Architecture Business Club - For Architects, Architectural Technologists, Surveyors & Designers

Jon Clayton
Architecture Business Club - For Architects, Architectural Technologists, Surveyors & Designers

Architecture Business Club is the weekly podcast to help solo and small firm architecture business owners build a profitable, future-proof architecture practice that both you and your clients love! It’s an inclusive place (for ALL architecture business owners). So whether you’re an Architect, Architectural Technologist, or Architectural Designer…If you sell architectural services and want to improve the way you do things…This is THE podcast for you. I’m Jon Clayton, your show host, and a Chartered Architectural Technologist based in the UK. I’ve been in architecture for over two decades and running my own (solo) practice for 10 years+. Each week you’ll hear from inspiring people from the world of architecture and business who share actionable tips to help you improve how you work, save time, or make more money. I’ll also share my own experiences running an architecture business in occasional solo episodes. We cover everything from mindset, money, business strategy, sales & marketing, productivity, systems & workflows, client experience, outsourcing, software, technology, and much more. Episodes are kept as short as possible by cutting out the fluff and getting straight to the point. So expect interview episodes of around 30 minutes or less, and solo episodes of 5 to 15 minutes. New episodes are released every Thursday at 6am GMT / 2am EST. Welcome to the Club!

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    When Sales Slow Down…What To Do To Get More Sales with Helen Tebay: Part 2 | 056

    Jon continues his chat from the previous episode with sales expert Helen Tebay. They discuss practical tips to convert cold leads into hot sales. Helen shares advice on dealing with unresponsive clients and the importance of booking follow-up steps during initial calls. They also cover strategies for getting video testimonials and staying focused during slow periods. Jon shares why proactive outreach and customer-focused communication are so important. Today's Guest... Helen Tebay helps service-based business owners like coaches, consultants, and experts to sell and market their businesses. Win more 4 and 5-figure clients faster. Feel better about selling and learn how to sell better. Episode Highlights... 00:00 Introduction 01:20 Dealing with Ghosted Leads 02:18 Booking Follow-Up Calls 04:39 Direct Communication Strategies 09:36 Staying Focused During Slow Months 12:42 Understanding Client Value 14:52 Gathering Client Testimonials 16:17 Leveraging Video Testimonials 24:18 Real and Relatable Marketing 25:48 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways 27:17 Favorite Travel Destinations 28:34 Where to Find Helen Online 29:10 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Teaser Key Takeaways... Importance of Following Up and Being Clear You should always schedule a follow-up call straight after your first meeting or sending a proposal. This keeps things moving and stops leads from disappearing. Be clear and direct when reaching out again, whether it’s through an email or a phone call. It helps you get answers and restart any stalled conversations. Staying Active When Business is Slow During quiet times, stay focused by taking small but effective steps. Have meaningful chats with potential clients, share helpful advice, or highlight past client wins. Doing things like hosting a live session or posting success stories keeps your name out there and shows you’re still open for business. Keeping Your Marketing Real People connect with what’s real. Instead of polished ads or perfect videos, try sharing behind-the-scenes clips or genuine client stories. This shows the true side of your work and helps build trust with new clients who can see what it’s like to work with you. Links Mentioned In The Episode... Connect with Helen on LinkedIn Visit Helen’s Website —-- 👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁 It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint —-- Interested in working with Jon? 👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞 Resources… 👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁 It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge). 👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁 👉...

