Architecture Business Club with Jon Clayton

Jon Clayton
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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

    Why You Need Better Systems (Not More Tools!) with Layla Pomper | 096

    Only 17% of small teams write down what they do. Most just try to remember everything, which leads to stress and feeling overwhelmed. Layla Pomper, CEO of ProcessDriven and a systems expert, talks about how to build strong systems in your business. She shares her own journey from running a carpentry business with her husband to helping over 2,100 clients and 119,000+ YouTube followers. Layla explains the difference between good tools and good systems, and why writing down what you do is so important. She also discusses common mistakes teams make, like relying too much on software. This episode of Architecture Business Club will help you understand why better systems are key, not more tools. Today’s Guest Layla Pomper is the CEO of ProcessDriven® and the go-to expert on systemizing small team operations. Since 2018, Layla has been using software, process documentation, and storytelling to guide over 2,100+ clients and 119k YouTube subscribers to “enjoy the process” so they can delegate, grow, or simply relax. Creator of the Systemization Snapshot™— an operations audit and report that has benchmarked the operations of hundreds of teams—Layla’s mission is to turn “build your business systems” into a game that small teams can win in any industry. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction 00:50 Meet Layla Pomper: CEO of ProcessDriven 02:25 Layla's Journey from Carpentry to Systems 04:26 The Importance of Documenting Business Systems 05:48 Why Systems Matter More Than Tools 07:17 The Pitfalls of Relying on Software 12:52 Learning from Other Industries 14:30 Defining Good Systems vs. Good Tools 21:32 The Benefits of Writing Down Processes 27:07 Tool Switching: Does It Solve Real Issues? 29:27 Practical Steps to Improve Your Systems 30:54 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 34:50 Layla's Favourite Place and Closing Remarks Key Takeaways Write Things Down You should not try to remember everything in your head. When you write down what you do at work, it helps you and your team know what needs to be done. This makes your job less stressful and stops you from forgetting important steps. Don’t Let Software Decide How You Work It’s easy to think that new tools or apps will fix your problems. But you should first decide how you want to work, then pick tools that fit your way. If you let the software choose for you, you might end up working in a way that does not suit you. Learn from Others You can learn good ideas from people in your own job and from other jobs too. Ask others how they do things and share what works for you. Sometimes, a simple trick from another business can help you do your work better. Connect with Layla on LinkedIn 🤝 Click here to get your Free Operations Audit and Identify Your Team's Biggest Bottleneck in Minutes - take your Systemization Snapshot today. 🖥️ Curious about podcasting? Click here to book a chat with Jon 🎧 Want to meet people like you? Click here to join our community 🤝 Want more freedom? Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁 a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/"...

    38 min

  2. 21 AUG

    How to Declutter Your Busy Brain with Bullet Journalling | 095

    Declutter Your Mind with Bullet Journaling! Jon shares how bullet journalling can help you reduce mental clutter and focus on what’s important. John, who has been using the bullet journal method for over a year, explains how it works and debunks common myths about it needing to be artistic. He highlights the ease and flexibility of this analogue method, making it a better alternative to digital tools that can be distracting. Jon provides simple instructions on getting started and the benefits of incorporating bullet journalling into your daily routine. 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Exploring Bullet Journaling 02:32 Debunking Bullet Journaling Myths 05:27 Jon's Bullet Journaling Journey 13:38 Getting Started with Bullet Journaling 18:33 Bullet Journaling Tips and Tricks 20:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts — Key Takeaways You can use bullet journaling to clear your mind. Writing things down helps you stop worrying about forgetting ideas and lets you focus on what matters. You do not need to be artistic or make your journal look perfect. Bullet journaling is for everyone, and you can keep it as simple as you like. You can use your journal to plan, keep track of your tasks, and look back at what you have done. This helps you see your progress and remember your small wins. — Visit the BuJo (Bullet Journal) Website Liked our guest? Click here to connect with them 🤝 Click here to learn more about [our guest’s services] 🖥️ Curious about podcasting? Click here to book a chat with Jon 🎧 Want to meet people like you? Click here to join our community 🤝 Want more freedom? Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁 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. Next Episode Next time, Jon is joined by Layla Pomper to uncover why you need better systems, not more tools.

