From The Desk Of:
Enoch Bartlett Sears, AIA
Founder, Business of Architecture

Dear Architect,

If you are in charge of bringing in the work for your firm, this may be the most important web page you read all year.

I know this is a bold statement, but let me explain by sharing the story of an architect that we work with, whose challenges may be similar to yours. In fact, I've experienced the same issues as a licensed architect in California.

Architect Eric Catalano from Adelaide Australia found he was constantly having to justify his fees to potential clients - it was like he was on trial.

"I had to cut my fees in order to get the work," he writes. "I couldn't work out what I was doing wrong".

"I was giving away gold for lead".

It felt like he was always haggling over fees.

Clients didn't understand (or value) the expertise and value he brought to the table.

Projects came in fits and starts.

It was always feast or famine.

But it wasn't just his work life that was suffering.

He was losing steam. His reward wasn't in balance with his effort.

And not only that - his marriage started to suffer.

He questioned whether being an architect was right for him...and more importantly - for his family.

It didn't have to be that way.

There is a better way.

In our recent survey of over 500 architects we uncovered some shocking statistics:

Having no systematic marketing and sales process leaves these architects at the mercy of 'whatever happens'.

They constantly wonder (and worry) about where the next project will come from.

They work on projects that are beneath their potential.

They put up with clients who don't understand the value of good architecture.

Instead of being 'in-demand' they feel 'invisible'.

They chase clients (instead of clients chasing them).

Most importantly (this is what really hurts), they live far below their potential to make this world a more enjoyable, beautiful and livable place.

They tell themselves, "I'll focus on marketing later. I'm too busy now".

But later never comes.

And nothing ever changes.

Why Do Projects Come In Fits And Starts?

Many believe it's because of the economy.

Or too much competition.

Or that people don't appreciate good design.

While all of these may be true, none of them is the real reason why architects don't bring in more good projects.

The real reason is that even good architects don't know how to market themselves effectively.

Don't worry, this isn't your fault!

From the moment we start architecture school, we are spoon-fed the myth that 'all you need to do is do good work'.

The design media propagates this myth.

Unfortunately, it simply isn't true.

McDonald's doesn't make the best burgers, and Pizza Hut doesn't make the best pizza - but they are the best marketers and because of that they have the most successful business (and make the biggest impact).

It's Time For You To Become An In-Demand Architect

Architect Mona Quinn started out like most - exceptionally talented, a great architect, out on her own - but struggling to land good projects...scraping by on remodels and 'bread and butter' projects.

She wanted more for her practice but lacked a road map on how to get there.

Then she attended a live marketing seminar put on by architect marketing super-star Richard Petrie.

The seed of an idea was planted.

Could this work for her? Could this non-salesy marketing system work for an architect? For a new start-up firm?

She didn't think so and she let Richard know.

But something inside her wouldn't let her rest (I call it her good fortune).

Fortunately, she met with Richard and took the leap - signing up for a $1500/month contract (this was a HUGE investment in her early days and a big leap of faith).

It was the best business decision she's ever made.

(Now I'm not suggesting you pay a fee like that - you can get the same system for a ridiculously low price - read on.)

For six months Mona and Richard worked to create an effective marketing system for her practice that practically runs on autopilot.

That was two years ago.

Now she loves being an 'in-demand' architect.

She never wants to go back to feeling like 'just another' architect.

She likes feeling special.

She likes charging higher fees and being sought after by clients.

She likes hearing the phone ring with people who want to work with her specifically (not just people 'looking for some drawings').

And the best part - she loves working with people who appreciate good design and are willing to pay for it.

This is what it is like to be an 'in-demand' architect.

Are you getting this?

Now - what if you could have the same system that Mona is using implemented for your practice - at a fraction of the cost?

And instead of spending six months setting it up, what if you could have the basic framework up and running in under 2 weeks?

Are you following me?

What is the Architects Marketing System?

Think of Architects Marketing as your outsourced marketing department.

We bring our client-getting expertise, proven systems, templates, scripts, and coaching to you for pennies on the dollar compared to what you'd have pay for a full-fledged marketing agency.

Specifically, the System gives you:

1. A lead capture page that automatically sends contacts to your lead nurturing and automated follow up system.
2. An automated follow up system that nurtures potential clients until they are ready to move ahead (pre-loaded and configured with our proven follow up messsages).
3. An automated booking system that lets potential clients book a meeting with you - without ever having to waste your time by speaking on the phone.
4. The Architects Marketing Academy - a training course teaching you how to be the best marketer of architectural services in your market.
5. Strategic coaching in the form of group Question and Answer calls to help you master your local market.
6. A member's website where you can learn what is working (and not working) for other architects in similar markets.
7. Our support team on staff to help you will your marketing materials and questions.
8. Access to our vault of prewritten marketing collateral including informational reports and brochures, newsletters, scripts and client questionnaires- a complete 'sales system' in a box.

Here's how it works:

You Don't Have To Take My Word For It!

Recently my kids have been catching up on re-runs of "Reading Rainbow" - an old favorite of mine from when I was a kid.

On that show Levar Burton famously said, "But you don't have to take my word for it!".

Well, with our program you don't have to take my word for it, because you can take the System for a no-risk test drive for 28 days.

The Incredible 100% ROI Money Back Guarantee

By its very definition, a business investment should pay for itself, many times over. That's why we offer a 12-month, complete money-back guarantee.

If you’ve actively used the system and haven’t recouped your original investment in signed new clients – let us know. We’ll refund your all of your money without hassle or hesitation.

Are we crazy? Only partially. I will say that you'll be crazy not to try this System out.

We're confident that you'll get results, if you use the System.

If, after 12 months you’ve actively used the System and implemented the strategies outlined in the Architects Marketing Academy, but haven’t made back your original investment in new billings because of the System, you are entitled to a full refund.