    30 min
  2. 14 NOV

    When Sales Slow Down…What To Do To Get More Sales with Helen Tebay: Part 1 | 055

    Jon and guest Helen Tebay discuss how small architecture firms can overcome a sales slump. They talk about the importance of staying calm, being consistent, and focusing on problem-solving. They share tips on how to re-engage with past clients, use content to answer questions, and look back at successful months to find patterns. Helen also compares sales strategies to dog training, highlighting the need for consistency and the right energy. Tune in for practical advice on getting more sales for your architecture practice! Today's Guest... Helen Tebay helps service-based business owners like coaches, consultants, and experts to sell and market their businesses. Win more 4 and 5-figure clients faster. Feel better about selling and learn how to sell better. Episode Highlights... 00:00 Introduction 01:48 Dog Training and Sales Parallels 04:14 Staying Calm During Sales Slumps 06:52 Analysing Past Successes 13:22 Reconnecting with Past Clients 20:36 Creative Marketing Strategies 24:54 Quick Sales Tips for Architects 29:10 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser Key Takeaways... Staying Calm and Solving Problems When Sales Drop: If sales slow down, try not to worry. Instead of panicking, look back at what worked well before. Think about what actions and mindsets led to good sales times. Staying calm and focused on solutions will help you handle slow sales periods better. Reconnecting with Past Clients: Reaching out to past clients or leads is a good way to get new sales quickly. A follow-up message can remind them of your work and bring them back. Personal messages, like checking in or suggesting new services, can make them feel valued and more likely to return. Showing Value and Easing Client Worries: Help clients feel more comfortable by sharing helpful info. Create videos or articles that answer common questions or show what to expect in the architecture process. Showing successful projects and sharing client stories can also help build trust and show that your services are worth it. Links Mentioned In The Episode... Connect with Helen on LinkedIn Visit Helen’s Website —-- Interested in working with Jon? 👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞 Resources… 👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁 It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge). 👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁 👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝 👇 And if you enjoyed this episode… Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode. In The Next Episode... You can hear Part 2 of my conversation with Helen in the next episode.

    30 min
  3. 7 NOV

    Small Practice, Big Impact: Leveraging Collaboration in Architecture with Prachi Rampuria | 054

    Jon talks to Prachi Rampuria, co-founder of Eco Responsive Environments, about how collaboration can change small architecture practices and help solve big problems like climate change. Prachi discusses the benefits of working together and shares real-life examples from her projects. They also talk about the challenges of professional silos and how to overcome them. Learn tips on communication, maintaining relationships, and the importance of listening. Discover how teamwork can lead to innovation and a better future for architecture. Today's Guest... Prachi Rampuria is a co-founding director of EcoResponsive Environments, an award-winning urban design and architectural practice with a singular mission: using a complex-systems approach, they design to support health and wellbeing. As a consultancy, their services include feasibility studies, visioning and development briefs, outline and detailed planning applications, strategic master planning, public realm and regeneration strategies, research publications, and teaching. Prachi is a Design Council Expert, teaches at Oxford Brookes University’s MAUD course, and sits on multiple Quality Review Panels. She has also co-authored a book titled 'EcoResponsive Environments' published by Routledge in 2024. Episode Highlights... 00:00 Introduction 01:16 Meet Prachi Rampuria 04:42 The Importance of Collaboration in Tackling Global Challenges 09:16 How Collaboration Can Lead To Innovation 17:16 Overcoming Professional Silos 25:57 Benefits of Collaboration for Small Practices 28:22 Challenges and Solutions in Collaborative Projects 33:23 Future of Collaboration in Architecture 37:48 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 38:46 Favorite Places and Final Thoughts 42:01 Outro and Next Episode Preview Key Takeaways... Working Together: Teaming up is one of the best ways to solve big problems, like climate change. As a small practice, you can bring in other experts to share ideas and create fresh solutions. Working together can also help you stay flexible and save money by creating teams that fit each project. Breaking Down Walls: For good teamwork, you need to get rid of “walls” between different job roles. This means respecting other people’s skills, listening closely, and being okay with asking questions if you don’t know something. Building trust and keeping clear communication will help everyone work better together. New Ideas from Different Minds: New ideas often come when different people share their views. When you collaborate and involve a mix of experts early on, it’s easier to tackle complex issues and find solutions that one team alone might not achieve. Links Mentioned In The Episode... Visit the EcoResponsive Environments Website Connect with Prachi on LinkedIn —-- Interested in working with Jon? 👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞 Resources… 👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁 It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge). 👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion...