    23 min

  3. 14 AUG

    Avoiding The Biggest Marketing Timewasters with Susie Lober | 094

    Jon chats with Susie Lober, a marketing expert with over 20 years of experience working with architects. Jon and Susie discuss the pressures and challenges of modern marketing for architecture practices. They highlight the importance of focusing on quality over quantity and avoiding common marketing time wasters like chasing trends, fixating on social media metrics, producing content without strategy, endlessly tweaking websites, and ineffective networking. Susie emphasises the need for a sound marketing strategy, following up on networking efforts, and building trust with potential clients. The conversation underscores the value of intentional and consistent marketing efforts. Today’s Guest Susie Lober helps architects harness the power of marketing to get more of the work they want. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the different marketing tools and tactics, Susie will help you identify what's most relevant to your business with down to earth practical advice. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing with over 20 years experience marketing for architects both in practice and independently. She is also an editor of the RIBA publication ‘Cambridge Architecture’. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction 00:44 Meet Susie Lober 02:30 Biggest Marketing Time Wasters 02:56 Chasing Trends in Marketing 07:22 The Pitfalls of Social Media Metrics 11:20 Creating Purposeful Content 14:17 Website Tweaks and Their Impact 29:10 Effective Relationship Marketing 36:54 Consistency in Marketing Efforts 46:16 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 48:20 Travel and Personal Recommendations 49:48 Conclusion and Contact Information Key Takeaways Focus on What Matters, Not Just Trends You don’t need to follow every new marketing trend. Instead, think about where your audience is and what they care about. If your customers aren’t on a certain social media platform, you don’t have to be there either. Quality Over Quantity in Content It’s better to share helpful and interesting content than to post all the time. You don’t have to post every day. Make sure what you share is useful and fits your business. This way, people will remember you for the right reasons. Build Real Relationships and Keep in Touch Meeting people is just the start. You need to follow up and keep in touch with them. This helps you stay in their minds, so when they need your help, they will think of you first. Little and often is better than doing a lot all at once and then stopping. Click here to connect with Susie on LinkedIn 🤝 Click here to learn more about Susie’s marketing workshops 🖥️ Curious about podcasting? Click here to book a chat with Jon 🎧 Want to meet people like you? Click here to join our community 🤝 Want more freedom? Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝 👇 And if you enjoyed this episode… Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you...

    51 min

  4. 7 AUG

    How To Use Written Content to Become a Thought Leader with Antoinette Chappell | 093

    Jon is joined by Antoinette Chappell, an expert in executive thought leadership and content creation. They discuss the importance of standing out with original insights and effective content implementation. Antoinette shares her journey from translation to copywriting, and the necessity of strategic, long-form content to build authority in your field. They explore the role of thought leadership in career growth, the impact of AI on content creation, and the significance of having a strong content strategy. Also, Antoinette talks about Property Connect networking events and the value of face-to-face networking in the property and construction industries. Today’s Guest Antoinette Chappell has worked in two professions heavily transformed by AI and automation, yet has remained resilient and agile throughout. As a translator, she spotted automation trends early and pivoted into copywriting in 2019, ahead of the industry curve. In 2023, she wrote "Copy that!" to help fellow translators develop additional revenue streams, guidance that professional bodies are only now advocating. Antoinette now specialises in executive thought leadership, transforming busy leaders' insights into compelling long-form content. This forward-thinking approach exemplifies how she helps C-suite executives and founders lead industry conversations rather than reflect on what has been. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction 00:39 Meet Antoinette Chappell 03:08 Becoming a Thought Leader 05:32 Benefits of Thought Leadership 08:13 Long Form vs Short Form Content 11:07 SEO and Quality Content 16:49 Strategic Content Planning 20:30 Engaging Content for Professional Services 22:31 Personal Touch in Professional Posts 23:07 Consistency and Strategy in Posting 23:43 Building a Recognisable Brand 24:45 The Long-Term Benefits of Quality Content 28:07 Evolving with Industry Changes 32:46 Networking and Property Connect 35:19 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 36:15 Favourite Travel Destinations 39:21 Conclusion and Contact Information Key Takeaways You need to share your own ideas and stories to stand out. If you want people to notice you, don’t just copy what others say. Use your own experience and show what makes you different. You should have a plan for your content. Think about who you want to help, what they want to know, and when you will share your posts. If you post with a plan, more people will see you as an expert. You don’t have to be the best or have worked for many years to be a leader. If you look ahead, learn new things, and share what you know, you can help others and become someone people trust. Like our guest? Click here to connect with them 🤝 Click here to learn more about Antoinette's services 🖥️ Find your nearest Property Connect Networking Event 🏡 Curious about podcasting? Click here to book a chat with Jon 🎧 Want to meet people like you? Click here to join our community 🤝 Want more freedom? Grab the Architecture...

