Architecture Business Club with Jon Clayton

In this episode of Architecture Business Club, hosted by Jon Clayton, productivity mentor Louise Miller joins to discuss a new definition of productivity that focuses on doing what's important rather than doing more in less time. Key topics include the importance of creating space over relying on systems, how productivity begins before taking action, and why recognising capacity can prevent burnout. The episode also explores practical strategies like taking a pause to reassess goals and the benefits of changing environments. Louise's insights are aimed at helping business owners achieve more with a sense of fulfilment and well-being.Today’s GuestLouise Miller is a productivity mentor, the founder of Make It Happen Club and host of the Unfrazzle podcast. She’s on a mission to change the world by helping her clients change the world. She partners with coaches, consultants and community-builders who have a big, exciting vision, helping them land their ideas in reality, reach more people and make a bigger impact, whilst being kind to themselves along the way.—Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to Productivity00:42 Meet Louise Miller01:30 Challenging Traditional Productivity02:26 The Importance of Doing What's Important03:21 The Busy Trap04:34 Productivity Before Action04:45 The Treehouse Analogy09:32 The Progress Cycle10:56 Space vs. Systems11:47 The Chaos of Systems14:23 The Emotional Weight of Productivity15:52 The Vicious Cycle of To-Do Lists17:04 Six Pillars of Productivity17:44 The Life-Friendly Approach19:01 The Rhythm of Productivity19:30 The Neuroscience of Productivity22:50 The Real Reasons for Not Getting Things Done25:23 The Power of the Treehouse29:49 Final Thoughts and Resources—Key TakeawaysPrioritise Space and Reflection Over Constant ActionTrue productivity is not about relentless activity or doing more in less time, but about creating space to pause, reflect, and make intentional choices. Taking time to step back. Louise’s “treehouse” analogy allows for clarity, better decision-making, and prevents the cycle of busywork and burnout.Focus on What’s Important, Not Just What’s UrgentProductivity isn’t simply ticking off tasks. Instead, it’s about identifying and working on what truly matters, rather than being caught up in the “busy trap”. This means aligning your actions with your values and long-term goals, and letting go of tasks that do not serve your bigger purpose.Systems Are Secondary to Self-Awareness and CapacityWhile productivity systems and tools can be helpful, they are not a cure-all. If you’re overwhelmed or unclear, new systems will only organise your chaos. The real key is self-awareness: understanding your own needs, capacity, and life context, and building a rhythm of regular reflection. Productivity is personal. Experiment to find what works for you, and don’t feel broken if someone else’s method doesn’t fit.—Connect with Louise Miller on LinkedIn 🤝Take Louise’s Productivity Quiz 🖥️Curious about podcasting? Click here to book a chat with Jon 🎧Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝—👇 And if you enjoyed this episode…Please leave a...

