Construction Genius

Marketing is how you get your ideal client to know you, like you, and trust you enough to do business with you. In today's episode, I welcome Allan Dib, an established marketer and entrepreneur with over twenty years of experience in the field. His marketing expertise has helped many companies build better marketing plans. He and I discuss the importance of knowing what your clients need, how understanding the "client journey" is vital to shaping your marketing message, why branding and design isn't necessary to successful marketing, and much much more. Listen to this episode and learn essential tips to strengthen your marketing strategy and attract your ideal clients. What's Discussed in This Episode: What is marketing [02:00] Defining the ideal client [02:26] The principle of unequal dollar [04:30] General messages vs specific messages [06:36] Addressing what the client is looking for [07:15] Turning information into a message which attracts the right customers [06:14] Role of testing and effective marketing [08:50] How to emphasize the message to the target audience [08:09] Distinguishing marketing from sales [10:41] Results-oriented content marketing [13:16] Thinking ahead and looking at touch points [13:57] How marketing works in the construction industry [12:39] Biggest mistake people make with their marketing strategy [16:14] Focus on a specialization [17:49] Become an educator and take on the leadership role [18:20] Engaging in content creation [18:55] How to stand out from the crowd [17:35] Setting metrics to measure growth or productivity [21:07] Hiring a marketing coordinator [19:40] Action plans to kickstart your marketing [22:56] About the Guest: Allan Dib is an outstanding entrepreneur and marketer who specializes in providing marketing advice, strategies, and options for different businesses. Over the years, he has helped more than 250,000 businesses find the perfect marketing solution and plan suitable for their company. He has experience in email marketing, team building, and business consulting—all of which make him an excellent person to ask marketing questions to. Resources: Allan Dib Website (https://successwise.com/) You can reach Allan Dib through his email: (allan@successwise.com) Allan's restaurant recommendation: Nirankar (https://nirankar.com.au/) Books mentioned in this episode: The 1-Page Marketing Plan: Get New Customers, Make More Money, And Stand out From The Crowd by Allan Dib (https://www.amazon.com/1-Page-Marketing-Plan-Customers-Money/dp/1989025013/) Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

When your business grows, challenging situations of all sorts arise. How can you effortlessly lead your business through growth pains and achieve long-term success? In today's episode, I am joined by Claire Chandler, a professional consultant with years of experience in the field. We discuss why growing pains happen in the business, how to adapt well to the growth, and why culture is the foundation of any successful business. She will provide a framework that helps businesses find the right path towards success. So, join us today to learn more about effortlessly leading your business through growth pains. What's Discussed in This Episode: Why do companies struggle during growth period [02:06] When do entrepreneurs begin to see growth in the company [03:16] Employees are informed by the culture [05:13] Cultural gap can be detrimental for the business [06:21] Culture is the bedrock of your business [04:34] New talents provide feedback [08:30] Hiring the first and right person for the job [10:47] Maintaining core culture while adapting to growth [07:11] Acknowledging the needs of the owner [15:03] Using assessments [15:54] Process of finding compatible individuals to be part of the company [14:24] Getting the ideas out [19:03] Having a sounding board [19:54] Using and scheduling "thinking time" [21:21] How busy entrepreneurs utilize thinking time [24:40] The consequences of a company going in circles and how to address them [17:27] Finding the founder's sweet spot [31:15] Effective things to help get into the growth path [26:56] Why looking at the past is essential for the business [32:53] How to encourage entrepreneurs to follow their goals [35:50] Handling employees who are not on the same path with the entrepreneur [39:27] How to get on the healthy growth path in 30,60,90 days [42:00] Powerful questions to push the progress of the company [44:50] About the Guest: Claire Chandler, a seasoned author and speaker, is on a mission to help C-level executives find success and overcome bottling issues caused by the business expansions and growth. She has communicated with small and large companies in the industry to provide professional input for their business structure. Resources: Claire Chandler Website (https://www.clairechandler.net/) and (https://www.profitableswagger.com/) Claire's restaurant recommendation: DiMaio's (http://www.dimaios.com/) Innermetrix Website (https://innermetrix.com/) Books mentioned in this episode: Leading Beyond a Crisis (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1777256313?pf_rd_r=7RFF4QPCAWHQ3KV0F8KR&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee) The Whirlpool Effect (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DNRSVLL/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i1) Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

