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

Jon Clayton

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!

#13 in the Top 100 design Monthly chart

...more

1 Listener

All episodes

Best episodes

Top 10 Architecture Business Club - For Architects, Architectural Technologists, Surveyors & Designers Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Architecture Business Club - For Architects, Architectural Technologists, Surveyors & Designers episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Architecture Business Club - For Architects, Architectural Technologists, Surveyors & Designers for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Architecture Business Club - For Architects, Architectural Technologists, Surveyors & Designers episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Launch Your Way To Success (No More Feast & Famine!) with Sigrun | 044

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

08/29/24 • 45 min

Jon discusses how architecture practices can escape the feast and famine cycle by using launches as part of their marketing strategy. He is joined by Sigrun, an award-winning business coach, best-selling author, and entrepreneur, who explains the power of launching to create a steady and predictable pipeline of work. Sigrun shares her journey from studying architecture to becoming a leading business mentor and outlines how architects can implement launches to grow their practices. The episode also touches on the potential for architects to create online courses as an additional revenue stream. Sigrun offers practical insights into creating excitement through events, addressing common misconceptions, and the stages involved in the launch process.

Today's Guest...

Sigrun is an award-winning business coach, bestselling author, and multiple 7 figure entrepreneur. She is on a mission to accelerate gender equality through female entrepreneurship. She’s been called the leading business mentor for online entrepreneurs in Europe, is a TEDx speaker, and host of the top-rated Sigrun Show podcast. Sigrun’s online business journey started shortly after finishing her master’s degree in architecture. She’s since been featured in Forbes and numerous leading media publications in Europe and has won 5 Stevie Awards; as the Hero of the year, Entrepreneur of the year, Solo entrepreneur of the year, Manager of the year, and Sales Achievement of the year.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:44 Meet Sigrun: Business Coach and Entrepreneur

04:37 Sigrun's Journey from Architecture to Online Business

19:22 The Concept of Launching Explained

23:15 The Power of Limited Editions

24:17 Creating Urgency in Marketing

25:40 Addressing Skepticism in Service Businesses

28:01 Effective Launch Strategies for Service Businesses

29:39 Stages of a Successful Launch

33:53 Leveraging Digital Products for Architects

34:28 Success Story: Zero Energy Buildings

38:59 Final Thoughts on Launching

41:50 Exploring Iceland: A Personal Favorite

44:02 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Key Takeaways...

The Power of Launching:

Launching is a marketing strategy that creates excitement and urgency around a product or service. By planning and executing a well-structured launch, you can significantly boost their sales in a short period. This approach works for is applicable not only to products but also to services and can lead to a more efficient and effective way of attracting and retaining clients.

Building Expertise and Authority:

Sharing expertise through online courses or digital products can enhance a business's authority in its field. By teaching others, businesses not only diversify their income streams but also attract new clients who recognize their expertise. This dual benefit can lead to increased business through both educational content and traditional service offerings.

Creating Urgency and Scarcity:

Communicating limited availability of services or spots creates a sense of urgency and encourages prospective clients to act quickly. This strategy is particularly effective in service-based businesses, as it ensures that potential clients do not delay making a decision, which can help in maintaining a steady flow of work and avoiding peaks and troughs in workloads.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Get Sigrun’s Book ‘Kickstart Your Online Business’ Now - For Free 🎁

Visit Sigrun’s Website

Sigrun on Facebook

Sigrun’s Instagram

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 🎁

👉 Foll...

1 Listener

Money Matters: Knowing Your Numbers with Mahmood Reza | 023

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

04/04/24 • 30 min

In this episode, host Jon interviews Mahmood Reza, a business finance expert, tax advisor, and author of 'I Hate Numbers.' This discussion focuses on the importance for architects, especially those running solo or small practices, to understand their financial numbers for business growth, tax savings, and overall financial health. Mahmood emphasises the significance of planning, recognising money's role in achieving business goals, and overcoming financial stress. They explore the 'Plan It, Do It, Profit' concept which outlines the journey from planning to profitability. Mahmood also shares insights on money mindset, the impact of personal background on financial decisions, and the importance of record keeping for informed business decisions. Additionally, advice on profit margins, managing taxes, and utilising bookkeeping software for financial management is provided. The episode concludes with personal anecdotes and the relevance of having a healthy relationship with money to foster a successful architecture practice.

