns, and the labor shortage. 

In the "Bridging the Gap" podcast episode, I talk with host Todd Weyandt about how A/E/C teams can become confident communicators, with new storytelling and networking skills. 

Grab valuable techniques and strategies from our conversation. Here's the link. https://bit.ly/3T7L97B 

The most important four-letter word in business and life is CARE.

For me, CARE is an acronym.

🔷Your Communication is based on what you pay Attention to.

🔷Your Attention (focus) determines your Results.

🔷Your Results can be Excellent.

How do you show clients and prospects that you truly CARE about them...as human beings and in business?

Are you focusing on the correct problems they are experiencing?

How can you improve your presentations and conversations?

👉Notice your communication patterns and habits.

It's all about self-awareness.🧨

Success in A/E/C means you're focusing on others, and not yourself or the need for a sale.

If you want better results, show others you can solve their problems.

Show them you CARE more than the next firm.

It's a feeling, not a tech solution.😊

Have your well-educated staff painted themselves into a confidence corner?

👉CEOs and other leaders, please take note: personalities can be reinvented so that your team feels confident in the community, sharing their expertise and helping win bids.

No more excuses from younger staff about being shy and reserved!

Equip emerging leaders with today's repeatable skills to attract opportunities and help build revenue.

💰Ineffective communication costs A/E/C firms millions of dollars a year in lost bids and profits.

Our online Top Tier Communicator Training shows industry newcomers how to overcome imposter syndrome, growing their confidence, careers, and impact.

🎯Graduates of Top Tier Communicator get instant results with a blend of brain science and business development "we've never heard before." 🎯

New classes are available monthly throughout 2025. Enroll with this link today!