    43 min
  4. 31 OCT

    What Is London Build & Why Should You Attend? | 053

    Jon shares the excitement for London Build 2024, taking place on 20th - 21st November at London Olympia. Discover why it's the UK's biggest construction show with over 35,000 attendees, 700 speakers, and 450 exhibitors. Jon talks about the opportunity for networking, CPD training workshops, and having some fun! He also invites you to his talk at 10am on Wednesday 20th November at London Build’s Skills & Marketing Hub. Don't miss out - grab your free tickets through the link in the show notes and connect with Jon on social media before London Build 2024. Episode Highlights... 00:00 Introduction 01:43 What Is London Build? 02:14 Why Attend London Build? 03:13 Why Jon Is Excited About London Build 04:50 What Is Jon's London Build Talk About? 05:36 Where & When To Hear Jon's Talk 07:08 Why Attend Jon's Talk? 08:50 How to Get Tickets 10:02 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview Key Takeaways... What London Build 2024 Is All About: London Build 2024 is the UK’s biggest construction show. You’ll find over 35,000 people there, with more than 700 speakers across 12 stages, plus over 450 exhibitors. It’s packed with activities too: meet-the-buyer sessions, celebrity guests, music, DJs, networking parties, and more. It’s like a full-on festival for the construction world! Why You Should Go to London Build 2024: This event is more than just a conference—it’s a place to meet people, learn new skills in CPD workshops, and connect with others in the industry. It’s also fun, with live music, a bar, and free entry for everyone. There’s a bit of everything to enjoy! Jon’s Talk at the Event: Jon is excited to join London Build 2024 and will be giving his first talk at the event. His presentation, "The Simple Way to Stand Out from Your Competitors," covers how to find your niche, use content marketing, and build your personal brand. He’s looking forward to sharing ideas and meeting you at the event. Links Mentioned In The Episode... 👉 Click here to grab your free tickets to London Build 2024 🎁 —-- Interested in working with Jon? 👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞 Resources… 👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁 It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge). 👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁 👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝 👇 And if you enjoyed this episode… Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode. In The Next Episode... Next time Jon chats with architect Prachi Rampuria about the benefits of collaboration, in particular how it can help our industry’s approach to pressing issues like the climate crisis.

    11 min
  5. 24 OCT

    The Future of Architectural Communications with Robert Woodburn Park | 052

    Jon explores architectural communications and business development with Robert Woodburn Park, a communications expert with over 25 years of experience. The discussion spans Robert's journey from working in practice to running his consultancy and the integration of storytelling with visuals in architecture. The conversation examines the evolution from traditional to digital media, providing practical marketing advice for small architectural practices. Topics include effective marketing strategies, the importance of a strategic focus, leveraging social media, and balancing brand building with lead generation. Robert introduces Beedier, a platform offering up-to-the-minute information, research, and news relating to business development, communications, and marketing for architects. Today's Guest... Robert Woodburn Park is a seasoned architectural communications expert, providing in-house graphics and marketing leadership for over 25 years for successful studios such as Allies and Morrison, Alison Brooks, PLP Architecture, and JTP. He now runs his own consultancy, and this year launched Beedier.com - a new media platform for architectural business development information. Episode Highlights... 00:00 Introduction 01:52 Personal Interests and Hobbies 04:11 Early Days of Digital Communications in Architecture 09:03 Integrating Storytelling with Visuals 13:03 Transformative Changes in Architectural Communications 22:56 Balancing Brand Building and Lead Generation 29:52 Challenges for Smaller Firms 33:06 Introducing Beedier: A Resource for Architects 35:24 The Importance of Social Media for Architects 39:09 Key Elements of Business Development 42:01 Travel Stories and Favorite Places 45:12 Conclusion and Contact Information Key Takeaways... Strategic Communication in Architecture Marketing: You need to focus your communication on what works best for your architecture practice. This means knowing the right ways to market, like using social media, websites, going to networking events, or getting PR. It helps create a clear and interesting story about your projects. Balancing Brand Building and Lead Generation: You should aim to split your marketing spend between building your brand (45%) and finding new clients (55%) to keep your business growing. Building your brand is about getting noticed (through awards, being featured, or being online), while lead generation brings in new projects and clients. Smaller practices should stick to what they’re good at and not try to do too much. Importance of Storytelling and Visuals: Telling the story behind your projects is really important. It makes your work more interesting and helps people remember it. Using strong stories with good images can help others better understand and appreciate your work. Links Mentioned In The Episode... 👉 Visit Beedier 🎵 Listen to Beedier’s Alternative 80’s Playlist (curated by Jon) on Spotify 🎵 —-- Interested in working with Jon? 👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞 Resources… 👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁 It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural...