    41 min

  5. 31 JUL

    How to Position Yourself as the Go-To Choice with Susanna Reay | 092

    Jon welcomes Susanna Reay, the UK's authority architect and creator of the Spark process. They discuss the importance of building authority over visibility for sustainable business growth in architecture. Susanna shares her expertise on how architectural firms can effectively position themselves as the go-to experts in their field by focusing on their unique methods, offers, and distinctive content. The episode also highlights success stories of interior designers who transformed their businesses by uncovering their unique service premises. Through engaging examples and actionable insights, this episode provides a roadmap for architects and designers to build a credible and distinctive brand. Today's Guest... Susanna Reay is the UK's Authority Architect and creator of the SPARK Process™, dedicated to transforming brilliant but overwhelmed service providers into clear, confident authorities with scalable impact. Episode Highlights... 00:00 Introduction 00:46 Meet Susanna Reay: The Authority Architect 04:26 Positioning Yourself as the Go-To Choice 07:53 The Authority Spark Process 11:15 Signature Methods and Unique Offers 19:25 Real-Life Examples of Unique Service Premises 30:47 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 31:37 Final Thoughts and Farewell Key Takeaways... You don’t need to be everywhere to be successful. You might think you have to be on every social media platform and get lots of followers. But you don’t. It’s better to know what you want to be known for and build your skills and trust first. This helps you stand out without feeling tired or stressed. You have your own special way of doing things. Even if you learned the same things as others, you have your own method and style. When you find out what makes you different, you can use it to show people why they should choose you. Your unique way is your “calling card”. Share what you believe and what you care about. People want to know what you stand for. If you talk about your ideas and what matters to you, others will see you as a leader. This helps you become the go-to person in your field. Links Mentioned In The Episode... Connect with Susanna on LinkedIn Get Susanna’s free resources to help position you as the go-to expert —-- Want to launch a podcast? 👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞 Like to be a guest speaker on this podcast? 👉 Click here to apply 📢 Interested in joining our membership community? 👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀 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). 👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝 👇 And...

    36 min

  6. 24 JUL

    Balancing Work and Family - Tips for Working From Home During School Holidays | 091

    Jon shares practical tips for managing work and family life during the school holidays. Jon offers advice on how to maintain productivity by designing flexible routines, prioritising essential tasks, batching work, and using technology. He shares the importance of setting expectations with clients, involving children in planning, and taking care of your own well-being to avoid burnout. Jon also highlights the benefits of outsourcing and the value of connecting with peers for support and ideas. Tune in to learn how to create a balance that works for you and your family. Episode Highlights... 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Balancing Work and Family During School Holidays 02:48 Practical Tips for Managing Work 07:16 Deep Work and Breaks 10:43 Outsourcing and Tech Solutions 12:29 Self-Care and Community Support 14:56 Final Thoughts Key Takeaways... Redefine Productivity: You need to accept that your work efficiency will change during the school holidays. Focus on consistency rather than perfection and set realistic goals for yourself and your business. Plan and Communicate: Design a flexible routine that fits around your family. Let your family and clients know about any new arrangements, and feel free to adjust the plan as you go. Self-Care is Key: It's important to look after yourself. Make sure you get enough rest and take regular breaks. Balancing work and family is challenging, but your well-being should never be neglected. —-- Want to explore podcasting for your business? 👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞 Interested in joining our membership community? 👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀 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). 👉 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 Susanna Reay about how to position yourself as the go-to choice.