Want to streamline your least favourite tasks? In this episode of Architecture Business Club, host Jon Clayton explores innovative ways to leverage AI for automating routine and time-consuming tasks in architecture. Joined by Bryon McCartney, CEO of Archmark, the discussion covers identifying tasks AI can optimise, the Teach framework for deciding what to automate, and practical tips for training AI to match your unique tone. Bryon shares insights on creating efficient workflows using AI, recounts his experiences enhancing his agency's profitability through AI integration, and underscores the importance of starting small for those new to AI. Additionally, the episode details Bryon's approach to building an AI-powered advisory board and a successful workshop using AI tools, emphasising the role of AI in freeing up time for creative and strategic work.Today’s GuestToday's guest is Bryon McCartney, CEO of Archmark, a leading business coaching, branding, and marketing firm working exclusively with architecture firms. Bryon has more than 35 years of experience and has led digital marketing initiatives for Calvin Klein, General Motors Europe, Lipton Foods, and many others. He has founded and led six successful creative service firms since 2002 and has helped more than 5,000 architects transform their practices. He's the only Business Made Simple, Small Business Flight School, and StoryBrand certified coach serving the architecture industry, and he's on a mission to help 10,000 firm leaders by 2030.—Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction: Tackling Your To-Do List with AI00:47 Welcome to Architecture Business Club01:06 Meet Bryon McCartney: Transforming Architecture Firms01:51 The Power of AI in Architecture05:42 Identifying Tasks for AI Automation06:04 Streamlining Meeting Notes and Emails with AI11:20 The TEACH Framework for AI Automation14:37 Treating AI Like a Summer Intern20:17 Balancing Instructions for AI21:14 Five-Step Formula for Writing AI Prompts22:59 Creating a Blog Post with AI24:39 Structuring Your AI Prompts25:15 Avoiding Common AI Pitfalls26:11 AI's Impact on Agency Profitability26:32 Early Experiences with AI27:13 Adopting AI Tools in Business28:07 Streamlining Client Onboarding with AI29:54 AI-Powered Workshops and Presentations31:29 Efficiency Gains and Profitability Boost31:49 Using AI in Podcast Production32:40 Building an AI Advisory Board35:38 Getting Started with AI39:10 Choosing the Right AI Tools41:00 Creating AI-Powered Workshops46:05 Final Thoughts on AI Integration50:15 Connecting with Bryon McCartney—Key TakeawaysView AI as a powerful tool to free up your time by automating repetitive and routine tasks. By letting AI handle admin, meeting notes, and standard email responses, you can focus more on creative and strategic work that you truly enjoy.You need to approach AI like you would a summer intern: provide clear instructions, context, and feedback. AI is not a magic solution; it requires you to define what a good result looks like and to iterate, refining your prompts and expectations as you go.You will benefit most from AI if you start small, choosing tasks you know well and can clearly explain. As you build confidence, you can gradually integrate AI into more areas of your work and life, ultimately gaining a competitive edge and improving your efficiency.—Connect with Bryon McCartney on LinkedIn 🤝Learn more about our guest’s services...

Jon Clayton and guest Louise Brogan discuss the importance and strategic use of LinkedIn company pages. You’ll learn the distinct roles of LinkedIn profiles and company pages, how to properly set up and manage a company page, and the type of content to post. Louise shares valuable insights on leveraging a company's LinkedIn page to boost visibility, attract talent, and enhance credibility. The episode also covers how small business owners and larger teams can optimise their LinkedIn presence and the reasons behind these strategies.Today’s GuestLouise Brogan is a Consultant, YouTuber, Podcaster and International speaker. Louise works with small businesses and professionals who want to raise their visibility on LinkedIn and YouTube. She is also a Small Business Champion in the UK. Her proudest work moments are meeting the King at Buckingham Palace in recognition of her work and getting her coveted silver play button for YouTube.—Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to LinkedIn Company Pages01:23 Understanding LinkedIn Profiles vs. LinkedIn Company Pages02:08 Creating a LinkedIn Company Page03:19 The Importance of Company Branding07:40 SEO Benefits of LinkedIn Company Pages08:03 Optimising Your LinkedIn Company Page08:50 LinkedIn's AI and Algorithm Updates10:04 Filling Out Your Company Page Details10:18 The Value of Company Values13:49 Posting on Your LinkedIn Company Page14:38 LinkedIn Company Page Content Strategy for Solopreneurs16:36 Balancing LinkedIn Personal Profiles and LinkedIn Company Pages17:38 Leveraging Your Team for LinkedIn Success18:25 Client Success Stories22:43 Project-Based Content Ideas for LinkedIn24:38 Employee Advocacy on LinkedIn25:25 LinkedIn Training and Workshops26:00 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways28:39 Free Resources and Conclusion—Key TakeawaysEstablish a LinkedIn Company Page for Professional CredibilityEven if you are a sole trader or a small business, having a LinkedIn company page is essential. It allows you to showcase your brand, display your logo, and provide a professional 'shop front' for potential clients and collaborators. This increases your chances of being discovered by your target audience and lends credibility to your business.Maintain Consistent and Strategic PostingRegularly update your company page, ideally once a week or at least fortnightly, to demonstrate that your business is active and engaged. Share project updates, company news, and team achievements. Remember to write posts from the company’s perspective, which differs from the more personal tone used on individual profiles.Empower and Involve Your Team in AdvocacyEncourage your team members to engage with and share company page content on their own LinkedIn networks. Explain the purpose and benefits of this advocacy, as it amplifies your reach and can generate more leads and business opportunities. Providing guidance and training ensures everyone understands how to contribute effectively.—Connect with Louise Brogan on LinkedIn 🤝Get Louise’s Free LinkedIn Success Guide 🖥️Curious about podcasting? Click here to book a chat with Jon 🎧Follow or Connect with Jon on...

