Susan Young's
Amplify Blog

 

 

 

Refining Your Communication Just Got Way Easy

Strengthening your communication skills doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.

In the chaotic world of A/E/C, on-demand learning helps you combat burnout and stress.

That's why we've opened our curated Communication Vault to the public!

 

Now you can access the timeless tips, processes, and strategies I share in my Amplify programs whenever you need support and tools.

The key to the Communication Vault is here!

 So if you're wanting to:

Enhance your body language in shortlisted meetings

Improve small talk when networking

Be seen as a trusted subject matter expert...

…the Communication Vault has all the tools you need to be engaging and self-assured.

We're always adding fresh content, too: short video clips, webinars, worksheets, and guides to uplevel your communication and boost your confidence.

Check out the Communication Vault here!

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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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How Are You Celebrating Your AEC Accomplishments?

You've seen the gazillion end-of-year lists. #ugh

From popular baby names to celebrity divorces, the media covers it all. 

Have you made your Top 10 List of Achievements in 2023?

I've been doing this for 20+ years, and I love it!

Give yourself permission to celebrate and honor your hard work.

Maybe you helped win a huge bid. Are you working with a mentor or coach? Maybe you earned your PE credential or spoke at a presentation (without feeling totally stressed.) 

Too often, we downplay our efforts and results.

Maybe you're like me and forget what happened in March!

So, in late December, I compile my Top 10 list.

I do one for work and one for my personal life. 

My professional list includes:

 ♦Delivering the opening keynote at a global A/E/C conference.

 ♦Rebranding the company website.

 ♦Helping countless A/E/C folks improve their communication with coaching and training.

Personal highlights include:

 ...

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How to Open a Remarkable A/E/C Business Development Presentation

The best seller-doer teams in AEC use this presentation technique to win more bids.

They don't bury the lede.

The first few words out of your mouth or on paper must be the gem that resonates deeply with your prospect.

When you bury the lede, your main point is the needle in the haystack.

Prospects will quickly lose interest as you painfully try to articulate your message.

Every single trained news reporter and journalist lives and dies by "don't bury the lede." (Radio news reporter nerd here) 

Think about it. 

If the headline of a story doesn't grab your attention, you're onto something else. 

The same is true of an email subject line. 

Ask yourself and your team: What is THE most important reason we are in this meeting? 

♦Speak to that, and you'll be unstoppable.♦

Exceptional teams don't miss the mark or bury the lede. 

They are confident and competent communicators.

Decision-makers who look frustrated and distracted are...

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AEC Sales Presentations Need Outstanding Communication, Not Golf Balls

Business development and sales tip for A/E/C leaders: 

Golf lessons don't replace communication training. 

I talked recently with Jeff Sample, a new friend and entrepreneur. We chatted about leadership and mindset.  

Sure, business deals happen on golf courses.

Jeff told me about an AEC firm paying for engineers' golf lessons.

No. No. No.

Successful Seller Doer meetings demand clear, relatable presentations peppered with storytelling. 

No golf balls or lessons necessary.

Prospects expect you to connect the dots and differentiate your firm from others. 

Architects, engineers, and construction pros don't learn this on the back 9. 

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