Susan Young's
Amplify Blog

 

 

 

When A/E/C Leaders Refuse to Adapt

A/E/C FACT about lost bids, productivity, trust, and talent: 

Struggles with people skills will only end when industry leaders seriously commit to learning today’s communication strategies.

For themselves and their teams. 

”People didn’t understand it wasn’t working while it wasn’t working.” 

I heard this line on Election Night TV coverage. 

It hit me straight between the eyes as it’s spot-on for the sustainable growth CEOs are pursuing. 

Put egos aside. 

Level up your own leadership and self-awareness. 

Prioritize communication and BD training now —not next quarter or next year. 

“People didn’t understand it wasn’t working while it wasn’t working.” 

Let that land. 

Then equip yourselves with the right and repeatable tools for lasting growth and transformation.

Reach out and let’s do it. 

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The Communication Skill Holding Back Our Emerging Leaders

Have you ever felt your voice didn't matter in a room full of experts? 

Younger architects and engineers often feel they must have all the answers in presentations and meetings. 

Not true.

The need for perfection is exhausting and expensive when you lose bids to more confident competitors. 

• It's comforting to know that no one knows everything. 

• And that's more than OK; it's liberating. 

• Project managers, superintendents, and others can overcome limiting beliefs with new communication and mindset processes. 

An architect in this month's Top Tier Communicator Training said: 

"I keep falling into a trap, feeling I'm not good enough, and I didn't even know it. Now it's clear, and I have all the puzzle pieces to improve."

Admitting when you don't know something can be empowering. 

Your firm will earn respect and trust when staff says with humility and honesty:

"I don't know, and I'll find out within the...

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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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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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The Communication Secret to Getting Buy-In From Prospects

 

Who cares?

That's the question you must ask yourself when preparing RFPs and A/E/C presentations.

The only way to develop trust and get buy-in from decision-makers is to be relevant.

To them!

I share my tried and true method in the 90-second clip above.

If you like this clip and want the skillset that brings buy-in and winning pursuits, check out our new online training, Top Tier Communicator. In just 3 days, you or the team you manage will have today's communication and confidence for an outstanding 2025! We start Nov. 12th! 

 

 

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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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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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Don't Read the Slides. Read This to Win Pursuits.

Reading slides in shortlisted interviews doesn't engage prospects.

Top-tier communicators in A/E/C know how to read the room.

Reading the room means you notice peoples' facial expressions, body language, and energy.

Do people in your presentations look distracted, impatient, or confused?

You must notice what people aren't saying.

Then, you can subtly re-engage and bring prospects back to your message without missing a beat.

Successful business development teams think on their feet in a split second. 

They know how to course correct.

There is no overwhelm or anxiety.

This technique is pivotal to winning pursuits and competitive projects.

You can learn to read the room (click the link so you can learn this skill) and form deeper connections with practice.

The slides are secondary.

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The Critical Business Angle Your Firm Needs to Beat Competitors

Angles and a 360-degree view extend beyond job sites and software.

Influential leaders are willing to explore fresh angles and perspectives in communication.

We need open minds and hearts in conversations, conflict resolution, negotiations, and presentations. 

This strategy affects creativity, confidence, and critical thinking skills. 

Can you say competitive advantage, innovation, and profitability?

New insights are necessary in conference rooms, coffee shops, and construction trailers. 

Often, there is no right or wrong. People simply have a contradictory or unique position. 

Are you open to different perspectives, views, and angles?

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