Jon discusses the importance of personal branding with expert Christine Gritmon. Christine breaks down what personal branding is, why it matters, especially for solopreneurs and small business owners, and shares her five-part Inside Out personal branding methodology: Purpose, Passion, Person, Personality, and Personal Brand. The conversation delves into the significance of authenticity, how to make a memorable impression, and offers practical exercises for identifying and leveraging your unique gifts. The episode concludes with actionable tips for starting to develop an authentic personal brand today.Today’s GuestWe’re joined by Christine Gritmon - Christine reconnects solopreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners with their purpose and passions for a more aligned personal brand that’s joyful, authentic, and impossible to ignore! She’s spoken on stages worldwide and is a frequent expert guest on podcasts, live streams, chats, and blog posts, as well as hosting her own podcast, Let’s Talk About Brand.—Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction00:42 Meet Christine Gritmon01:15 What really is Personal Branding?02:03 Personal Branding Misconceptions04:11 Why Personal Branding Matters So Much05:40 Building Trust Through Branding06:13 The Power of Authenticity11:44 The Inside Out Branding Framework12:05 Purpose and Passion15:25 Identifying Your Gifts20:42 How You Show Up In The World21:57 The Role of Personality23:50 Expanding Your Personal Brand24:38 Jon's Gift28:24 Leading with Your Gifts29:35 Christine's Personal Branding Evolution30:30 The Flexibility of Personal Branding31:15 Embracing Your Unique Gifts32:22 Final Takeaways on Personal Branding32:52 Connecting with Christine Gritmon—Key TakeawaysBe authentic and true to yourselfYour personal brand should come from who you really are, not from trying to fit into someone else’s idea of success. When you show your true self, people are more likely to trust you and remember you.Lead with your unique giftsEveryone has something special to offer. Focus on the skills and qualities that make you different, and use them in your work. This not only helps you stand out, but also makes your brand flexible if you change direction in the future.Your personal brand goes further than you doA strong personal brand can open doors and create opportunities, even when you are not in the room. The impression you leave with others can travel far, helping your reputation and bringing new connections your way.—Click here to connect with Christine on LinkedIn 🤝Click here to learn more about Christine Gritmon 🖥️Ready to start podcasting? Click here to book a chat with Jon 🎧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.—Next EpisodeNext time Jon chats with Louise Brogan about getting more from your LinkedIn company page.

In this episode of the Architecture Business Club podcast, host Jon Clayton reflects on the podcast's impact and announces several upcoming changes aimed at broadening its audience and improving content delivery. Key changes include the transition to both audio and video formats, a shift to fortnightly episode releases, and a tighter editing process to focus on core topics. Jon also discusses the possibility of releasing video versions of past episodes and explores securing a long-term sponsor that aligns with the show's mission. Listeners are encouraged to provide feedback on these updates and suggest potential sponsorship partners.—Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction01:01 New Audio and Video Formats02:01 Content and Format Adjustments05:25 Editing and Production Process07:05 Release Schedule Update08:48 Focus on Interview-Based Episodes10:57 Exploring New Podcast Ideas11:27 Sponsorship and Ads15:22 Summary and Conclusion—Key TakeawaysThe importance of adaptability: The episode demonstrates how being flexible and open to change can help you overcome unexpected challenges and seize new opportunities.Effective communication is key: Clear, honest, and timely communication between all parties involved helps to prevent misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is aligned towards common goals.Continuous learning drives progress: Embracing a mindset of ongoing learning and self-improvement allows for personal and professional growth, keeping individuals and organisations competitive in a rapidly evolving environment.—Subscribe on YouTube (for upcoming video episodes!) 📺Send a Voicemail to the show (we listen to every message!) 📢Curious about podcasting? Click here to book a chat with Jon 🎧Want to meet people like you? Click here to join our community waitlist 🤝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.—Next EpisodeNext time Jon chats with Christine Gritmon about personal branding.