tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:37:47 +0000down economyprocess managementhaitiRFPhankins and andersonremarketingcollaborationblip.tvdevelopmentsmps virginiacheapmarketing researchglobal marketplacethomas wolfesimplifyclark nexsenlinkedintime managementtwitter venngenerational educationengaging employeesvirginiaonline marketingwolfram alphamarketing mixclient developmentyou can't go home againengineering marketinggoogle product searchrssstrategicbuild creativityinternal communicationvideoyahoo + bing search alliancetips on creativitymeet the pressmyspacetwitter measurementRoald Gundersonworkplacemixed use developmentbasicsprogramsentry level engineering jobsmarketing rolefacebookyoung marketersmaintain creativitygenerations at workperksforester-architectoutliersmarketing organizationgrowthchapter leadershipideasbusiness development tipsinitiativesbusiness development for introvertsbrand promisedemand for talentflickrarchitecture marketinginnovationbusiness developmentrethink aecRFP submittal tipsmarketingsustainable businesscustomer relationship management softwaregenerational influencemalcolm gladwellself-reflectionbloggingtiger woodsSMPS Virginia annual conferenceAEC gaminginfomercialssustainable designget more clientsefficiencyjohn poolesearch engineaec marketingword of mouth marketingcreative thinkingopportunityleadershiphuman resourcesgreat marketinginternal external marketingkroger crmbrainstormingshort pumpcharityeconomic recoverynatural gastraditional mediaplanninggen y workersacecmarketing planconstruction marketingconstructive criticismmarketing coordinatormicrosoft outlookbrandingentry level construction jobsprofessional services industrykroger marketingdel.icio.uswork environmentonline brandROIlifestyle centersaustinacecvsp 100return on investmentLBDLkrogerannual conferenceideas for creative work environmentenhancing the proposal processseoworksheetwikipedialocal business directory listingcustomer relationship managementwired: how to crawl inside your client's mind for success in business developmenttwitterinformation technologyvirginia businessproject managementsearch engine marketingsocial mediatoyotahotkeysfoursquaresuggestionsmobilesmps-vaproposal managementonline word of mouth marketingPLSpoint-and-shootconstructonomicsmaking timemanaging your timestumbleuponaec technologysmpsgeneration ypredictionsaec human resourcesepaincentivestreamlinewyclef jeantrendsnew aec marketingwhat do clients worry about in tough timesblog evolutionmarketing information systemmediocre firmsgoogle placesweb 2.0aec environmentmy blogghost emailgaming in the workplacenetsearch directBIMcommercialsbusinesstim klabundeNY timesadviceideas to engage your employeesCRMeconomic downturngoogle mapsdogsaec talenteconomysocial searchinnovation teamAEC industryentry level architecture jobsyankee stadiumpeoplebiomimicryarchitecture engineeringprioritiesbusiness development advicebuilding business5 marketing tips for the holidaysdiggRFP process tipsbook reviewu:phoriaoperationslifeloggingmarketing ideastestingarchitecturejim carrollmba in the aecmarketing changeeconomic stimulusrichmond media contactsconstruction projectsmainstream mediapress release programworkflowsteve hallsmart phonechangeenvironmentyoutubephotography tipsAEC social mediaproduct marketing in the aec worldproject management lessonsa/b testinglong centeraugmented realitySEMsecond quarter spendinganalysisworking togetheraec search engine marketingtwitter usesproactivenon-profit managemententry levelversarninghigh schoolgoogle shoppinglayoutron worthideas to enhance communicationdatabasesimilaritiesdigital marketingfuture trendswest broad villagerecessionsteps for marketingbubble syndromevietnamculture of rainmakingemployeesxbox project natalsimplecommunicationthe waterfront resort hotelmiscommunicationemployee turnoverround table sessionadministrativejobsinformation managementmanaging clientsforget twitterdavid a. stonepublic relationsslidesharethink outside the boxdataAEC businessCMSS architectsbrandaccountingmergerNew, unabated marketing thoughts and ideas for the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry focusing on the delicate balance of creative and analytical business tactics.http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)Blogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-8286292839244394308Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:37:00 +00002012-04-26T22:45:30.503-04:00SEO: Search Engine Optimization What it is: SEO is the optimization of your website--for both customers and search engine index bots. Why it's important: In short, more people click in the organic section of a search engine results page. It takes time to get there...but doing the right things consistently over time can get you there. Very few AEC companies focus on properly managing their http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/v6cNvy3YXAs/seo-engine-optimization-what-it-is-is.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2012/04/seo-engine-optimization-what-it-is-is.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-2002922437331401021Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:07:00 +00002012-04-18T20:07:33.012-04:00digital marketingaec search engine marketingsearch engine marketingSEM Who loves acronyms??  (I do!  I do!):  SEM, SEO, PPC, SoMe...AEC...*barf*.  Please:  if you're as sick as I am as seeing more acronyms for everything and just need a simple explanation for these things and how they're important to you, then read on. I know sometime acronyms are a necessary evil, and there's plenty of blog space to get technical down the road.  But first, you're a marketing http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/T6LI56b3hgQ/search-engine-marketing-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2012/04/search-engine-marketing-for.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-4217405734536968340Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:13:00 +00002012-01-02T14:13:43.825-05:00blog evolution Recently I have taken on a new role with an Agricultural Company. in Richmond Virginia.  