AEC Business

Adam Bluemner is the Managing Editor for Find Accounting Software, a service providing free software selection assistance. Over the last decade Adam has spoken with thousands of companies, helping them achieve business success through intelligent software investment. Adam writes extensively on ERP and business software.

In the interview, Adam talks about the criteria for choosing software, cloud versus on-premise solutions, and gives great tips on vendor selection.

Contact Adam at FindAccountingSoftware.com.

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This podcast episode is a recording of a presentation titled The Future of Sustainable Building. It was given by Martin Townsend, Director of BREEAM, BRE Global at Granlund Energy Seminar 2014 on June 5, 2014.

Download the slides.

Watch the video recording.

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TROND BUGGE is the Director of Collaborative Innovation at Kairos Future – an international thought leadership and strategic management consultancy based in Stockholm. In this podcast, Trond discusses ways that AEC companies can surf the cutting-edge wave of innovation to beat their competition.

Visit Kairos Future and learn more about Co:tunity!

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Enoch Bartlett Sears is an architect and founder of BusinessofArchitecture.com, a site devoted to advancing the cause of great design by helping architects master the fundamentals of running a great business. On Business of Architecture he researches and shares information on marketing for architects: how architects can reach new clients and win more of the projects they want to work on. He speaks and writes frequently on how architects can use the internet to get more exposure and increase the visibility of their firms. He is the author of the book, "Social Media for Architects".

On today's show Enoch and I will discuss the answers to the following questions:

1) What can an architecture or engineering company realistically benefit from online and social media marketing?

2) How does one choose the best platforms to be active on?

3) How does a firm stand out in the online space?

4) How to engage potential clients to contact, or how to contact them online?

5) Where can an entrepreneur find the time required and if and how to use outsourcing?

You can download Enoch's book, Social Media For Architects, at www.businessofarchitecture.com/aecbusiness

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In the interview June Jewell, the President and CEO of Acuity Business Solutions, shares insight  on how AEC firms can increase their success and make more money in 2014.

June Jewell is the author of the book “Find the Lost Dollars: 6 Steps to Increase Profits in Architecture, Engineering and Environmental Firms”. She is the President and CEO of Acuity Business Solutions, an award winning Deltek Premier Partner focused on helping A&E firms and government contractors find opportunities, win business, deliver projects, and increase their profitability. Read more tips for A&E firms at her blog at www.AcuityBusiness.com/blog.

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Greg Neil of Gregory Neil Associates returns to AEC-Business.com to explain how the Enneagram can enable AEC professionals to identify suitable employees. The Enneagram can be the HR manager's best friend and a blessing to the company's stakeholders.

About the Enneagram

Here's what Grep has written about the Enneagram:

The Enneagram has ancient origins.

Being used by CIA, FBI, General Motors, B of A, Marriott Hotels, Mitsubishi, Arthur Anderson, Stanford University,  UC Berkeley, the Vatican, US Postal Service.

Goes deeper than most other typologies….describing unconscious motivations determining choices, actions, and behaviors.

The benefit to self knowledge for a team….understanding that we don’t all see the world the same, nor are we all motivated by the same thing…. knowing how another views and responds to : problems, time, communication, and negotiating can greatly improve the effectiveness of how we work together.

Two Types that Drive the US Economy

The Hero, The Boss, The Leader

Has a very strong personality, really likes being the boss, needs to be the one in charge – very hands on, loves to get on the job and get work done – whatever it is he can get it done – lots of energy - Deals well with stress, conflict, deadlines, thrives on confrontation.

Difficulty in coaching and managing others that are NOT like himself – can’t figure out why they just don’t go get it done like he does..(what's their problem?)

Will create some form of chaos so he can swoop in and save the day, just to be the hero.

The Performer, The Marketer, The Motivator

The master doer, figures out the fastest way to get anything done, loves to work, deals well with challenges, large capacity for stress, can get more work done in the next two minutes than anyone else, is all about success!

Will likely just go get something done before he delegates and “waits” for someone else, can be very impatient, hates to fail, will do almost anything to avoid failure…including spin on the facts to make himself “look good”.

Supporting types

The Worrier, The Devils Advocate, The Loyalist

Always sees the cup half empty, likes to make sure all the bases are covered before deciding anything, can be useful at contingency planning.

Analysis paralysis, fear based behavior, likes to think everything through, excessive planning before execution, questions everything, challenges everything, run by fear and doubt.

The Nice Guy, The Mediator, The Peacemaker

Is non confrontational, cup is always half full, no worries, life is always great, wonderful to be with and work with, can be a very good manager, counselor, or leader.

Can have trouble with the big sale, moves away from anything stressful, has a hard time managing people when you need to make large requests, or handle the tough confrontational situation. Needs structure in job responsibilities.

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I'm glad to announce a new podcast series at AEC Business. We're going to present your questions to AEC business experts, and you'll hear their answers on the podcast. Our first experts will be June Jewell and Gregory Neil.

Please submit your questions on developing and running your AEC firm to [email protected]!

Listen to Philip's short message

Michael Stone is a business consultant to the construction industry and owner of Markupandprofit.com. In this podcast Michael discusses, among other things, the importance of using appropriate cost estimation methods.

To reach Michael visit Markupandprofit.com.

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Melanie Hodgdon is a construction business consultant and President of Business Systems Management, Inc. based in Maine, USA.

In this podcast, Melanie explains the main ways that construction businesses lose money. If you're an SME contractor, this is something that you certainly need to hear!

Contact Melanie via email at [email protected]. The book mentioned in the interview is available on Amazon.com: A Simple Guide to Turning a Profit as a Contractor.

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I had the pleasure of interviewing, face-to-face, Juha Sarakorpi, the Managing Director of Saraco. We talked especially about professionally managed, consumer-oriented joint housing development. Juha’s company is the forerunner in this area in Finland.

Saraco is a project management, real estate development, and urban development company. Visit their website at www.saraco.fi. Contact Juha via email at [email protected] or by phone at +358 50 534 6628.

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