    47 min
  6. 17 OCT

    How To Be A Brilliant Podcast Guest (Nailing The Interview!) with Colin Gray | 051

    Jon discusses the opportunity and benefits of being a podcast guest with podcast expert, Colin Gray. The conversation covers how to prepare effectively, the importance of standing out with unique viewpoints, and the value of personal stories in connecting with audiences. Additionally, they provide practical advice for pitch strategies, the significance of post-appearance promotion, and insights on content creation for architects. Colin, founder of The Podcast Host and Alitu, shares tools and tips to help prospective guests thrive in their podcast debut and offers resources to aid new podcasters. Colin encourages simplicity, content quality, and authenticity as key elements of successful podcasting. Today's Guest... Colin Gray is a podcaster, speaker, PhD, and founder of ThePodcastHost.com and Alitu. ThePodcastHost.com is a huge audio, video, and written resource on how to create a successful show. Alitu.com is a podcast maker tool, designed to help you create your podcast in the easiest way possible, and with full creative control, including call recording, audio cleanup, audio editing, building your episode, and hosting your show. Episode Highlights... 00:00 Introduction 01:28 Meet the Expert: Colin Gray 03:59 The Power of Podcasting for Architects 08:04 Crafting Your Unique Pitch 16:26 Preparing for Your Podcast Debut 21:43 Avoiding Common Podcast Pitfalls 26:24 The Importance of Spontaneity in Podcasting 27:22 Vocal Warm-Ups and Technical Preparations 30:35 Leveraging Podcast Appearances for Growth 38:10 Creating and Promoting Your Own Podcast 43:50 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways 46:54 Favorite Travel Destinations 48:41 Conclusion and Resources Key Takeaways... Preparation is Key for Being a Podcast Guest: Spend time identifying and crafting your unique viewpoints and stories that differentiate you in your industry. Proactively send prep questions to the host, which can guide the conversation and ensure you cover important points during the interview. Plan technical preparations, like testing software, ensuring no updates disrupt the recording, and doing vocal warm-ups to enhance your speaking performance. Promote and Leverage Your Podcast Appearance: Actively promote your podcast episode on your social media channels, email list, and website to help grow the show and build a favorable relationship with the host. Use the episode content in various ways, such as embedding it on your website, creating clips for social media, or adding it to playlists to maximise its value and reach. Consider reusing the episode content for your marketing materials or as a feature on your "About Me" page, which can be powerful in showcasing your expertise. Simplify the Process When Starting Your Own Podcast: Focus on the content rather than getting bogged down by gear and software choices. Use simple, reliable tools to begin with. Embrace a 'live recording' mindset for the first few episodes to avoid the overwhelming task of editing and improve your speaking skills naturally. Start recording and publishing episodes as quickly as possible to gain experience and feedback, which will help you refine and improve your show over time. Links Mentioned In The Episode... 👉 Get Started Podcasting with (free) resources from The Podcast Host 🎁 👉 Create Your Podcast The Easy Way Using Alitu 👉 Connect with Colin Gray on LinkedIn —-- Interested in working with Jon? 👉 a...

    51 min
  7. 10 OCT

    Automating Lead Generation (Leads On Autopilot!) with Martin Huntbach | 050

    Marketing expert Martin Huntbatch talks about automating lead generation for architecture practices. Jon & Martin explores strategies like using AI tools, creating engaging lead magnets, and driving traffic to digital resources. Martin shares insights on how to bridge the gap between problem-aware and solution-aware clients using content marketing. The episode also covers common mistakes in lead generation and the importance of automation to enhance your firm’s ability to attract new clients efficiently. Today's Guest... Martin Huntbach is the Chief Marketing Officer at ScoreApp - An AI-powered lead generation tool. Martin is also the co-founder of Jammy Digital, an award-winning content marketing agency. He also co-authored the best-selling book, Content Fortress, and often speaks about marketing on stages across the country. Episode Highlights... 00:00 Introduction 01:16 Meet the Expert: Martin Huntbach 03:11 Understanding Lead Generation 08:04 Effective Lead Generation Strategies 16:51 Common Mistakes in Lead Generation 20:13 Best Types of Lead Magnets 26:57 Getting Started with Lead Generation 30:42 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 34:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell Key Takeaways... Importance of Automation in Lead Generation:   By using tools and developing strategies (like lead magnets) that work on autopilot, businesses can save time and effort, allowing them to focus on other critical aspects of their operations. Creating Compelling Lead Magnets:    Create valuable and compelling lead magnets that provide prospective clients with tangible benefits in exchange for their contact information. Examples include PDFs, online assessments, and wait lists, all aimed at converting traffic into potential clients effectively. Consistent Content Creation and Traffic Generation:    Consistently creating and sharing valuable content is important in driving traffic to lead conversion pages. This content helps educate potential clients, builds trust, and keeps the business top-of-mind, eventually leading to increased conversions and business growth. Links Mentioned In The Episode... 👉 Get a (free) video course on lead generation in today’s world 🎁 —-- Interested in working with Jon? 👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞 Resources… 👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁 It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge). 👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁 👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝 👇 And if you enjoyed this episode… Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode. In The Next Episode... Next time Jon chats with Colin Gray about being a podcast guest.

