Jeffrey,
You're in good company as an introvert - the vast majority of architects are, myself included.
Great comment from Michael.
Here are a few suggestions for marketing as an introvert based on my own experience:
1. Expand your network organically, instead of cold-calling. Ask your current project contacts who you work with on a daily basis who they know that you should know, and can they provide an introduction? Just tell them you're looking to expand your network.
2. Keep a list of your important contacts (in terms of getting work) and when you last contacted them. Drop them an email occasionally to check in. Like and comment on their social media posts (if they are on social media).
3. If you want to speed things up, spearhead an office newsletter and use the newsletter as an excuse to interview potential prospects. It's a good opportunity to meet them in a non-salesy, non-threatening (even fun) way. Interview them on their topic of expertise. For instance, if you do Higher Ed work, interview a facility director at a University where you want to work. That way they know you.
4. Connect over social media. Find out what social media they use, if any, and like, comment and share what they post. Get interested in them.
5. Send a thank you card weekly to someone in your network congratulating them, complimenting them or just keeping in touch.
6. Focus on one-on-one interactions where you might be more comfortable.
7. Although it might be painful, take a course that exercises your "extrovert" muscle, like Toastmasters or a Dale Carnegie course.
8. Recognize the strength of being an introvert - I've found that people trust you more readily because you're more apt to listen than talk.
9. Content marketing is great for introverts - create some thought leadership content around what you do and share it with your network.
Lastly, if you're not currently in firm ownership, make sure you keep the owners apprised of how you're helping the firm grow!
Hope that helps.
Enoch
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Enoch Sears AIA
I help architecture firm owners build a firm that powers their creative success
Business of Architecture
Go here to discover how to earn more on your next architecture firm proposal:
https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/business/write-killer-architecture-proposal/------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-29-2020 17:41
From: Jeffrey Hammond
Subject: Marketing For Introverts
These days I'm being asked to do more marketing... and I'm an introvert
As a classic introvert I'm curious to see how other introverts are handling marketing for services these days.
What tip and what tools are being used out there?
Anything would be helpful
Thanks
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Jeffrey Hammond AIA
Senior Project Manager
Diekema Hamann Architecture + Engineering
Grandville MI
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