    16 min

  7. 17 JUL

    Capturing You: Personal Brand Photography in Architecture with Catherine Turner | 090

    Jon is joined by brand photographer Catherine Turner to discuss the vital role personal brand photography can play for architecture firms. They explore how showcasing the people behind the designs can build trust and differentiate firms in a competitive market. Catherine shares her insights on effectively using these photos beyond just the about page, choosing the right photographer, and understanding photo licensing. Additionally, she provides practical tips for making professional photos work as a powerful marketing tool. This episode is essential listening for architects and design professionals looking to enhance their brand presence. Today's Guest... Catherine Turner is a brand photographer and also co-host for the You Are The Media - London community events. She can help you have awesome photos, whether you shyly cringe or boldly perform while having them taken. She's based in the South East of England but travels the country with her kit, including an essential pop-up stool as she's a bit of a shortie! Catherine is also a wife, a bonus-mum and has a cockerpoo called Arthur. Episode Highlights... 00:00 Introduction 01:53 Meet Catherine Turner: Brand Photographer 06:54 The Importance of Personal Brand Photos 17:57 Using Personal Brand Photos Effectively 21:54 Leveraging Personal Brand Photos for Marketing 26:10 The Power of Personal Connections in Business 26:53 The Impact of Visual Marketing 30:38 Choosing the Right Photographer 34:49 Understanding Photo Licensing 40:52 Catherine's Favourite Travel Destination 43:06 Final Thoughts and Where to Connect Key Takeaways... Show your face: Personal brand photos are important. They help people remember you and know who they are working with. This builds trust, which can set you apart from others. Mix professional and casual shots: When using photos, don't just stick to professional headshots. Mix in some casual, everyday photos that show a bit of your personal life. This can make you more relatable and approachable. Choose the right photographer: Work with a photographer you feel comfortable with. This can make a big difference in how you feel about the photo session and the end results. Links Mentioned In The Episode... Visit Catherine’s Website Connect with Catherine on Instagram —-- 👇 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 —-- Want to explore podcasting for your business? 👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞 Interested in joining our membership community? 👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀 Resources… 👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁 It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural...

    45 min

  8. 10 JUL

    Keeping Your Architecture Website Fresh (Like A Magazine!) with Rachel Extance | 089

    Jon is joined by the acclaimed writer Rachel Extance to discuss how architects can keep their practice websites engaging even between projects. They explore the concept of treating your website like a magazine, sharing six key blog ideas that can maintain interest and boost search engine rankings. Topics covered include case studies, unpacking key concepts, origin stories, sales page support articles, news stories, and event write-ups. Rachel also shares valuable tips for creating compelling blog content and the importance of tailoring content to the client's understanding level. And insights on effectively managing writing tasks. Tune in to learn how to make your architecture practice's website consistently dynamic and informative. Today's Guest... Rachel Extance has been writing professionally for more than 20 years, first as a journalist, and now as a copywriter and blogger. She’s always been interested in government, social justice, international development and sustainability so specialises in these areas. Her work is story-led, focused on people, and how our work interrelates to make an impact. Rachel excels at simplifying complex topics for the public and writing for different audiences. Episode Highlights... 00:00 Introduction 01:28 Meet Rachel Extance: Professional Writer 03:46 Using Your Website Like a Magazine 08:32 Six Blog Ideas for Architects 09:36 Deep Dive: Case Studies 13:23 Exploring Key Concepts 19:12 The Importance of Origin Stories 22:03 Introducing the Sales Page Supporter 28:04 Using Pinterest for Your Architecture Business 29:03 Sharing News Stories on Your Website 30:48 Developing Case Studies and Interlinking Content 33:32 Incorporating Events into Your Blog 35:25 Tips for Writing Effective Blog Articles 39:56 Travel Inspirations and Personal Insights 41:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Key Takeaways... Share Your Knowledge: You have lots of stories and experiences that can help others. Share them on your website in blog posts. This way, people can learn from you and trust you more.  Explain Your Work: Many people don't understand what architects do. By writing about how you solve problems and create amazing designs, you can help clients see why they should choose you.  Keep Your Website Updated: Adding new stories and news to your website shows that you are active and reliable. This helps you rank higher on search engines and keeps you in the minds of potential clients. Links Mentioned In The Episode... Learn more about Rachel’s Writing Club Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn —-- Want to explore podcasting for your business? 👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞 Interested in joining our membership community? 👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀 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). 👉 a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/"...

    44 min
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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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