Today's Guest...

Mahmood Reza is a business finance fixer, tax advisor, and author of I Hate Numbers. He has helped thousands of sole traders, business owners, artists, creatives, and social enterprises have businesses, not hobbies, make money, save tax, improve their money mindsets, and reduce their financial stress and anxiety. Mahmood believes that once you understand what your numbers are, where they come from, and what they mean, you can use them to make better decisions and ultimately make (or keep) more money.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Unlocking Financial Freedom in Architecture

00:45 Introducing the Money Matters Expert

01:17 The Power of Understanding Your Numbers

03:51 A Deep Dive into Money Mindset

08:11 The Blueprint to Profit: Plan It, Do It, Profit

11:35 Setting Realistic Profit Margins for Small Businesses

19:06 The Importance of Record Keeping and Tax Planning

26:06 Final Thoughts and Advice from Mahmood

28:06 Mahmood's Favourite Place

29:24 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

Key Takeaways...

👉 Understanding Your Numbers is Crucial: Mahmood emphasises the importance of knowing your business numbers – including expenses, revenues, and profits – to make informed decisions, improve financial health, and ensure sustainable growth.

👉 Changing Your Money Mindset: Your background and attitude towards money can significantly impact your business finances. Changing a negative or fearful mindset about money to a more positive and proactive one can lead to better financial management and success.

👉 The Impact of Planning and Action: The concept of "Plan It, Do It, Profit" introduced by Mahmood outlines the importance of planning, taking action according to the plan, and focusing on profitable outcomes. This process encourages business owners to have clear goals and a path to achieving them.

👉 Financial Targets: Achieving profitability is a gradual process that comes from understanding and managing business finances effectively.

👉 The Importance of Record Keeping: Accurate and consistent record-keeping is vital for understanding the financial state of a business, making informed decisions, and staying compliant with tax obligations.

👉 Investing in Financial Management Tools: Investing in cloud-based bookkeeping software can simplify financial management, improve efficiency, and reduce stress related to finances.

👉 Dealing with Taxes: Preparing for tax obligations by setting aside a portion of income and understanding the impact of different taxes on a business is crucial for financial health and compliance.

👉 Personal Fulfillment and Financial Goals: Whilst financial success is important, aligning business goals with personal fulfillment, freedom, and flexibility is equally vital.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Mahmood’s Website > https://www.ihatenumbers.co.uk/

—--

👇 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

—--

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 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 butto...

Breaking Free From The Nine To Five with Anna Lundberg | 014

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

02/01/24 • 42 min

In this episode, host Jon is joined by Anna Lundberg, founder of One Step Outside who helps professionals break free from a traditional 9-5 job to find a more meaningful definition of success. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from employee to business owner, the importance of building a personal brand, the need for work-life integration versus balance, and the potential for future-proofing the business. Anna also shares her five-pillar business framework and how it helps solo and small-firm architecture practice owners navigate their business journey. She further explores alternative business models, moving past one-to-one client services. They also touch upon travel experiences and their relevance in expanding horizons and sparking curiosity.

Today's Guest...

Anna Lundberg is all about crafting careers and businesses that don't just focus on traditional success measures, but take a more balanced approach. Founder of One Step Outside®, she is on a mission to help experienced professionals break free from the 9 to 5 and pursue a more meaningful definition of success. She is the host of the Reimagining Success® podcast and the author of several books. And she's juggling all this while raising two little kiddos down in sunny Dorset.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:56 Guest Introduction: Anna Lundberg

