Best Aec Marketing Best Practices Podcasts (2025)

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Five Things to do Before Starting a Website Project 34:36

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2M ago34:36

34:36

Before you kick off your next website project, take a beat—because there’s a lot you can do ahead of time to make the process smoother, more strategic, and ultimately more successful. To wrap up Season 4 of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons is joined by Kyle Davis and Lauren Jane Peterson to break down the things you should tackle before your website pr…

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SMPS Life: Making the Most of Your Membership 34:15

3M ago34:15

34:15

In this episode of The Shortlist, we’re spotlighting the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and all the value it brings to AEC marketers. Host Wendy Simmons is joined by Senior Marketing Strategists Grace Takehara and Katy Byers for a fun and reflective conversation about how to get the most out of SMPS, regardless if you’re a long-…

1
Planning Ahead for Award Submittals 41:46

3M ago41:46

41:46

Award season can sneak up fast, but with the right planning, your next submittal doesn’t have to be a scramble. In this episode of The Shortlist, host Wendy Simmons chats with Julie Flattery and Lauren Jane Peterson, two experienced AEC marketers who have led dozens of award submissions from inside architecture firms. They break down what makes a s…

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Expanding into New Markets 36:34

3M ago36:34

36:34

Expanding into a new geographic market can be an exciting growth opportunity—but it’s not without risk. In this episode of The Shortlist, host Wendy Simmons is joined by principal Melissa Richey and associate principal (and first-time guest!) Julie Flattery to talk about what it really takes to open a new office or grow your firm’s presence in a ne…

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Pushing the Boundaries on Pursuits 35:55

4M ago35:55

35:55

With selection committees tasked with reviewing eight, nine, or even a dozen proposals at a time, it takes more than polished boilerplate for an AEC firm to stand out. Sometimes the winning move is a bold, experimental, and 100% client-focused approach that not only shows off your qualifications but also your team's enthusiasm and understanding of …

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Harnessing the Power of LinkedIn 38:28

4M ago38:28

38:28

With over 1 billion users worldwide and 67 million company profiles listed, LinkedIn remains an important platform for marketing, recruiting, and brand building. In Episode 70 of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons is joined by Middle of Sixers Melissa Richey and Grace Takehara to discuss strategies for using LinkedIn on both individual and company levels…

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Creative and Strategic Storytelling 39:34

5M ago39:34

39:34

Storytelling isn’t just for novelists—it’s the secret weapon for AEC marketers too! On this episode of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons teams up with the creative minds of Becky Ellison and Kyle Davis to talk about crafting stories that grab attention and build real connections. They explore what makes a strong story—clear exposition, conflict, and res…

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Middle of Six Book Review! 31:26

5M ago31:26

31:26

We're shaking things up with a special "book review" episode of The Shortlist! This week, Wendy Simmons is joined by Middle of Sixers Susan O'Leary, Lauren Jane Peterson, and Grace Takehara to explore insights from three influential reads that can inspire AEC marketers. Grace reviews Conquer Your Rebrand by Bill Kenney of Focus Labs, offering strat…

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Design Psychology 34:12

6M ago34:12

34:12

In AEC marketing, design makes in an impact on so many of our day-to-day marketing initiatives. Proposals, websites, social media, brochures, signage, email signatures, presentations—the list goes on and on. On top of that, each medium and message may utilize a whole host of visual elements such as color, layout, typography, form, space, imagery, a…

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InDesign Rumble 1:00:11

6M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Adobe InDesign is a must-have tool for AEC marketers, but let’s be honest—many of us honed our proposal design skills on the job, often under a deadline. Even experienced users sometimes wonder: Am I using the best approach? In this episode of The Shortlist, host Wendy Simmons sits down with some of Middle of Six's InDesign "power users" Allison Ti…

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Procurement 101: What it is and How to Manage It Effectively 23:51

6M ago23:51

23:51

Discover essential strategies for managing procurement like a pro and learn how the right tools can simplify your workflow. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this session is packed with insights you won't want to miss!By Fohlio Inc.

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What Comes First, Design or Content? 33:13

7M ago33:13

33:13

A frequent debate for AEC Marketers is the classic “chicken or the egg” question: which comes first—design or content? In Episode 65 of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons is joined by Middle of Six’s Senior Creative Strategist Becky Ellison and Marketing Strategist Kyle Davis to explore both sides of the discussion. Should content shape the design, ensur…

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Proposal Submission Confessions 28:21

7M ago28:21

28:21

In Episode 64 of The Shortlist, Wendy Simmons is joined by Middle of Sixers Melissa Richey and Becky Ellison for a candid and comical discussion on proposal submission confessions. Harkening back to Episode 46, Night of the Living Deadline, this conversation dives into the best, worst, and wildest submission experiences—crazy requests, impossible d…