    37 min
  8. 3 OCT

    Reasons To Attend CIAT’s AT Awards (Even If You're Not An Architectural Technologist!) | 049

    Jon discusses the importance of attending events like the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists' (CIAT) AT Awards, even if you're not a nominee or an architectural technologist. Jon shares his positive experiences from the 2023 AT Awards, highlighting the friendly atmosphere, valuable networking opportunities, and unexpected benefits such as new business connections and professional growth. Episode Highlights... 00:00 Introduction 01:28 Overview of the AT Awards 02:39 Common Misconceptions About the AT Awards 03:10 Personal Experience at the AT Awards 05:23 Networking and Opportunities 08:35 Excitement for the Upcoming AT Awards 09:32 Encouragement to Attend and Final Thoughts 11:33 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview Key Takeaways... Value of In-Person Networking: Attending events like the AT Awards provides unique opportunities to connect with industry professionals in person, which can lead to unexpected and valuable opportunities, such as meeting online connections, industry leaders, and making new contacts. Jon shares his experience of meeting influential figures and gaining new opportunities, underscoring the benefit of face-to-face interactions over virtual ones. Dismantling Misconceptions: There are common misconceptions about industry award events, such as they are only for nominees or they are too formal and boring. Jon's personal experience dispels these myths by highlighting the friendly atmosphere, the networking opportunities, and the enjoyable aspects (like free drinks and after-parties!) making a strong case for attending even if you’re not a nominee. Personal and Professional Growth: Attending events can also serve as a break from the usual routine and promote personal growth. Jon mentions how stepping out of his comfort zone to attend the AT Awards proved beneficial, not only socially and professionally but also by providing inspiration and motivation. These events offer a fresh perspective and new ideas, contributing to the growth of an individual's career and business. Links Mentioned In The Episode... 👉 Click here to grab your ticket for the AT Awards 2024 —-- Interested in working with Jon? 👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞 Resources… 👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁 It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge). 👉 Join our (free) WhatsApp Discussion Group 🎁 👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝 👇 And if you enjoyed this episode… Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode. In The Next Episode... Next time, Jon is joined by Martin Huntbach to talk about lead generation.

    13 min

About

Architecture Business Club is the weekly podcast to help solo and small firm architecture business owners build a profitable, future-proof architecture practice that both you and your clients love! It’s an inclusive place (for ALL architecture business owners). So whether you’re an Architect, Architectural Technologist, or Architectural Designer…If you sell architectural services and want to improve the way you do things…This is THE podcast for you. I’m Jon Clayton, your show host, and a Chartered Architectural Technologist based in the UK. I’ve been in architecture for over two decades and running my own (solo) practice for 10 years+. Each week you’ll hear from inspiring people from the world of architecture and business who share actionable tips to help you improve how you work, save time, or make more money. I’ll also share my own experiences running an architecture business in occasional solo episodes. We cover everything from mindset, money, business strategy, sales & marketing, productivity, systems & workflows, client experience, outsourcing, software, technology, and much more. Episodes are kept as short as possible by cutting out the fluff and getting straight to the point. So expect interview episodes of around 30 minutes or less, and solo episodes of 5 to 15 minutes. New episodes are released every Thursday at 6am GMT / 2am EST. Welcome to the Club!

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