01:42 Anna's Journey: Leaving Corporate World

02:02 Anna's South America Adventure

02:39 The Impact of Travel on Career Decisions

05:11 The Five Pillars Framework Overview

06:39 Pillar One: Defining Your Version of Success

10:05 Pillar Two: Cultivating Confidence and Resilience

14:27 Pillar Three: Developing the Right Business Model

18:32 Exploring Alternative Business Models

21:53 Exploring Creative Solutions in Business

22:22 Understanding Client Needs and Preferences

23:11 Exploring Different Business Models

24:10 Building Trust and Progression in Business

26:19 Pillar Four: The Importance of Personal Branding

30:38 Pillar Five: Work-Life Integration

34:06 Recommendations for Starting or Improving a Business

37:45 The Role of Travel and Location in Personal Fulfillment

40:58 Connecting with Anna Lundberg Online

41:57 Preview of the Next Episode and Closing Remarks

Key Takeaways...

👉 Importance of Self-Awareness - Understanding one's own strengths, preferences, personality, and life situation is crucial before starting or revamping a business.

👉 Redefining Success - Anna encourages not to limit the definition of success to monetary outcomes. Instead, she suggests it should include aspects such as freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment.

👉 Cultivating Resilience and Confidence - Building resilience and confidence is essential in managing the ups and downs that come with running a business.

👉 Diversifying Business Models - Not to be limited by traditional business models, and consider alternatives such as paid resources, teaching, mentoring, and upselling other services.

👉 The Value of Personal Branding - Creating a personal brand can help differentiate a business and establish a stronger connection with clients.

👉 Work-Life Integration, not Balance - Anna argues for the idea of work-life integration, suggesting that it's about finding a way for work and personal life to harmoniously co-exist.

👉 Importance of Progression - Offering entry-level services or products can help bring clients into your world and possibly upsell them to premium services later.

👉 Taking Small Steps towards Big Goals - Ambitious goals can be made more achievable by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Anna’s Website >https://onestepoutside.com/

-----

👇 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

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 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.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

Ten Lessons (From Ten Years) As A Sole Practitioner | 017

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

02/22/24 • 20 min

In this episode, Jon shares 10 key lessons from his decade-long experience as a sole practitioner in architecture. He talks about the importance of learning from mistakes, understanding your financial state even if you're not motivated by money, delegating tasks, and building an emergency fund in your business. He also emphasises the need to make progress over perfection, continuing to find joy in your business, and connecting with others to avoid feeling alone in your journey. Jon encourages you to learn from his mistakes so you can build a profitable future-proof architecture business.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:47 10 Years of Experience: The Journey Begins

01:23 The Reality of Being a Sole Practitioner

01:56 Learning from Mistakes: The Hard Truths

03:00 The Importance of Money in Business

04:46 The Gap in Architectural Education

06:52 The Power of Differentiation in Architecture

08:24 The Impact of Relocation on Business

10:43 Dealing with Unexpected Crises

12:11 The Perils of Perfectionism

13:18 The Struggle of Doing Everything Yourself

17:11 The Loneliness of Running Your Own Business

19:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Key Takeaways...

👉 Learn from your mistakes, fail fast, and move on.

👉 Don't neglect your understanding of money and financial management, even if you're not primarily motivated by money.

👉 Running a successful architecture business requires more than just being a great architect or designer, it requires developing business skills and knowledge.

👉 Educate your customers about the value you offer and how you work.

👉 Look for ways to diversify your income so you're not solely reliant on referrals.

👉 Build an emergency fund in your business to prepare for unexpected crises.

👉 Focus on making progress rather than pursuing perfection in your business.

👉 Delegate tasks that don't align with your strengths and priorities.

👉 Take the initiative to seek support and connection with others in your field.

👉 Your architecture business journey doesn't have to be lonely, find your tribe and create connections.

-----

👇 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

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 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.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats about the power of mastermind groups with expert business mentor Chris Ducker.