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Circles Conference Takeaways 32:52

8M ago32:52

32:52

As challenging as it may be to break away from your day-to-day responsibilities to attend a conference, there is tremendous value in being immersed in new ideas, best practices, and inspiring work. But we don't have to limit ourselves and our learning to the AEC industry alone. In this episode, Middle of Six Marketing Strategist Grace Takehara shar…

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Psychological Safety in AEC Marketing 47:03

8M ago47:03

47:03

The importance of psychological safety, particularly in high-pressure industries like architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), is having a moment—and for good reason! This episode of The Shortlist delves into how stress, especially secondary stress from pressure and insecurity, can negatively affect communication and team dynamics. Middle…

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Strategic Planning Deep Dive 37:11

9M ago37:11

37:11

Middle of Six Principals Wendy Simmons, Melissa Richey, and Allison Tivnon kick off Season 4 of The Shortlist by diving into strategic planning methods for AEC firms. We explore how these plans can range from formal retreats to informal, and why it’s critical to have a clear, actionable strategy in place—especially in the face of economic challenge…

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160: Performance Goal Examples for AEC Marketing Departments 26:08

11M ago26:08

26:08

🎯 Setting SMART performance goals in AEC marketing? Dive into this replay episode where I unpack the art of creating Measurable Performance Goals. 📈 Discover why hit rates & proposals don't always reflect true success and explore alternative metrics that can. 💡 From organizing information to tracking website traffic, get ready for actionable exampl…

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159: Prepare for a Great 2025 with This Simple 3-Question Reflection 12:57

11M ago12:57

12:57

As we close out this year, I’m bringing back one of the episodes you need to revisit to set yourself up for a killer 2025. We’re digging into a simple, but oh-so-powerful exercise I shared back in 2022 to help you wrap up the year with clarity and intention. These three questions are perfect to help you reflect, learn, and (let’s be real) let go of…

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158: Master These Writing Skills to Advance Your AEC Marketing Career 36:41

11M ago36:41

36:41

In this episode, I'm thrilled to chat with Ben Culbreth, the brilliant mind behind Culbreth Copywriting. Ben is here to unpack the secrets of creating crisp, compelling content that resonates deeply within the AEC industry. We talk about knowing your audience like the back of your hand, structuring your messages to engage and convert, and sidestepp…

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157: From Coordinator to Firm Owner with AEC Marketing Maverick, Sarah Gonnella 51:29

11M ago51:29

51:29

Hey, hey! On today’s episode of Marketers Take Flight, I’m bringing you a powerful conversation with Sarah Gonnella—VP of Sales and Marketing and one of the four owners at Full Sail Partners. And, she happens to be my boss! Sarah’s journey from marketing coordinator to firm partner is packed with valuable insights, and she’s sharing it all with us …

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156: Finding Focus: How to Prioritize When Everything Feels Urgent 20:36

11M ago20:36

20:36

In this episode of Marketers Take Flight, host Lindsay Diven shares practical strategies for AEC marketing professionals to conquer burnout and manage holiday stress, all while juggling tight deadlines. Learn how to gain clarity on your priorities, master the art of saying no, and focus on the tasks that drive the most impact. Lindsay also covers h…

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155: From Brochures to LinkedIn: How Freese and Nichols Transformed Their Marketing Approach 36:14

12M ago36:14

36:14

You’ve heard it before: “Your technical team should be more involved in marketing.” Easier said than done, right? Well, today’s episode is about to change your whole perspective. I’m joined by two incredible AEC Marketing Mavericks from Freese and Nichols, Dan Purschwitz and Crista Reed, who’ve cracked the code on getting their technical staff exci…

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154: 7 Small Things Saving My Life Right Now 15:11

12M ago15:11

15:11

Ever feel like life is moving at a million miles per hour 🚀 and you’re just trying to keep up? Same here. That’s why I’m sharing the little things that are actually saving my life right now—those small, simple hacks that are keeping me grounded 🧘‍♀️ during this busy season. In this episode, I’m spilling all the details on how a few game-changing ha…

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153: Should You Stay or Go? Knowing When to Leave Your Firm with Michelle Hubbard, CPSM 31:15

12M ago31:15

31:15

AEC Marketing Maverick, Michelle Hubbard, CPSM, shares her bold career decision, including how she knew it was time to leave her firm after 12 years. She opens up about her journey rising through the ranks and making that leap to a new firm. Some key highlights from the episode are: Recognizing the right moment for a career shift The power of netwo…

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152: Avoid Holiday Chaos with Five Steps to Maximize Your Q4 23:57

1y ago23:57

23:57

As the end of the year approaches, the holiday season 🎃🦃🎄🎆 can quickly turn into a whirlwind of deadlines, events, and stress. But you don’t have to let the chaos take over! In this episode, host Lindsay Diven shares five actionable steps to help you take control of your time, avoid burnout, and make the most of the final quarter of 2024. From carv…

