From the category archives:

Office Management

The other day, I was questioned by Collier over at Building Content about my firm and 2010.  He asked, “Do you have any big plans/resolutions/new initiatives for your firm in 2010?”  Great question.  I certainly had some things bouncing around in my head, but I had yet to put it down on paper.  So, perfect opportunity to put it down for evaluation and critique.

Here’s my response…

Happy New Year to you…

That’s a great question.  One that was touched on in a mastermind group I recently joined, but haven’t sat down to pull it together.  Having just launched my business in 2009, I am looking in all directions to take the next step.

I would say in a nutshell, that my goal is to continue to build on the momentum I’ve gained in 2009.  Using that as the force behind me, push forward to more exposure in the market and pursuit (and award) of larger projects.  The response my hanging out my own shingle has been very positive and I am finding opportunities where I thought none existed.

I do want to refresh my branding… using my “one year in business” as a targeted launch point.  I have a ton of ideas on my company website, my blog, appearance of plans, letterhead, etc.  I have until July to get it done…  There seems to be something about a one year anniversary that shows the world that your in it for the long haul.  I want to use that moment to reintroduce my firm.

I also want to get more consistent in my blog posting and writing for Examiner.com.  I have been getting better, introducing some weekly features to help build content.  Using these, I’m looking into generating other revenue streams to supplement the professional services fees.

So, I guess I have thought about it…

I wish you good luck and prosperity for 2010!  Hopefully things turn around for architects this year.

Dave

You have to clear space for new things, mentally and physically…

My family spent a few days this week cleaning house and organizing.  My wife’s workspace, as well as mine, were the focus really.  We juggle many different things throughout each day, and having a mess of disorganization stifles the creative flow (as well as sanity).  So, the trash collector has a little extra to pick up today.

From the mental side, I am now able to put 2009 behind me.  There were a lot of changes in this year and there is a distinct dividing line of when the clouds parted and the sun returned.  Making the decision to leave a midsize firm and going it alone is scary stuff, but four months of success in the midst of a deep recession can build confidence in yourself and your abilities.  More importantly, it helped me regain a passion for architecture and building.

I’m excited about 2010…

Opportunities abound, if you know where to find them and are willing to take the steps necessary to get there.  Scrape away the old, get back to the basics and find your passion.

Happy New Year…

I’d love to hear what great things you are going to do this year.

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Everyone likes to think of New Year’s as starting fresh….beginning new ways of doing things.  If you’re going to start fresh… why not look at your surroundings too?  Today…I cleaned and organized my office (the office office not the home office, that’s next).   A new perspective on things, sweeping away 2008, and getting into new and exciting stuff with as little chaos as possible.

…and wouldn’t you know it, I was inspired to implement all kinds of good things in the coming weeks.

Bring on 2009…

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Cruise Control

December 23, 2008

In business or client management, is cruise control a good idea? The initial thought of it sounds appealing - get up to a productive speed and let the autopilot take over.
What is the peril in complacency? To continue to be at the top and effective, you must constantly change pace, direction, and focus. [...]

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Change

November 26, 2008

Change…. How many times have you heard that word over the last eight months? But, have you stopped to think, “what about it?” Change can come in many forms, good and bad. Of course, there’s always the pesky opinion to cast into the pot… what’s good for one can be “bad” for [...]

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Architect as a Commodity

November 22, 2008

The question these days is: Cut fees for more work, or cut staff and keep fees (less work)? There are two schools of thought on this…
Group one - the idealists and Fountainhead types who beleive that architects are underappreciated and disrespected. The feeling is that we must change the world to show how [...]

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A path to a better work day…

October 27, 2008

There are those days when you wake up and say “I don’t want to go to work.” I love being an architect, but there are those days.
I read something the other day that really caught my attention. Its called the 10-20-30 Rule. Basically, it is suggesting ways to improve your clients, staff, [...]

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Promises and Follow Through

October 16, 2008

The election season brings promises to the forefront. Each candidate is full of them, and people vote for empty promises. It is most unfortunate that people don’t think through the idea or promise to really understand what is on the other side. Here is a cause….what is the effect? Once the [...]

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Maintain your Professionalism

October 4, 2008

I was forwarded an “interesting” email the other day. The topic was…well, me. A gentleman was attempting to inform another person about how I am the most “…uncooperative, arrogant, and complaisant…” architect he’s known. These words gave me a little insight to someone who has become an adversary in a conflict. [...]

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Reputation - A follow up

September 27, 2008

As a follow up to the “Reputation” post a while back.
I was owed money for design work and the client didn’t want to pay because he didn’t like the design. Although he was given a number of opportunities to stop progress and ask us to start again.
I got paid… (I ate about 25% of [...]

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Persevere

September 17, 2008

These are interesting economic times. I say interesting because the there are some positives and there are some negatives (leave the media’s “if it bleeds it leads” out of it). There is a new roller coaster ride every day. No one knows what’s going to happen next. We’re in uncharted territory….
So [...]

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