Have you ever considered working as a freelance marketer? Or been curious what it takes to launch and run a small business? Since every entrepreneur has their own unique origin story, we thought it would be fun to share some insights into the making of Middle of Six. Listen in as Senior Creative Strategist Becky Ellison takes over as host to interview Middle of Six's founder, Wendy Simmons. Find out what nudged Wendy into starting her own firm, who she was inspired by, and what advice she'd give to marketers or creatives who have been curious about going out on their own. With transparency and candor, Wendy shares the real truth of her journey as a woman business owner in the AEC industry. 

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 6

Whether you're a seasoned AEC marketer or just recently joined the industry, Senior Creative Strategist Becky Ellison and host Wendy Simmons are here to answer the question, 'If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself in the first year of your career?' Becky and Wendy share specific recommendations for marketers who are still learning about the industry, refining their voice, and finding value in their fresh perspective. The two cover everything from the importance of speaking up and asking questions to prioritizing selfcare–even when on a deadline. We couldn't have done this topic justice without valuable tips from the rest of the Middle of Six team, including Melissa Richey, Grace Takehara, and Allison Tivnon. 

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.75 | Domain: 6

Once you've determined which competitors to research, now the treasure hunt begins! In Part 2 of our discussion with Allison Tivnon, we outline how to efficiently assess the competition's online presence and what to look for related to brand personality, storytelling, and online engagement. With a clear understanding of your competition's online presence and performance, you can holistically create social media and website strategies that are 'right sized'—balancing finite marketing resources with the never-ending quest to have your firm genuinely stand out from the crowd. 

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 1

As a general rule, we don't recommend obsessing over the competition. It's much more productive to focus on what your firm does well. But on occasion—say at the start of a new year or as part of a larger strategic planning effort—it can be worthwhile to turn your attention to a handful of companies you most frequently compete against. What is their share of voice and how is it influencing their share of market? In Part 1 of this two-part series, Middle of Six's Senior Marketing Strategist, Allison Tivnon outlines why a competitor audit can be valuable, what characteristics to assess, and how to compile and quantify qualitative findings. In an increasingly competitive market, now might be just the right time to identify hidden windows of opportunity where your firm can stand out from the field. 

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.75 | Domain: 1

Project managers (PMs) have many demands on their time, making the development of project-specific content for a pursuit challenging. As an AEC marketer, if you can get a new PM up-to-speed on marketing systems and the proposal process—and in turn, understand their role and workload—it will make for a smoother workflow and hopefully a winning pursuit! In Episode 31, Principal Melissa Richey and Pursuit Strategist Grace Takehara join host Wendy Simmons to share suggestions for new (or not-so-new) PMs on how to avoid writer's block, what areas of a proposal to focus their time and energy on, and how we can both help each other be successful. 

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 4

We've flipped the script on this extended episode as Principal Marketing Strategist, Melissa Richey English interviews our host, Wendy Simmons, and producer, Kyle Davis. Ever wonder what it takes to dream up, research, plan, record, produce, and launch a podcast? Well, we sure did! With the support of excellent resources, awesome talent, and a whole lot of heart and hustle, we're delighted to share lessons learned from Season 1, and a glimpse of what to expect for Season 2!

Whether you're designing your first (or 50th) org chart, revamping a schedule graphic, or finding a 'fresh' way to showcase your team, coming up with creative, compelling design requires a spark of inspiration that can be tough to find when you're on deadline and under pressure. Listen in as our dynamic design duo, Becky Ellison and Abigail Clark, give the skinny on how to maintain your creativity in the fast-paced environment of AEC marketing.

As the primary communicators of a firm's brand identity, marketing teams often take a lead role in brand management and maintenance. On occasion, it's a good practice to step away from the day-to-day and take a look at the big picture. In this episode, Wendy Simmons and Rachel West explore the components of a successful brand audit. From competitor analysis and visuals assessments, to looking at language and brand personality across digital marketing platforms—the audit can help you identify the areas that are on point and those that are falling short. 

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 5

Trying to cultivate a BD ecosystem within your firm but have staff who believe 'business development' is not in their job description? From seller-doers, project managers and support staff to your BD/Marketing teams, everyone plays a critical role in supporting client care and the brand experience. In this episode, Wendy Simmons and Melissa English explore the fundamentals of business development—from the 'zipper' effect to quick tips and tricks to mobilize your colleagues. 

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 5

Every company has a brand identity that sits somewhere on the spectrum between bold and diluted. In this episode, Wendy Simmons and Rachel West untangle and define the five major components of brand identity including brand values, brand message/promise, brand personality, brand voice, and visual brand identity. No matter if you're working with a hundred-year-old brand or launching a startup, what are the best ways to develop and hone these elements? And who should participate in that process? Plus, get a quick download on Middle of Six's brand identity and how it has evolved since day one. 

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 1