It is a billion dollar co-op geared to helping farmers and everyday Americans get the resources, knowledgeable information and products they need to make their operation (whether a full time farm or a hobby) a success.   There are two primary target markets, one including commercial agriculture, or folks http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/3SFPbLawvfQ/brief-hiatus-evolution.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2012/01/brief-hiatus-evolution.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-4219837998686070458Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:48:00 +00002011-06-23T10:50:38.487-04:00brandingonline marketingAEC industrysearch engine marketingSEMMore than 60% of consumers conduct online research prior to making a purchase—that figure increases greatly when making a major purchase. It’s not that companies don’t already know this (think about how much you’re searching online everyday!)—but that many of them often don’t understand the opportunity they’re missing. Once solely a B2C consideration, search engine marketing (SEM) is quickly http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/OyAo6ppwK18/sem-is-branding-effort.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/06/sem-is-branding-effort.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-3513988621526675804Fri, 08 Apr 2011 17:44:00 +00002011-04-08T13:44:12.836-04:00economic recoveryarchitectureFinally a positive sign in economic recovery for the AEC industry, particularly architecture.  Architects in Richmond, VA are starting to see their projects that were once put on hold return to design phases.  Additionally, some of the top local firms like Hankins & Anderson and Baskervill are seeing positive revenue streams for 2011 and continuing to grow their staff. This is great news for the http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/yKW6nxozIK4/richmond-architects-lead-recovery.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/04/richmond-architects-lead-recovery.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-4535620543699736289Tue, 29 Mar 2011 03:04:00 +00002011-03-28T23:04:22.215-04:00innovationbiomimicryclark nexsenRecently I caught of glimpse of Clark Nexsen's innovative push to include biomimicry into their firm culture and their design of projects.  The concept is simple--"mimic" nature; its elements and functions into the planning, design, engineering and construction of man-made projects.  All AEC companies should take note: not only in the unique approach but in the differentiation that is supplies http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/lKFiY5ahGW8/aec-innovation-clark-nexsen-biomimicry.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)2http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/03/aec-innovation-clark-nexsen-biomimicry.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-3414603560383262369Thu, 24 Mar 2011 02:33:00 +00002011-03-23T22:33:26.651-04:00aec technologyaugmented realityAugmented reality is a really neat concept.  Not only for the AEC industry, but for all methods of how we do business.  Augmented reality is simply put, the integration of real world, real time data into the digital world.  In order to for it to work, you have to have a method of real world perception (eg, a digital camera).  Point your digital camera at something (eg, a building) and the camera http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/X7bE6VDZsic/how-augmented-reality-can-change-our.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-augmented-reality-can-change-our.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-1257614222627842931Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:52:00 +00002011-02-22T21:53:40.079-05:00marketing planonline marketing In 2008, 75% of American adults were online.Over the last 10 years this figure has more than doubled--and what's more the rate of growth has remained fairly steady.  Looking at today's figures I'd imagine it would be close to 95%. Forget a static website, those are days of the past.  In fact, the rate at which technology is growing, most of your target market will be connected throughout the http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/lPsmYkD4hrI/online-marketing-some-proactive-steps.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/02/online-marketing-some-proactive-steps.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-5409629607431137623Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:58:00 +00002011-02-17T21:58:21.286-05:00web 2.0seoAEC social mediasocial mediasocial searchSEMSearch engine's over the past year have been increasingly integrating social media and other web 2.0 products (blogs, wikis and other media, eg photos and video) into their results. Everyone who is online is using some type of search function to find and sort information.  B2B, and Architects, engineers and construction firms in particular should not ignore this trend. Over the past several http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/v8UKYkyjo0E/b2bs-take-note-social-search-is-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/02/b2bs-take-note-social-search-is-for.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-8711235250923246000Wed, 02 Feb 2011 03:11:00 +00002011-02-01T22:11:27.224-05:00videomobileaec technologyAEC social mediabloggingRecently I moved into a new role with my company as a SEM (Search Engine Marketing) Consultant. Part of my job is to help Clients solve their problems leveraging today's web technology. There are a lot of different technologies out there that can help clients in the services marketing sector.  By meeting with existing and new clients on a regular basis I've found that there are a few out there http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/QqmKKybYAFc/technologies-you-should-think-about.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/02/technologies-you-should-think-about.