logo
logo
Sign in

4 Ways to Find More Business for Your Architecture Firm

avatar
mramseurassociates
4 Ways to Find More Business for Your Architecture Firm

Running your own architect firm is not easy, and even though almost every architect begins with a clear idea of what type of firm they'd like to build, without ongoing attention it is easy to be swept into tasks you have to perform in order to ensure that the lights are on, instead of what you intended to accomplish from the beginning. In this article, first released in the Archipreneur magazine as Archipreneur with the title "4 Creative Business Development Strategies for Architects and Designers," Sabrina Wirth outlines methods you can keep your work coming in but also ensure it's the right type of work.

No matter if you're a big architecture company or a small tiny design studio, everyone requires a strategy for creating new business. The idea of preparing RFPs (Request for Proposals) and RFPs (Request for Qualifications) to be selected for the shortlist is overwhelming and is something that few people are looking forward to.

However, this isn't the sole route to attract new projects. In fact, the most effective business development strategies involve more time spent on proactive relationship-building (before the project is made public), and less time on responding to RFPs and RFQs, which are available to anyone.

Here are four strategies to help you determine the best business development strategy to stay ahead of the pack and gain more clients and projects:

1. Choose the best project then move to the back of your mind

What are the most suitable initiatives for your business? Who are the key people to guide you to them? Research their social networks and identify ways to get them to talk to you. The most successful partnerships or projects can be made with direct commissions through an individual contact. Build a personal relationship by making contact in the same places your ideal client would spend time in. If you're not already think of every person on your list as a potential client collaborator, or source of new information. It could be the case you that person will help you get your next position is someone you know already.

2. Your design can be exported as portable and easily shareable objects

A variety of companies design books to present their work. Instead of making the book just a portfolio, you should make it an object of design. Your philosophy of design should be reflected in every tangible product (books or business cards, and so on) the company makes and, if you meet with a prospective client and they are offered an idea that demonstrates what you do and makes your company exceptional. Send them well-designed emails and ensure that your website is simple and simple to comprehend. It is the worst thing that a potential customer is put off by the slowness or complexity of your website.

3. Follow up

Always ensure you have business cards available If you do receive some company cards during networking, make certain to include them in your email list . You can also stay in touch with them via periodic personal emails. If you're planning to send periodic messages using a mass mailing service such as Mailchimp and Constant Contact, be sure to inquire if they'd like to be added to this mailing list.

4. Turn your firm into a brand

Be a specialist in a particular field of design. Discover the knowledge that is available at the office and what type of projects your company would like to be recognized for. Maybe the focus is on environmental (like Site and HOK) or urban design (Gehl Studio) master plans and residential, cultural or civic. It should be something potential customers will associate with your company's name. If you're looking to become more generalist and also be recognized for your innovative solutions and top-quality design, then consider making "process" and "philosophy" your branding (like Grimshaw). In order to effectively advertise and market your company you must have something unique to your business that you could utilize to promote your business.

Finding new business opportunities requires both communications and marketing But, more importantly, it is about maintaining relationships. If you are able to maintain your networking skills in a way that keeps your connections talking about you your company will likely be mentioned in discussions about new projects. As long as your name keeps popping upend you are able to actively seek out any new information more likely is that you'll be listed on shortlists, and getting direct compensation.

 

collect
0
avatar
mramseurassociates
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more