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151: Marketing Role Change After Firm Acquisition, AEC Marketing Maverick: Cathy Huthison, CPSM 29:27

1y ago29:27

29:27

Hear from my first AEC Marketing Maverick, Cathy Huthison, CPSM, the Associate VP and Director of Digital Marketing at Salas O’Brien. From early career lessons to mastering digital marketing amid her firm's acquisition, Cathy's insights are packed with actionable advice for marketers at any stage of their career. Key Takeaways: Cathy’s evolution fr…

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150: How to Design the Personal and Professional Life You Want 18:48

1y ago18:48

18:48

I’m letting you in on a little secret: you have the power to design the life you want. Yes, even with all the deadlines, obligations, and responsibilities. 🙌 I’m sharing the Full Focus Double Win Formula that transformed how I approach my goals and life. ✨ What You’ll Learn: How to create a 10-Year Life Plan that guides your future. Setting Annual …

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Season 4 Trailer: The AEC Marketer's Journey – Personal Growth and Professional Excellence 5:12

1y ago5:12

5:12

Welcome to Season 4 of Marketers Take Flight, where I shift my focus to you—the marketing professional. This season is dedicated to your personal development, growth, and achieving the double win: excelling in your career while thriving in your personal life. Hosted by me, Lindsay Diven, CPSM, a Full Focus Certified Pro, this season I will share to…

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Simplify Budget, Specification, and Collaboration Management 27:37

1y ago27:37

27:37

Join Fohlio and special guest, Blima Ehrentreu, CEO and Founder of The Designers Group, as we discuss successful strategies to ensure easy specification of your project's FF&E, OS&E, and Finishes, analyze cost breakdowns, and manage the approval process.By Fohlio Inc.

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How Senior Living Facilities Can Improve Design Collaboration for Faster Time to Market 33:31

1y ago33:31

33:31

Join us for an insightful episode as we explore the latest trends and challenges in senior living design, from balancing aesthetics with functionality to managing costs and integrating new technologies seamlessly. Our special guest, Nicole Bergquist, Senior Design Director at Sunrise Senior Living, shares how the company has leveraged Fohlio to ove…

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Leading Design-Build Pursuits 49:53

1y ago49:53

49:53

The Progressive Design-Build (PDB) delivery method has been growing in popularity since it was introduced in the 90s. With more public agencies opting for "best value" over "low bid" for certain types of projects, PDB has become a go-to tool for state agencies, hospitals, K-12, and higher education procurement. The selection process, which often in…

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Design Strategies for A3 Proposals 45:30

1+ y ago45:30

45:30

We can thank Toyota for many innovations including honing LEAN process and establishing the "A3" approach to problem-solving. A3's structured way of presenting information concisely now shows up across all industries -- including AEC. Over the last two decades, the A3 proposal format has grown in popularity and quickly became a hot design challenge…

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Marketing Trends that Establish Authenticity 56:31

1+ y ago56:31

56:31

Building a brand that authentically reflects the values, expertise, and people in your firm is job #1 for a professional services marketer. Episode 58 of The Shortlist welcomes back Marketing Strategist, Grace Takehara, and Digital Marketing Strategist, Kyle Davis, to discuss some of the trends they're seeing and how (or how not) they provide oppor…

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Making of "The Wildcards" 1:03:20

1+ y ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Most AEC marketers' plates are filled with essential initiatives; developing responses to RFPs and RFQs or creating promotional content for websites, social media, and databases. While those projects are critical to keeping business humming, every once in a while we get the chance to work on a big, collaborative, creative project. It's those rare m…

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Brand and Client Perception Surveys 1:00:22

1+ y ago1:00:22

1:00:22

"How did we do?" It's a question that often remains unasked but holds vital importance. Without periodic touchpoints to gather candid performance feedback, strong relationships and potential repeat work can slip through our fingers. But how do we solicit honest feedback without things getting awkward? How do we select the right questions and delive…

1
Focusing on Team Strengths 50:11

1+ y ago50:11

50:11

From astrology to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), personality theories offer introspection and insights to deepen our understanding of others. We all recognize that marketing is a collaborative effort, encompassing strategic planning to interview coaching. The beauty of being part of a team lies in having a diverse array of perspectives, ex…

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What Marketers Want Leadership to Know 46:50

1+ y ago46:50

46:50

Marketing departments have the best chance of success when they receive clear communication from company leadership. Whether that's insights (or input!) into the firm's strategic plan, having a voice throughout the pursuit process, or being respected as subject matter experts in marketing, AEC organizations can accomplish more by making simple adju…

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Efficiencies in Proposal Development 47:53