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-6478999545430800359Tue, 25 Jan 2011 04:04:00 +00002011-01-24T23:10:23.377-05:00AEC social mediasocial mediatrendsI stumbled across the following from Pew Research that depicted some global social networking trends. I find this interesting for a couple reasons. First is the alarming rate at which people have begun to use social networking.  Almost double in the past 2 years!  Funny to think back to 2007 when this was a conversation that many AEC professionals were probably having with their kids--except http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/3bKGcbJtMvs/social-networking-and-online-trends.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/01/social-networking-and-online-trends.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-2765867432065597942Fri, 21 Jan 2011 02:45:00 +00002011-01-20T21:45:31.933-05:00architecture marketingengineering marketingmarketing organizationconstruction marketingAEC businessproject management lessonsI recently moved into the role of Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Consultant.  Prior to this I was a Project Manager (PM) for a web development company called NetSearch Direct.  During my time as PM I got to work on a complex web development project that included managing between 8 and 15 Clients at one time, in addition to internal team members and external sub consultants.  This was a type of http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/bLT6v6hMkGU/marketing-lessons-from-project-manager.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/01/marketing-lessons-from-project-manager.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-4742776582461519880Sat, 15 Jan 2011 18:41:00 +00002011-01-15T13:42:33.816-05:00marketing researchaec marketingtestinga/b testingOne of the reasons I got into the professional services marketing business is the balance of art + science.  Because I love doing both things—and my mind often splits from being creative to technical—it seemed like a perfect fit.Per the technical side of things, I’m a huge believer in a/b marketing research and testing. In anything scientific you research, hypothesize and test.  You draw http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/Vy-Eo64ODew/aec-marketing-research-testing-your.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/01/aec-marketing-research-testing-your.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-2559528032860345903Tue, 04 Jan 2011 01:28:00 +00002011-01-03T20:28:09.998-05:00marketingarchitecturebasics Sometimes we lose sight of the forest for those darn trees.  So I'd like to implement a little KISS on this one.  Keep It Simple Stupid.  So, if the foundation of your architectural firm is slightly different than a construction or even an engineering firm, why the heck don't folks act like it? First, an architecture firm has a unique sales cycle.  Secondly, an architect's product (their http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/h_KuSpqqX2Y/marketing-your-architecture-firm-back.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2011/01/marketing-your-architecture-firm-back.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-486962930855985623Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:08:00 +00002010-10-11T12:08:38.007-04:00google placesonline brandgoogle mapsIt's important to understand the importance of Google Places.  Even if you've never touched it and don't spend any time building your online presence--there can be things that are having an impact on your business as we speak (or I write/you read). What I'm talking about is the maps section.  Just about any business will be placed in the maps section of Google (called Google Places) from http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/aSnhH2X39Is/managing-your-online-presence-your.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2010/10/managing-your-online-presence-your.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-82071338568045260Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:57:00 +00002010-09-28T12:57:13.505-04:00business development tipsbusiness development advice Everyone knows there are introverts and extroverts.  Particularly in your average AEC firm, this is clearly evident.  And everyone knows of the challenge that faces trying to get top level technical staff members to go out, develop relationships and bring work back to the firm. Much like people, business development hasn't changed much over the last 10 years.  It's still all about relationshipshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/8Foxo1OHVhw/be-better-business-developer-bd-tips.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2010/09/be-better-business-developer-bd-tips.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-6710000774101190070Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:40:00 +00002010-09-02T00:41:58.888-04:00suggestionsprocess managementtwitter usesproject managementadviceAEC businessinternal external marketing Unless you have been living a magical life under the sea, you know what Twitter is. If you don't, read this. Once you do, read on. Recently I've been thinking a lot about the functionality + usage of Twitter.  I like the concept but I don't particularly like how it's used by a lot of people.   It's a lot like person-to-person networking: Ever walk into a room for a networking event and 80% http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/ncXiWDGIFJ0/few-ideas-on-how-aec-firms-could-use.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)3http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2010/09/few-ideas-on-how-aec-firms-could-use.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-987539886480856208Thu, 26 Aug 2010 03:55:00 +00002010-08-25T23:55:19.688-04:00miscommunicationsocial mediabusiness developmentcommunication I feel like I don't stop with digital media.  Well, okay it's part of my daily job.  I'm a project manager for a large-scale website project so my job is to communicate and constantly be plugged in.  But sometimes I get the urge to simply pick up the phone or go talk to someone face to face and avoid the 4000 back and forth emails to solve an issue.  