Jon is joined by the acclaimed writer Rachel Extance to discuss how architects can keep their practice websites engaging even between projects. They explore the concept of treating your website like a magazine, sharing six key blog ideas that can maintain interest and boost search engine rankings. Topics covered include case studies, unpacking key concepts, origin stories, sales page support articles, news stories, and event write-ups. Rachel also shares valuable tips for creating compelling blog content and the importance of tailoring content to the client's understanding level. And insights on effectively managing writing tasks. Tune in to learn how to make your architecture practice's website consistently dynamic and informative.

Today's Guest...

Rachel Extance has been writing professionally for more than 20 years, first as a journalist, and now as a copywriter and blogger. She’s always been interested in government, social justice, international development and sustainability so specialises in these areas. Her work is story-led, focused on people, and how our work interrelates to make an impact. Rachel excels at simplifying complex topics for the public and writing for different audiences.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Meet Rachel Extance: Professional Writer

03:46 Using Your Website Like a Magazine

08:32 Six Blog Ideas for Architects

09:36 Deep Dive: Case Studies

13:23 Exploring Key Concepts

19:12 The Importance of Origin Stories

22:03 Introducing the Sales Page Supporter

28:04 Using Pinterest for Your Architecture Business

29:03 Sharing News Stories on Your Website

30:48 Developing Case Studies and Interlinking Content

33:32 Incorporating Events into Your Blog

35:25 Tips for Writing Effective Blog Articles

39:56 Travel Inspirations and Personal Insights

41:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Key Takeaways...

Share Your Knowledge: You have lots of stories and experiences that can help others. Share them on your website in blog posts. This way, people can learn from you and trust you more.

Explain Your Work: Many people don't understand what architects do. By writing about how you solve problems and create amazing designs, you can help clients see why they should choose you.

Keep Your Website Updated: Adding new stories and news to your website shows that you are active and reliable. This helps you rank higher on search engines and keeps you in the minds of potential clients.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Learn more about Rachel’s Writing Club

Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn

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Resources…

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Jon is joined by imposter syndrome life coach and fire engineer Jason McDaid. The discussion dives into the widespread issue of imposter syndrome, which affects 78% of professionals. Jason shares actionable strategies to combat this debilitating self-doubt, explains its core traits, and discusses the impact it has on individuals, particularly in the architecture and engineering sectors. He also opens up about his personal struggles and the coping mechanisms that people adopt. Additionally, the episode offers practical tools to reframe negative thoughts and underscores the importance of understanding that you're not alone in feeling like an imposter.

Today's Guest...

Jason McDaid is a fire engineer and a life coach specialising in imposter syndrome and the impact this is having on professionals working in the construction industry. He provides 1 on 1 coaching, and in-person imposter syndrome workshops called The 78% Club, 78% being the first stat that he heard about how many people experience imposter thoughts and feelings during their career.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:38 Meet Jason McDaid

04:54 Defining Imposter Syndrome

08:26 Why Imposter Syndrome is So Common

11:52 Different Competence Types

15:52 Coping Mechanisms and Their Impact

20:16 Imposter Syndrome in Architecture and Engineering

25:10 Competence and Mistakes in the Workplace

26:01 Understanding Imposter Syndrome

26:36 Healthy Self-Doubt vs. Imposter Syndrome

29:19 Personal Story of Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

32:10 Tools to Combat Imposter Syndrome

33:27 Reframing Negative Thoughts

39:13 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

42:32 Travel and Nature Experiences

45:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

Key Takeaways...

Imposter syndrome is very common. You're not alone in feeling like a fraud sometimes; 78% of professionals experience similar thoughts at some point in their career. This realisation can help you feel less isolated.

Imposter syndrome can show up in different ways. You might procrastinate, avoid putting yourself forward, or switch jobs frequently. Recognising how it affects you personally can be the first step in tackling it.

Reframing your thoughts can help. Asking yourself questions to challenge negative thoughts can change how you see your skills and achievements. This can make a big difference in how you handle feelings of self-doubt.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Visit Jason’s Website

—--

Want to explore podcasting for your business?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Interested in joining our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating...

Jon addresses the challenging question of whether it's time for you to quit your architecture business. He explores indicators that might suggest it's time for you to step away, such as changes in the market, personal circumstances, and diminishing passion. He explores the emotional aspects of closing your business and reframes the concept of failure as a learning opportunity. Offering three potential paths—staying the course, stopping, or starting something new—Jon provides actionable insights and personal anecdotes, encouraging you to carefully consider your options before making any big decisions about your business.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

02:11 Signs It's Time to Quit Your Business

05:15 Reframing Failure: Learning from Setbacks

07:14 Evaluating Your Business: Freedom, Flexibility, and Fulfillment

09:21 Options: Stay, Stop, or Start Something New

10:44 Jon's Personal Experience: Struggles and Realisations

17:01 The Power of Pivoting: Embracing Change

22:42 Conclusion: Making the Right Decision for You

24:16 Outro: Next Episode and Final Thoughts

Key Takeaways...

Think About Changing:

If your architecture business is no longer working and it's making you sad or tired, it might be time to think about changing something. This can mean trying a new idea or offering different services.

Closing Your Business Is Not Failure:

If you close your business, it doesn’t mean you failed. Think of it as learning from what didn’t work and moving on to something new. It’s okay to stop something that makes you unhappy.

You Have Options:

You can choose to keep your business going, close it, or start something new. It’s important to take time to think about what you really want and make a plan that is best for you.

—--

Want to explore podcasting for your business?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Interested in joining our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…

Please leave a 5-star review or rating wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an episode.

In The Next Episode...

Next time we’re joined by Jason McDaid to explore how we can normalise impostor syndrome.