1+ y ago47:53

47:53

We've all been there; wishing we had an extra 48 hours to hone a proposal's case studies, graphics, and messaging from "great" to "exceptional." But there are ways to tighten up your existing proposal process to give your team as much time as possible to craft impactful content. That often means beginning before the RFP hits the streets, knowing wh…

1
Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking 44:24

1+ y ago44:24

44:24

No matter your position or professional experience, almost all of us struggle with some level of fear and anxiety around public speaking. And from internal meetings, to shortlist interviews, to conference presentations, the AEC industry is full of opportunities (and demands!) to address a group or lead a discussion. How can you break through the ne…

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Client Care, Gifts, and Swag: Hot or Not 51:17

1+ y ago51:17

51:17

It's never too early to start scheming your next client care gift. In Episode 51, Middle of Six marketing and creative strategists, Grace Takehara and Lauren Jane Peterson, share their best practices for executing a thoughtful client care gift campaign, common hurdles, and tips for choosing a gift that resonates. Through insightful anecdotes and in…

1
What Marketing and BD Need from Each Other 51:00

1+ y ago51:00

51:00

In the AEC industry, Marketing and Business Development activities are tightly linked. Since marketing plans implement the business and sales goals of the company, a successful execution of strategy demands that marketing and "BD" are in alignment and constantly communicating. In Episode 50 of The Shortlist, Middle of Six Principals Wendy Simmons, …

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Revisiting Social Media 45:58

1+ y ago45:58

45:58

We've talked about social media before, but since it's an ever-evolving communication tool we're revisiting the topic with a focus on the nitty gritty of managing your firm's social presence. To start, what do you look for in assessing your firm's current approach and what are current best practices for honing your future strategy? Understanding wh…

1
Time Management Tricks 51:39

1+ y ago51:39

51:39

The subject of time comes up in virtually every AEC marketing conversation: Time until the deadline, time needed for internal meetings, finding time for special initiatives and non-proposal marketing priorities, and so on. The effect of not having 'enough' time is a significant contributor to the stress and burn-out many AEC marketers may experienc…

1
How to Get the Most Out of a Conference 49:02

1+ y ago49:02

49:02

Conference participation is an excellent way to immerse yourself in an industry, gain exposure for your firm, and build relationships with clients and colleagues. Engaging in conferences is also a significant investment of time and resources; having a thoughtful plan to maximize your return on investment is key. Whether you are new to navigating co…

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The Road Ahead for AEC Marketing Strategies 3:24

2y ago3:24

3:24

In this special episode of AEC Marketing Strategies, I share an important and heartfelt announcement with you. After an incredible journey of three years and over 150 episodes delving into the AEC marketing world, I’m taking a brief pause from releasing new episodes. This isn’t a goodbye but the start of an exciting chapter, as I shift my focus to …

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149: The Most Popular Episode of 2023 20:16

2y ago20:16

20:16

Get ready to dive back into the most buzzworthy episode of the year! As we wrap up a fantastic 2023, I’m bringing back the show that set your marketing minds ablaze – our deep dive into ChatGPT’s transformative impact on content creation for AEC marketers. Inside this episode, you’ll discover: Why ChatGPT has become an indispensable asset in your m…

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148: The Vital Role of Mentorship for AEC Marketers 32:36

2y ago32:36

32:36

Do you remember the first time someone took you under their wing in the AEC world? Or maybe you're dreaming of being that guiding light for someone else? Well, you're in for a treat! Today, we're diving deep into the heart of mentorship in the AEC industry with the fabulous GinaRenee Autrey. She’s joining us again to spill the tea on all things men…

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147: How this CEO is Modernizing AEC Marketing 44:14

2y ago44:14

44:14

Ever been curious about the magic that marketing can bring to an AEC firm? Well, you're in for a treat. Today, we're diving into an incredible story with BJ Kraemer, the go-getter President and CEO of MCFA. BJ's not your everyday leader; his transition from military life to running a standout AEC firm is nothing short of inspiring. And guess what? …

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146: Performance Goal Examples for AEC Marketing Departments 26:38

2y ago26:38

26:38

🎯 Setting SMART performance goals in AEC marketing? Dive into this episode where I unpack the art of creating Measurable Performance Goals. 📈 Discover why hit rates & proposals don't always reflect true success and explore alternative metrics that can. 💡 From organizing information to tracking website traffic, get ready for actionable examples of g…

1
A Thanksgiving Pause: Gratitude & Greetings 1:23

2y ago1:23

1:23

Hey there, my friend! This week, I’m switching things up a bit. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, there's no new episode. Instead, I've recorded a heartfelt thank you to all of you who make this podcast what it is. Your support means the world to me, and I couldn't let this holiday pass without expressing my gratitude. So, let's take a breather, enjoy…