Perhaps its the fact that my eyes are fried http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/0KOtNvolElo/digital-miscommunication-and-some-old.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2010/08/digital-miscommunication-and-some-old.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-658011163638167942Sat, 14 Aug 2010 17:52:00 +00002010-08-14T13:52:55.259-04:00ideas for creative work environmentmaintain creativitybuild creativity Keeping creativity flowing in your department or office can be difficult.  That river can easily get dammed by close-minded team members.  So how can you keep imagination alive and vibrant?  Here are some things to try: Change your permanent environment:  Your office.  You're in there 40+ hours per week.  So is your team.  View it like your home--every now and then it's nice to switch furniture,http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/si3ZiZ2EfF4/4-ways-to-elicit-creativity-from-your.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2010/08/4-ways-to-elicit-creativity-from-your.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-5330020140981416286Thu, 05 Aug 2010 17:45:00 +00002010-08-05T13:45:50.590-04:00online word of mouth marketingaec marketingword of mouth marketingYou probably already know that word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM) is still the most profound and effective method of getting new business.  Though technology has changed greatly in the last 100 years--WOMM still reigns supreme. That said, it has evolved.  Take for instance, the advent of social media.  Now, all of the sudden "Liking" something becomes an important element to WOMM--even for an http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/w0lEp3eHM6U/word-of-mouth-evolution-and-aec-example.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2010/08/word-of-mouth-evolution-and-aec-example.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-8409551945488164963Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:11:00 +00002010-07-26T21:11:13.715-04:00web 2.0AEC social mediatraditional media You've done it.  Finally.  Assigned 2 of your team members to a "social media task force."  They even gave themselves cool nicknames and made t-shirts.  You've got your social media research done and drawn out how it can help your business.  You got your goals and you're ready to do some ol' fashioned ROI calculations. But hold on.  What did you do this for in the first place? *Insert look of http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/7uIwEr2iT1Y/social-medias-just-not-into-you.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2010/07/social-medias-just-not-into-you.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-4693157491057835099Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:54:00 +00002010-07-20T19:56:46.369-04:00foursquareAEC social medialinkedinfacebooktwitter3 Social Media Sites for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction community and what you might do with them:Site: LinkedIn Purpose: Networking, recruiting, advertising Summary: LinkedIn is one of the obvious choices. It's the facebook of the corporate world. It's also one of the best places to "connect" with industry professionals and not feel like you're stalking them. It can be http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/w8G_1Zjtd4g/4-social-media-sites-aec-marketers-need.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2010/07/4-social-media-sites-aec-marketers-need.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-4364980604190481287Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:11:00 +00002010-07-14T08:11:08.004-04:00netsearch directyahoo + bing search alliancegoogle product searchgoogle shoppingremarketingCheck my latest copywriting project for NetSearch Direct.  It's a breakdown of 3 important topics over the last month in regards to online marketing.  If your AEC firm is just now getting involved in the online realm--whether it is redesigning your website, running a PR campaign, involving your firm in social media, etc. then it might be worth a read.  There are new and different means of http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/7HR7tk_swfY/google-remarketing-google-product.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2010/07/google-remarketing-google-product.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-896346126504399228Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:23:00 +00002010-07-08T14:23:02.317-04:00google placesLBDLonline marketinglocal business directory listing Below is an article I wrote last month for NetSearch Direct's monthly newsletter.  They're a company that works on SEO/PPC, website design and online marketing.  A lot of that stuff is new and completely untapped by AEC companies (yet still very valuable).  The opportunities I see here are the ability to elevate your firm to a higher existing/potential stakeholder visibility as well as be a http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/63GNzGZyvig/goodbye-local-business-directory.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2010/07/goodbye-local-business-directory.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5110392551793514120.post-5630425590066859670Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:44:00 +00002010-07-07T12:44:14.982-04:00twitter measurementanalysistwitter vennThis is a cool tool I was fooling around with.  http://www.neoformix.com/Projects/TwitterVenn/view.php Try it out yourself.  Since there was a lot of buzz going around about how much content exists on Twitter now and how people go about searching for it...there is some relevance here for folks in any line of business.  Below is an example I tried using the 3 terms:  architecture, engineering http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAecMarketingProgressive/~3/8EEM1cRe_L4/track-and-measure-information-via.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Jesson Zafar)0http://aecmarketingprogressive.blogspot.com/2010/07/track-and-measure-information-via.html