Embracing Your Neurodivergent Quirks with Mike Cole | 016

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

02/15/24 • 34 min

In this episode of Architecture Business Club, host Jon speaks with Mike Cole, an IFC-accredited coach and qualified accountant, about embracing neurodiversity in your architecture business. Mike discusses his experience with dyslexia and the strengths it has brought to his work, such as problem-solving and big-picture thinking. He shares his journey of self-acceptance and encourages listeners to lean into their uniqueness and find the most efficient ways for them to work. He also highlights the importance of understanding oneself, both strengths and weaknesses, to build a profitable future-proof architecture business. Mike has also created a quiz to help you discover what's holding you back in your businesses and career.

Today's Guest...

Mike Cole is an ICF-accredited coach and qualified accountant with a wealth of business experience from leading multinational teams in £multi-billion corporates to supporting solopreneurs to develop their unique, profitable businesses. Mike combines skillful coaching, and extensive business experience to guide busy people, who are overflowing with ideas, along their unique path to success. He creates calm, collaborative spaces that unblock thinking, generate rapid insight, and result in actionable steps.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction to Neurodiversity

00:55 Guest Introduction: Mike Cole

03:19 Understanding Neurodivergence

04:23 Mike's Personal Journey with Dyslexia

06:09 Overcoming Challenges in the Workplace

13:26 Transitioning to Small Business Ownership

15:18 The Difference Between Coaching and Mentoring

16:45 Building a Business Around Your Strengths

19:25 Understanding and Embracing Your Unique Strengths

20:23 The Coin Analogy: Embracing Both Sides of Your Personality

22:19 The Power of Big-Picture Thinking and Trust

25:08 The Impact of Diagnosis and Self-Understanding

27:50 Leaning into Your Specialness: Final Thoughts and Encouragement

31:44 Connecting with Mike and Final Remarks

Key Takeaways...

👉 Embrace your quirks or your neurodivergent attributes. Whether in business or life, try to understand and lean into your unique traits and strengths, even if they may deviate from the 'norm'. This promotes authenticity and usually leads to better results in one's work.

👉 Take time to understand the best working methods for you. By analysing and adjusting the way you work you can leverage your strengths, and boost efficiency.

👉 Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Find peace with your weaknesses and focus on maximising your strengths. Your strengths are what make you valuable to others.

👉 Consider problems from different perspectives. Different people understand and solve problems in unique ways due to their varied experiences, skills, and thought processes. Embracing this diversity of thought can lead to innovative solutions.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Mike’s Quiz - https://www.milico.uk/quiz

Mike’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thismikecole/

Mike’s Instagram - @thismikecole

-----

👇 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

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 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.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/

In The Next Episode...

Next time, host Jon shares stories and lessons learned during the past decade as a sole practitioner in architecture.

Reduce Your Risk Designing Roofs With James Talman | 015

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

02/08/24 • 29 min

In this episode, Jon hosts Architecture Business Club with guest James Talman, CEO of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors and Competent Roofer. They delve into the intricacies of roofing in architectural designs and how architects can minimise risks to ensure that their next roof is designed and built properly. James also shares important information about the NFRC's crucial role in enhancing technical excellence in roofing, elevating industry standards, and offering free resources. The discussion further explores the Building Safety Act and how the industry is preparing to implement it to ensure safety and professionalism.

Today's Guest...

James Talman is the CEO of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and CompetentRoofer. Since 2016, James has led a transformation focused on enhancing technical excellence in roofing and elevating industry standards. He's played a key role in partnerships, including CITB's RoofCERT accreditation programme, and represents the NFRC globally, fostering connections with roofing bodies in China, Germany, USA, and Canada. James, a board member of Build UK, balances his professional life with a passion for sports and the outdoors.

Episode Highlights...

00:53 Introduction to the Guest - James Talman

01:39 Personal Interests and Hobbies

03:23 Understanding the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC)

06:29 Benefits of Working with NFRC Registered Contractors

08:41 Understanding the Competent Roofer Scheme

10:27 How NFRC Can Assist Architecture Practices

15:32 Reducing Risks and Ensuring Compliance

20:09 Understanding the Building Safety Act

24:49 Career Opportunities in Roofing

26:16 Personal Travel Experiences

27:34 Connecting with NFRC Online

28:31 Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode

Key Takeaways...

