Do You Tweet?

From Architectural Record:

It seems like everyone these days is constantly plugged into their technological devices, tweeting their whereabouts, Facebooking their statuses, and publicizing anything and everything about themselves. Companies are even engaged in the phenomenon, using social media tools to market their products and services. But for architects, do these online pursuits pay off?

Design firms that have integrated social media into their practices report a spike in interest in their work — particularly from journalists, publishers, and other architects. However, few can say their efforts have directly led to new projects … yet. Social media is so new to the profession that it may take a few years before the benefits can be measured, but some firms are investing now with high hopes for future rewards.

Read more.

Being present online and social networking has worked for us at Fivecat Studio.

About three hundred people read my Living Well in Westchester blog every day. Several past and future clients have become our “fans” on Facebook and we’ve received several new inquires for residential projects directly referencing Twitter as their source.

Are you ready to tweet? Come “follow me” at www.twitter.com/FivecatStudio.

Architects Unemployed

A member of the Entrepreneur Architect LinkedIn Group posted a discussion about what to do when one is unemployed.

I invite you to contribute to the conversation as well, by joining the group and posting your thoughts.

Here is my response to John:

Having never been unemployed, I cannot talk from experience on how best to manage that experience. But, I did start my own firm with my architect wife, from scratch, with no clients and no money.

My suggestion is to start with the approaches that cost the least.

Networking, both online and in person, can put you in a position to be in the right place at the right time. Many times, success is about who you know. Networking at local chamber of commerce events can help get you out there in the public, talking, meeting and greeting.

When you meet a “connector”, invite them for a cup of coffee and talk about their business and how YOU might help THEM. In networking, the key to success is to get people talking about themselves. People like people who are good listeners and who are interested in what THEY do.

Blogging is another low cost way to be perceived as an expert. Sites like Blogger and WordPress offer free easy-to-use blogging platforms.

A simple and professional looking website is also essential. Your firm MUST be there when a prospect searches for your services. If you are invisible online, then you don’t exist.

I also recommend reading the book, The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. It will help you set priorities in life and business, and build a business that will succeed… and survive during times like these.

If you are looking for a job, I suggest getting actively involved in your local AIA, SARA and/or CORA chapters. Volunteer and become a leader in the profession. When firms start to hire again, decision makers will recognize your efforts, as well as your name.

I hope this gets the conversation started…

Survival: How’d YOU do it?

The year 2009 was a very tough time for business. As we move our way past first quarter 2010, we’re starting to see a bit of improvement; a few rays of sunshine among the clouds. We are not yet seeing 2007 numbers, but things are certainly moving in the right direction.

I have discussed how WE made it through the storm over at our LinkedIn Group. Today, I’m wondering how YOU did it. Did you make any specific changes to your firm? Any innovative solutions for survival?

The guys over at BUILD LLC shared their “secrets” last month. Take a peek… then come back here and let us know what you think.

The year 2010 is all about recovery and setting your sights on full blown success in 2011. What did you do in 2009 to survive? What are you doing in 2010 to recover?

Happy Easter!

What’s Your Brand?

When a potential client hears your firm’s name, what do they feel? When they see your logo, what do they think? Your designs? Your studio? Your vehicle? Even the clothes you wear? What do they represent in the marketplace of architectural design?

All these things, together, are your brand.

In his book, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, Malcolm Gladwell describes in detail how decisions are made within the first few seconds of an impression. How important is your brand? It can be argued that it is the most important factor to your ultimate success. Your brand tells a potential client, as well as your current clients, who you are and what you represent.

What is Frank Gehry’s brand? How about Richard Meier? Frank Lloyd Wright?

Whether you design and develop one, or not, you have a brand. It may be wonderfully inspirational. It may be uncomfortable or repulsive.

What’s YOUR brand? Take control and develop a brand that represents all that you want to be.