Susan Young's
Amplify Blog

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Data Centers are Booming, But Seller-Doer Meetings Don't Need More Data

It’s no secret that data center construction is booming.

It’s mostly fueled by AI and our demand for more data, faster speeds, and more answers.

But here’s the irony I see every week in A/E/C business development.

Seller-doer interviews aren’t lost because teams lack data.

Firms lose bids because decision-makers are overwhelmed with too many numbers.

Clients already have plenty of data from proposals.

Here’s the truth: Stakeholders are deciding if theyĀ trustĀ who is in the room.

Successful interviews aren’t driven by slide decks—they’re driven by human connection.

• Clear, confident storytelling

• Thoughtful small talk that builds rapport

• Being present, personable, and intuitive

• Reading the room and responding—not rambling

Artificial Intelligence may be transforming how projects are designed and built.Ā 

But people still hire people.

This human side of communication is exactly why I createdĀ Top Tier Communicator.

It's where A/E/C’s emerging leaders develop essential sk...

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Communication Isn't a Soft Skill—It's a Revenue Skill

Think about it:

AĀ project managerĀ who can clearly explain trade-offs and guide a client conversation?

šŸ”·That’s risk mitigation.

šŸ”·A superintendent who can speak confidently in a progress meeting?

šŸ”·That’s client retention.

šŸ”·A technical lead who can tell the story behind the numbers in a shortlist interview?

That's how firmsĀ win work.

šŸŽÆThat’s exactly why I built on-demand A/E/C communication and leadership training—so firms can develop confident communicators who move projects and business forward.

Learn anytime, anywhere.

Build skills that you (or your team) can use in every conversation, meeting, and interview.

See how it works here >>Ā https://www.aecamplify.com/top-tier-communicator

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The New PMs Are Watching. What Are You Showing Them?

New project managers are watching you.

What are you showing them?

In every meeting, on every jobsite, and during every project handoff, your emerging leaders are quietly taking notes.

They may not speak up yet.

But they are watching how you...

āœ…Communicate under pressure

āœ…Handle mistakes

āœ…Give direction

āœ…Treat others

Your actions become their playbook.

🧨Here's the truth about A/E/C: Strong communication and visible ownership are non-negotiable.

It's not only about what you say—it's how you lead through words, tone, clarity, and follow-up.

If experienced leaders model sarcasm, vague directions, or avoid responsibility, younger project managers are likely to do the same—and think it's acceptable when it's not.

Your communication and the leadership culture of your firm come down to this:

šŸ—ļøYou lead by example, not memos and long meetings.

Train your next-level leaders today so that they don't mirror outdated and bad habits.

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The Silent Webinar: Why It's Time to Grow Communication Confidence

There was an engineering webinar yesterday with 225 people online.Ā 

I was one of them.

I was on camera.

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

No faces.Ā 

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 aĀ communication culture issue.

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

āž”ļø People don'tĀ engageĀ when they don't feel safe and confident.

āž”ļø 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??!!

āž”ļø Silence in the chat is a symptom of disengagement or aĀ lack of confidence to express viewsĀ or at least say hi to others online.Ā 

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

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The Training Gap Smart A/E/C Leaders Don't Ignore

What if you saw training differently?

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

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

  • 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.

šŸŽÆMost 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 withĀ today's business development and communication skills.

How does your team measure up against competitors?Ā 

Savvy leaders recognize the return on investment i...

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The Power of Storytelling in Construction

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.Ā 

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.Ā 

Grab valuable techniques and strategies from our conversation. Here's the link.Ā https://bit.ly/3T7L97BĀ 

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How to Solve Your Client Problems—and Add Value Every Step of the Way

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

For me, CARE is an acronym.

šŸ”·Your Communication is based on what you pay Attention to.

šŸ”·Your Attention (focus) determines your Results.

šŸ”·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?

šŸ‘‰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.😊

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Transform Ineffective Communicators Into Money Magnets

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

šŸ‘‰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.

šŸ’°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.

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

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

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