👉 The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) is a membership organisation that provides support and resources for contractors, manufacturers, and service providers in the roofing industry.

👉 The NFRC offers a Competent Roofer scheme, which allows roofing contractors to self-certify their work to building regulations, eliminating the need for separate building control inspections.

👉 NFRC registered contractors undergo rigorous inspections and audits to ensure their commercial probity, office procedures, and health and safety standards meet industry standards.

👉 Working with NFRC registered contractors provides advantages such as independent inspections, comprehensive guarantees, compliance with data provision, and recourse in case of any issues.

👉 The NFRC has connections with suppliers and manufacturers in the roofing industry and can assist in finding specialist roofing contractors for specific projects, such as heritage buildings.

👉 The NFRC provides resources on its website, including essential safety information, guidance bulletins, and books on various types of roofing.

👉 The NFRC is actively involved in the development of the roofing industry, including implementing mandatory technical competencies and promoting careers in roofing.

👉 The Building Safety Act has introduced legislation and frameworks for competency in the construction industry, including roofing, to ensure safety standards are met.

👉 The NFRC is available to provide support, advice, and guidance to architects and other professionals involved in roofing projects.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

NFRC’s Website > https://www.nfrc.co.uk/

-----

👇 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

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 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.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with business coach Mike Cole about embracing your neurodivergent quirks.

Being More Visible and Authentic with Fifi Mason | 019

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

03/07/24 • 31 min

In this episode, host Jon is joined by personal brand and visibility coach Fifi Mason. They discuss how to be more visible and authentic when running your architecture business. Fifi shares strategies to overcome self-silencing, an internal barrier that prevents individuals from expressing their thoughts or ideas due to fear of perceived consequences. Fifi also highlights the importance of being seen for business owners, especially on social media platforms, and provides practical tips for posting on these platforms. In the episode, they also have a light-hearted conversation about their shared love for dogs.

Today's Guest...

Fifi Mason is a Personal Brand & Visibility Coach, and her mission and purpose is to help individuals with quieter voices show up authentically, amplify their impact and create the change they wish to see in the world. To find out what’s holding you back from showing up as the face of your business – visit fifimason.com and take Fifi’s Self-Silencing Quiz.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction to Visibility in Business

00:50 Getting to Know Fifi Mason

01:18 A Shared Love for Dogs

02:27 Understanding Visibility in Business

04:46 Common Visibility Mistakes in Business

08:17 Overcoming Self Silencing

10:57 The Journey to Visibility

13:37 Tips to Overcome Self Silencing

20:00 Social Media Visibility Tips

29:20 Fifi's Favorite Place

30:22 Connecting with Fifi Mason

30:50 Closing Remarks and Preview of Next Episode

Key Takeaways...

👉 Visibility in Business: It’s important to be seen and heard, especially online, in order to reach the right people and build meaningful connections.

👉 Overcoming Self Silencing: The holding back from sharing thoughts, ideas, and opinions due to fear of the perceived consequences. Strive to break free from these self-imposed barriers and find the confidence to express yourself.

👉 Common Visibility Mistakes: Such as hiding behind a logo and not showing your personality. Be authentic and differentiate yourself to really connect with other people.

👉 Social Media Visibility: Share your unique approaches, personal stories, and testimonials in order to connect with the audience and build know, like, and trust.

👉 Take Small Steps Towards Visibility: Start with sharing personal content with close friends and family, and gradually expanding to a wider audience. Find the right balance between sharing personal stories and maintaining professionalism.

👉 Find Your Community: Find and engage with a community of like-minded individuals, whether through existing groups or creating one's own community. This helps you build connections and find an audience receptive to your ideas and opinions.

👉 The Power of Stories: Stories are an effective way to connect with people on social media. Sharing stories that show vulnerability and personal growth can help in building deeper connections and resonating with your audience.

