List 5 Reasons to Hire You

How many different architecture firms can you name? How about interior design companies, construction companies, design-build firms, real estate professionals, or building products suppliers? Now, how many of them offer the same services (or products) that you do?

With so many service professionals to choose from, how does a prospect differentiate you from your competition? Give potential clients five reasons to choose you:

1. Identify your niche market - your specialty. You don't have to practice this market exclusively, but you should be able to identify what you're best at.
2. Identify your prospect's needs and fears, and let them know how you will ease their pain.
3. Explain your approach to problem solving.
4. Outline the unique backgrounds and experiences of your employees, focusing on their unique perspective in the building industry, and let prospects know how your employees will be part of the solution.
5. If I gave $5000 to you and three of your competitors, how would your solution to my problem be different?

Thank You & Happy Holidays

In this season of celebration, I just wanted to express my appreciation for your support of Building Industry Resources. This year has brought new relationships and opportunities to connect and share information with thousands of professionals in a variety of ways. Whether you read our newsletters or blog, attended one of our workshops, downloaded our resource materials, emailed, connected on social networking sites, called, or contracted our services, communicating and working with you is truly a blessing.

Thank you! You are the reason Building Industry Resources exists – to encourage and assist you in achieving your business and career goals, empowering you to be the best.

Although this past year brought challenges to many, I am excited to think of the possibilities of 2010. The New Year promises new beginnings, innovation, and creative collaboration. Let’s look forward to an increase in projects, new partnerships, and business-building opportunities.

Wishing you peace, joy, great memories, and dreams fulfilled this holiday season and throughout the New Year!

Karen A. Davis
Building Industry Resources

Do-it-yourself Career Tactics

I’ve met lots of good people lately. Good, talented, hard-working people who are looking for jobs or consulting opportunities, and some who may have temporarily thrown in the towel.

In the face of lay-offs, downsizing, unemployment and underemployment, a professional has to continue to move forward – and that means setting the wheels in motion to create his or her own career opportunities.

What services do you offer? Tell everyone you know. If they can’t use them at the time, they may know someone who can. (Send me an e-mail at kadavis@buildingsource.net so I know, too.)

Network and keep in contact with positive people, sharing and trading ideas. Yesterday, I had coffee with my friend, interior designer Kiana Doggan-German. Our meeting generated ideas for collaboration, not only between the two of us, but also for the larger building industry community. You’ll hear more about that shortly.

Here are five articles that provide more strategies for opening the opportunity pipeline:

1) You are your best brand advocate

2) Are you communicating your career brand?

3) They tell you you’re over-qualified. Here’s a solution.

4) Tell your network what you need

5) 8 Ways to Stay Marketing-minded During a Recession