Top 10 New Year’s ResolutionsTen Ways to Make Your Life as an AEC MarketerMore Peaceful, Productive and Healthy in 2016

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#10 Spend More Time With Family

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Are proposal deadlines keeping you from spending time with your family?

Start submitting on only the projects you can win. Refine your Go/No Process. Track resources, win rates, and ROI to make subjective decisions. Do Research. Make sure that when you submit, every word you write is focused on the client.

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STOP! The best way to win more work is to submit fewer proposals.

#9 Fall in Lovecc: MOHSEN MaSoUmI - https://www.flickr.com/photos/8323744@N08

Are you passionate about your career?

Discover your “Why?”The purpose, cause, or belief that would enable you love your job. If you can’t live your passion where you are, consider a move.

https://www.startwithwhy.com/

“Imagine a world where people wake up inspired to go to work”

– Simon Sinek

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#8 Help Others with Their Dreamscc: puntxote - https://www.flickr.com/photos/32432770@N06

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

- Winston Churchill

• Look for someone new to the industry who would benefit from your knowledge. Mentor them.

• Find a philanthropic organization that serves a cause you are passionate about. Donate and serve.

• Reassess the value of time vs. quality time. Coach your child’s soccer team or volunteer in the classroom. Show up for family dinners. Have a game night.

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#7 Quit Smokingcc: Joaquin Villaverde Photography - https://www.flickr.com/photos/46078235@N03

Withdrawing from nicotine is tough. It can cause emotional insecurity and self doubt. But these feelings aren’t unique to those giving up cigarettes.

Instead of reaching for a cookie, pick up a pen and write. Journaling daily has been proven to reduce stress. Write down your ideas, frustrations, fears, and reasons to be grateful. It will make you feel better.

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The Anxious Americans, New York Times, 7/18/15

“Americans are a pretty anxious people. Nearly one in five of us – 18 percent - has an

anxiety disorder.”- New York Times

#6 Learn Something Excitingcc: Shawn-Tron - https://www.flickr.com/photos/32020938@N07

Embrace the new era of marketing.

“In this new era of marketing, unique, impactful, differentiating content-driven experiences will become as important as product

development. Successful marketers will adapt and change in a constantly evolving media operation that focuses on creating delightful

experiences to inform, entertain, engage, and evolve the customer.”- Content Marketing Institute

Content Marketing Institutecc: InsideOut Today - Always Startup - https://www.flickr.com/photos/76608681@N07

#5 Stay Fit and Healthy

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Did you know sitting is the new smoking?

Practice 10 Healthy Work Habits – Cleveland Clinic Wellness

Here are five healthy work habits that will decrease your stress, increase your productivity, and keep your spine healthy.•Take a Break•Master New Skills•Use the Stairs•Leave work at the office•Don’t sit still

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#4 Enjoy Life to the Fullest

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As the saying goes…all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.Use your accumulated vacation time.

41% of Americans don’t take their paid time off. This is a liability taken on by US businesses of $224 billion.

http://fortune.com/2015/05/01/paid-time-off-vacation/

“We had someone die in the office – DIE IN THE OFFICE – last year. She was pushing herself to come to work because she …

could not afford to take unpaid time off” - Administrative worker at a New York City Law Firm

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#3 Spend Less, Save More

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High growth firms grow 9x faster, are 50% more profitable, and spend less on marketing and sales.

- Hinge Marketing

Favored marketing initiatives of high growth firms:•Prioritize getting good people•Have a brand story•Focus on client needs and priorities, not selling•Pursue a well-defined group of target prospects

Marketing initiatives of firms that are struggling to grow.•Submit a lot of proposals regardless of whether or not they can win.

Hinge Marketing, Spiraling Upcc: Tax Credits - https://www.flickr.com/photos/76657755@N04

Most professional services firms market themselves inefficiently.

#2 Get Organized

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High growth firms make plans and follow them.

In order to make content marketing a component of your overall business plan, you must summarize key strategic information and create a content calendar.

Consistency and focus establishyour path to success.

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#1 Lose Weightcc: Camera Eye Photography - https://www.flickr.com/photos/22605449@N06

Marketing content isn’t judged by the pound.With so much content pouring into our in-

boxes, Twitter feeds, and LinkedIn pages, we only skim the surface, giving content a “taste

test” before determining if we want a big bowl of it.

Be visible and memorable! • Publish content that is relevant to your target client profile. • Use concise text, compelling images, and engaging headlines. • Don’t forget SEO - integrate keywords.

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If you want to find out more about how to keep these resolutions, go to www.dbcreates.com to sign up to receive my upcoming series of relating to elevating your marketing in 2016.