👉 Hope and Possibility: It’s possible to overcome your shyness, introversion, and the fear of being visible. Gradually step out of your comfort zone and gain a sense of freedom and enjoyment that comes with being visible and authentically you.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Connect with Fifi and take her Self-Silencing Quiz >>> https://fifimason.com/connect

-----

👇 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

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 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.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon is joined by Architectural Technologist Ian Shirvell to discuss his unconventional career journey into architecture.

Christmas Tales Of Architecture Past, Present and Future | 008

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

12/21/23 • 17 min

In this festive edition of Architecture Business Club, host Jon takes listeners on a journey revisiting the Christmases of his past, present, and future as a practitioner in the field of architecture. He shares amusing anecdotes of the wild office Christmas parties from the late '90s and early 2000s, contrasts them against his current quieter festivities as a sole practitioner, and outlines his hopeful aspirations for the future. The podcast aims to build a community of solo and small firm architecture practitioners, offering them support, cheerleading, and opportunities to share their experiences. Jon also teases what listeners can expect from the podcast in 2024.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:34 Christmas Parties in the Past

03:17 Christmas Gifts and Secret Santa

04:13 Christmas Party Gossips

06:45 Christmas Party Memories

11:30 Christmas Celebrations in 2023

14:12 Christmas Plans for the Future

16:10 Conclusion and Farewell

Key Takeaways...

👉 Christmas parties and socialising with colleagues can be important. It builds relationships and fosters a sense of community in the industry.

👉 Giving a Christmas bonus, even a small one, can help staff feel valued and appreciated. This reinforces the idea that small gestures can have a significant impact on employee morale and satisfaction.

👉 Christmas celebrations have changed over the years and can be very different depending on whether you are a sole practitioner or work with a team. If you’ve recently become a sole practitioner try to adapt and find new ways to celebrate.

-----

👇 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

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 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.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon reflects on the past year and shares his thoughts on planning the year ahead to set yourself up for success. He also teases what’s coming up in 2024.

Starting Your Architecture Side Hustle (How & Why I Did It) | 004

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

11/23/23 • 14 min

In this episode of Architecture Business Club, host Jon discusses starting his own architectural design side hustle in 2010. He takes us through his motivation for starting a side business, shares details about the challenges he faced including dealing with job insecurity due to redundancy and his drive to create a location-independent business. Jon provides insights on how he got off the ground with consultations, grant funding opportunities, and forming a business plan. He also highlights the importance of having a proper presence for the business and a great online presence. In the latter part of the episode, he provides advice for those thinking of pursuing a similar path about avoiding perfectionism, understanding their motivations, and advice on possible conflicts of interest with current employers. The episode concludes with Jon sharing his lessons learned and answering key considerations for anyone thinking about starting an architecture side hustle.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:08 Understanding Side Hustles

01:32 Why Start a Side Hustle?

03:20 Starting the Side Hustle Journey

07:35 Overcoming Perfectionism and Launching the Business

10:31 Reflections and Lessons Learned

12:37 Tips for Starting a Side Hustle

13:50 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

Key Takeaways...

👉 Starting a side hustle in architecture can provide additional income and flexibility.

👉 Side hustles are usually extra jobs or small businesses done outside of a regular job.

👉 Starting a side hustle can be motivated by factors like job insecurity, the desire for location independence, and the need for extra money.

👉 To start a side hustle, it is important to have a plan and consider factors like business goals, products/services, competition, and financial forecasts.

👉 Seeking advice from professionals, such as mentors, accountants, and insurance brokers, can be beneficial when starting a side hustle.

👉 Establishing a virtual office, creating a website, and setting up business listings are important steps to establish a presence for the side hustle.

👉 It is important to consider why you are starting a side hustle and whether you want it to remain a small venture or grow into a larger business.

👉 Contingency plans should be considered in case the side hustle grows more quickly than expected or takes up more time.

👉 Finding a niche and being clear about who you want to serve can help differentiate the side hustle and attract the desired types of projects.

👉 Connecting with professionals, peers, and industry organisations can provide valuable advice and support for running a side hustle in architecture.

