The Critical Differences Among Mission, Vision, Purpose, Strategy and Goals Are you confused about the difference between mission and vision? Or, between purpose and mission? You’re not alone. I am frequently asked about the differences among mission, vision, purpose, strategy and goals... and where do values fit in? Many people don’t care about definitions. That’s certainly unfortunate. Having clear definitions distinguishes these important concepts. And since there is an order of … [Read more...]
Two Perspectives You Need to Launch a New Business as a Small Firm Architect
I recently reached a very big milestone. About eighteen months ago I dropped my daughter off for her first full day with her childminder (home-based daycare for non-Brits.) She was six months old and I was filled with those new parent anticipations: nervous, desolate, excited, hopeful. Not only was it a big day as a parent, it marked the beginning of a new journey in my career. I was starting my new business to support unconventional designers craft their career paths and create businesses … [Read more...]
10 Simple Steps To Develop a Lasting New Habit
How To Establish a New Habit In the back of your mind, every day, there is a goal that you want to accomplish. Whether it’s a new strategy, a new business process or a personal change in your life; it sits back there, day after day, scratching at the door, wanting to be let out. We keep that goal locked away because if we let it out, we may need to care for it and help it grow. We may need to find a way to accomplish it. Let’s let it out. Let’s allow it to play. Let’s help it … [Read more...]
How To Transition from CAD to BIM in 4 (Not So) Simple Steps
How To Transition from CAD to BIM It may be one of the biggest decisions an experienced small firm architect will make; to BIM or not to BIM? I have shared on this topic before over at the podcast, but times have changed. Today, I think that question is no longer valid. The decision is no longer whether or not to transition, but how to transition. I’ve been using AutoCAD since 1995, when I was hired as an intern to learn the software and integrate it into the workflow of an established … [Read more...]
My ONE Word for 2017
How to Achieve Your Goals as a Small Firm Architect In December of 2015, in preparation for the coming year, I recorded a podcast episode and published an article describing my idea for establishing just one goal for 2016. Instead of picking numerous goals in every area of my life, I would set just ONE Goal. My ONE Goal Inspired by one of my all-time favorite books, The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results, written by Jay Papasan and Gary Keller, my ONE Goal … [Read more...]
Mastering the Art of Delegation
Last week I published a podcast episode titled, Success in 2016 with Just ONE Goal, where I shared my thoughts on goal setting. For years I have set numerous goals, in every part of my life, with all good intention and desire to achieve each goal by the deadline set. Does that sound familiar? I suspect that my success with goal setting is similar to yours. I would come out of the gate in early January, excited and enthusiastic, focused on making progress on each of my targets. Each week I … [Read more...]
Hard Work + Consistency = Success
100 Days, 100 Photographs This past Saturday marked 100 Instagram posts in a row for my son James. He’s a talented photographer and one hundred days ago he decided to launch an account on Instagram, dedicate it to fine artful photography and post every day. Each morning he rises at 5:00am, edits his selection and uploads before heading off for the high school bus. James is seeing results from his effort. In the past 100 days he has gained more than 160 followers, piqued the interest of many … [Read more...]
Building a Culture of Transparency at Your Architecture Firm
This is a guest post by Todd Reding, the Chief Operations Officer and Vice President for Investments at Charrette Venture Group. How Much Should We Share With Our Employees? Some design firms have a culture of secrecy. Few people outside of the partners know anything about the finances, the vision or the ways in which the business is run. "They didn't want us to know about the business because they felt they would be training their future competition," said one architect. Ironically, … [Read more...]
6 Critical Lessons From My First 24 Months in Business
This week, I am sharing a guest post by my friend Eric Reinholdt. Last fall Eric shared his thoughts on how architects should best be using Houzz. Today, in honor of his 2 year anniversary in business at 30X40, he shares 6 important lessons he's learned along the way. Eric has authored several books on architecture, his most recent is entitled, Architect and Entrepreneur: A Field Guide to Building, Branding, and Marketing Your Startup Design Business, which expands on his thoughts below and … [Read more...]
The 12/12/12 Project: Two Years Later
This coming Friday is December 12th. Two years ago on December 12, 2012 I launched my 12/12/12 Project and announced my plans at the introductory episode of the Entrepreneur Architect Podcast. If you were following this blog "way back when,” I thank you for your continuing support. If you are newer to this platform and have not heard about my 12/12/12 Project, let me give you a bit of background. What is a 12/12/12 Project? First, I will tell you what it is not. A 12/12/12 Project is not … [Read more...]
We Are What We Repeatedly Do
Focus your vision, set your goals and take action. That is the only formula for success. Whatever it is that you may want to accomplish, taking action is the difference between reaching your goals and floundering in stagnation until ultimately failing. Action though, is only the first step. Repeatedly taking action with consistency will lead you to your dreams. Sometime in early 2012, I committed myself to write this post on a weekly basis and I haven’t missed one since. When I … [Read more...]
Entrepreneur Architect Academy 002 | Your Life Plan: Personal and Business Planning
What do you want to accomplish in your life? Specifically. Do you want to be "rich and famous"? Do you want to spend more time with the ones you love? Here's another secret that the experts don't tell you… you can't do both. People who reach the pinnacle of financial success, in any profession, have sacrificed the other things in their lives to reach that ultimate level of success. That ultra high level of achievement requires intense dedication and focus on that one single thing. I … [Read more...]