As small firm architects, we are responsible for so many different roles and responsibilities. We are pulled in so many different directions and our schedules are full every day, from morning to evening. We need to meet with clients, develop and distribute marketing, respond to important email, manage our social media accounts, send invoices, collect payments and so much more. Oh yeah… and we need to design and develop our architecture projects as well. We are architects after all. How can we … [Read more...]
My Secret to Being More Productive… in 60 Seconds or Less
How to be more productive... For years I would ask myself, "How am I ever going to get it all done?" I have so much to do... as an architect, as a leader... as a husband and a dad. And what about all my big plans? How am I ever going to reach for my many dreams? There's just not enough time to get it all done. Well, I have one very important suggestion for you. It's a secret that I've discovered after decades of research. It's what all the really productive "cool kids" are doing to get … [Read more...]
10 Tips to Conquer Procrastination
My name is Mark R. LePage and I am a recovering procrastinator. There… I said it. After 40+ years, I don't have much hope of ever finding a cure, but recently I have found some ways to hang on to the wagon and stay focused on getting things done. Here are 10 tips I'm using to conquer my procrastination. 1. Write out a plan. In order to get anything done, you need to create a plan. What does the end result look like and how are you going to make progress. Write it out. As a serial … [Read more...]
5 Podcasts Every Entrepreneur Architect Should Be Following
Podcasts (an episodic digital series of audio or video files subscribed to and downloaded through web syndication or streamed online to a computer or mobile device) are a great way to learn the lessons about business that many of us lacked during architecture school. Below are my 5 current favorites: EntreLeadership | Dave Ramsey w/ Host Chris LoCurto One of the most successful podcasts on the planet, EntreLeadership focuses on personal success, business and leadership. For about 45 … [Read more...]
The Power of Stopping
When my brain is rested and not required to complete a specific task or stay focused on success, amazing things happen. During scheduled breaks, like vacations and holidays, I often develop my biggest ideas, like new business systems, strategies or concepts for future entrepreneurial endeavors. My right brain (the creative side) is free to roam, shifts into a lower gear and finds some additional horsepower. Some of my most interesting, most innovative ideas have been discovered during these … [Read more...]
3 Steps to a Better Life: Stop, Drop and Roll
STOP and take time to evaluate your life. Ask yourself... Are you doing the things that make you happy? Are you making the world a better place? Have you found your purpose? What are your goals? Are you working toward a better life? Make two lists; Things That Matter and Things That Don't. DROP the things that make you unhappy. Eliminate the the things that are distracting you from reaching your goals. Do more things that matter and fewer things that don't. When times are tough and the next … [Read more...]
What would you do with an extra day each week?
As I sat here in "my chair" flipping through a list of recent DVR recordings, I had a disturbing thought. "How much time do I actually spend in this yellow (yes, "French's Mustard" yellow) mid-century modern armchair?" You see, I come from a TV family. It's in my genes. I think I may have plasma running through my veins (Ha! Get it? Plasma... in my veins...In fact, you do too.). For generations, LePages have retired to the tube for a little after-dinner entertainment each night. It's a great … [Read more...]
The Blessings of Christmas and Being a Residential Architect
Each year from Christmas to New Years Day, Annmarie and I close the studio, send the crew home for the week and enjoy quality time with family and friends. It's important to take healthy breaks from the intense focus of our work. It allows us to remember what is most important in our lives and return to the studio with fresh ideas and enthusiasm for our projects. It's also a great time to look back on the past year and be thankful for loyal, trusting clients. In a time of severe economic crisis … [Read more...]
How does one get it all done?
As an Entrepreneur Architect I wear many hats. I’m a designer, a draftsman, a project manager, a construction manager, a book keeper, a marketing director, a salesman, a customer service representative, an IT manager, a boss, a partner, a CEO, a COO, a CFO... the list goes on and on. It can be very stressful. At times, it’s overwhelming. I have the same number of hours each day as everyone else. How does one get it all done? David Allen, author of Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free … [Read more...]