Free Places To List Your Business Online

Apple Maps > https://businessconnect.apple.com/

Bing Places > https://www.bingplaces.com/

Free Index > https://www.freeindex.co.uk/advertise.htm

Thomson Local > https://www.thomsonlocal.com/product/freelisting

Yell > https://www.yell.com/free-listing/

Yelp > https://business.yelp.com/advertise/free-online-business-advertising/

-----

👇 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

-----

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 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.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjonclayton/

In The Next Episode...

Next t...

Location Independence and Digital Nomadism with Sara Kolata | 024

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

04/11/24 • 45 min

In this episode of the Architecture Business Club podcast, host Jon explores how architects can pursue a location-independent lifestyle and build a career that incorporates their passion for travel. Guest Sara Kolata, an architect turned digital transformation expert, shares her transition from traditional architecture practice to embracing digital nomadism and online business. Sara discusses her mission to improve the financial well-being of architects, her journey across various countries, the challenges and learnings from living a nomadic lifestyle, and how she eventually found a balance that suits her personal and professional life. She underscores the importance of continuous learning, aligning work with one’s essence, and the invaluable insights gained from travelling. Sara encourages architects to explore digital nomadism and various pathways to incorporate travel into their careers without being confined to traditional roles, along with practical advice on handling taxes and choosing destinations conducive to architectural professionals.

Today's Guest...

Sara Kolata is an architect and a digital transformation expert. Her mission is to raise the financial well-being of architects. She is a host of Architecture Talk: Tank, a show that serves as a platform for industry specialists to talk about business, marketing, and profitability in Architecture. Sara helps architecture professionals develop online businesses and create online courses. She also works as a business developer for medium to large-size architecture firms, helping them manage their finances and implement better client attraction strategies.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction: The Journey from Architecture to Digital Nomadism

00:59 Meet Sara Kolata: Architect Turned Digital Transformation Expert

01:46 Skydiving: A Metaphor for Freedom and Overcoming Fears

03:55 The Shift to Location Independence and Online Business

12:45 The Challenges and Realities of Being a Digital Nomad

18:33 Aligning Work with Lifestyle: The Digital Nomad's Dilemma

23:21 Exploring Location Independence in Architecture

23:56 Navigating Taxes as a Digital Nomad

24:08 The Blueprint for Architects: Business and Travel

24:34 Tax Strategies for Globetrotting Professionals

27:11 Choosing the Right Destinations for Architecture Enthusiasts

30:18 The Impact of Travel on Architectural Practice

31:54 Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle in Architecture

40:17 Continuous Learning: The Key to a Fulfilling Career

43:33 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Key Takeaways...

👉 Pursue Your Passion: Sara emphasises the importance of aligning one's career with personal passions, such as her transition from traditional architecture to digital nomadism to focus on her love for travel and independence.

👉 Embracing Digital Transformation: The digital realm offers architects and related professionals new avenues for career development and business growth, as demonstrated by Sara's ventures into online business, online course creation, and her role at DisruptMag.

👉 The Reality of Digital Nomadism: While the lifestyle may seem glamorous on social media, Sara shares the practical challenges and logistics involved, from dealing with time zones to managing work in different locations.

👉 Leveraging Continuous Learning: Continuous personal and professional development is vital for adapting to changing circumstances and seizing new opportunities, as highlighted by Sara's continuous engagement in learning.

👉 Navigating Location Independence: There are various paths to achieving location independence in architecture, not limited to traditional practice. Sara's journey underscores the importance of aligning work with lifestyle goals for sustainable success.

👉 Importance of a Global Perspective: Travel and exposure to different cultures enrich your perspective, fostering creativity and innovation in your architectural work.

👉 Tax Considerations for Nomads: Sara advises on the practicalities of managing taxes as a digital nomad, emphasising the importance of understanding tax obligations in one's home country and places of travel.

👉 Career Flexibility and Identity: Emphasising the value of unique experiences and personal growth over traditional career paths, Sara encourages architects to live their dreams and design their unique career paths.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

https://disruptmag.com/

—--

👇 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.

Show more best episodes