The Shortlist Middle of Six

From astrology to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), personality theories offer introspection and insights to deepen our understanding of others. We all recognize that marketing is a collaborative effort, encompassing strategic planning to interview coaching. The beauty of being part of a team lies in having a diverse array of perspectives, experiences, and talents to draw from, yet it isn't always smooth sailing. Differences in personalities can present challenges in understanding priorities, intentions, and approaches.

At Middle of Six, we leverage the CliftonStrengths (or StrengthsFinder) theory. This 20-year-old assessment highlights personal strengths rather than weaknesses, while also facilitating understanding of how to best support our teammates when stressful situations prompt "overdone strengths."

In Episode 55 of The Shortlist, we take a deep dive into the Middle of Six team with Principal Wendy Simmons, Operations Manager Susan O'Leary, and Senior Creative Strategist Lauren Jane Peterson to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of such assessments and how they've effectively utilized CliftonStrengths to establish a common language in the workplace.

Marketing departments have the best chance of success when they receive clear communication from company leadership. Whether that's insights (or input!) into the firm's strategic plan, having a voice throughout the pursuit process, or being respected as subject matter experts in marketing, AEC organizations can accomplish more by making simple adjustments to how they work with their marketing teams.

A great listen for both company leadership and marketing, Episode 54 of The Shortlist sheds light on often overlooked and sometimes unspoken things that marketers want you to know. Join Middle of Six principals Melissa Richey and Wendy Simmons as they provide tips and a few crowd-sourced suggestions to bridge the communication gap.

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 6

We've all been there; wishing we had an extra 48 hours to hone a proposal's case studies, graphics, and messaging from "great" to "exceptional."  But there are ways to tighten up your existing proposal process to give your team as much time as possible to craft impactful content. That often means beginning before the RFP hits the streets, knowing when to put pencils down, and using software and technology in smart ways. In Episode 53 of The Shortlist, seasoned proposal experts, Grace Takehara and Becky Ellison, share their real world experience and tips to maximize the proposal process.

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 4

No matter your position or professional experience, almost all of us struggle with some level of fear and anxiety around public speaking. And from internal meetings, to shortlist interviews, to conference presentations, the AEC industry is full of opportunities (and demands!) to address a group or lead a discussion.

How can you break through the nerves, build your confidence, and make sure your message resonates? Join Middle of Six Principals Wendy and Allison as they tackle this challenging subject from a variety of angles, leaning on their combined experiences leading teams, coaching interviews, and delivering presentations. You'll be sure to come away with some valuable tips and a fresh perspective to apply to your next speaking engagement.
CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 3

It's never too early to start scheming your next client care gift. In Episode 51, Middle of Six marketing and creative strategists, Grace Takehara and Lauren Jane Peterson, share their best practices for executing a thoughtful client care gift campaign, common hurdles, and tips for choosing a gift that resonates. Through insightful anecdotes and industry experiences, Grace and Lauren Jane highlight how curated client gifts and thoughtful messaging can be a pivotal tool in personifying your firm's brand and values; critical elements of brand awareness. 

Listen in as the Middle of Six team outlines key considerations when executing a client gift campaign, the power of storytelling in gift giving, and their "hot takes" for choosing items that resonate and are worth the investment.

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 5

In the AEC industry, Marketing and Business Development activities are tightly linked. Since marketing plans implement the business and sales goals of the company, a successful execution of strategy demands that marketing and  "BD" are in alignment and constantly communicating. 

In Episode 50 of The Shortlist, Middle of Six Principals Wendy Simmons, Melissa Richey, and Allison Tivnon discuss how these two critical business building areas interact and define their bodies of work within a firm. Our conversation will equip you with a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and strengths of each group to help build the foundation of a supportive, strategic, and satisfying work environment for both Marketing and BD. 

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 3