We all want clients to do business with us over the course of many years and this surely is not an easy feat as we know that clients come and go. If we want loyal clients, it is essential that we strive to build good relationships on a deeper level. Who you are as a person will contribute a lot to achieving long-term client relationships because if they like you, if they trust you, they are sure to do business with you - be it thirty years or more! This week's Construction Genius podcast episode delves into what building relationships with clients mean and what it entails. Our guest, Cody Lowry, shares how he maintains good relationships with clients even to the point where he's already considered family. Cody and I also discuss what having a personal brand is and how it affects businesses, how construction executives can build their personal brand, and a lot more. Tune in to this episode today! What's Discussed in This Episode: Building business on relationships [1:44] Dealing with clients and addressing issues [4:10] A thirty-year long relationship [5:38] How to develop your personal brand [8:45] Build your personal brand [7:53] Connecting with your clients on a deeper level [10:12] The role of persistence and determination in long-term relationships [14:42] Involve employees in the process [16:37] Why people struggle in building relationships [18:02] Working amidst the pandemic [19:39] Staying relevant later on in the career [22:03] Lessons from a young professional [22:49] About the Guest: Cody Lowry is the President of Intermark Group's Automotive and Retail Division. He is also the author of 'Schmooze: What They Should Teach at Harvard Business School'. People who know Cody would describe him as unique, authentic, genuine, and very funny. He is known as someone who walks the talk. These attributes have helped him forge client relationships that are decades long. Resources: Reach Cody at LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-lowry-63a339a/) Books mentioned in this episode: Schmooze: What They Should Teach at Harvard Business School (https://amzn.to/2K115bD) Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

Would you like to overcome distraction and discouragement, and stay focused on executing your leadership responsibilities? Define a compelling vision and mission. Commit to a strong ethical code. Understand and leverage your unique skill set. Clarify your top initiatives, and be accountable for their execution. Cultivate relationships inside and outside your company, and continue to work on your own personal development. If that sounds like a lot, it is! Fortunately there are resources available to help, like The Construction Leaders Dashboard. The Dashboard is a simple tool construction executives use to clarify eight areas vital to their success. In this episode of Construction Genius, I'll explain each area of the Dashboard, and using a real-world example show you how you can take this tool and use it to enhance your leadership. Interested to know more about the Construction Leaders Dashboard? Tune in to this episode now! What's Discussed in This Episode: Hallmarks of a great leader [02:33] Know their goals [02:40] Know the reason for their goals [02:55] Clear identity [03:48] Know what sets them apart [04:48] Reports everyday [05:12] Measures how to be successful [05:44] Sees the importance of relationships [06:18] Seeks growth and development [07:02] Clarity [09:10] Focus [09:44] Keeps one grounded [10:04] Accountability [10:56] Consistency [11:08] Benefits of having a dashboard [07:57] What is vision? [12:41] Set your company's mission [14:44] Values define your behavior [16:00] Edge: what sets you apart [17:57] Initiatives that help you focus [22:46] Metrics [25:17] Relationships and success [27:00] Development opportunities to be better [30:06] What's in a leaders' dashboard [11:39] The need for a leadership dashboard [32:00] Resources: Download your own version of the Construction Leader's Dashboard www.ericanderton.com/cld For your executive coaching needs, visit my website and contact me https://www.ericanderton.com/contact/ Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

There are several ways to describe an effective leader. A leader can be strong, passionate, and humble. While all of these traits are essential to leadership success, there is something in leader humility that makes it unique. In today's episode, our guest, Marilyn Gist and I discuss what leader humility is and what it is not. Marilyn also explains how humility bridges the power disparity between leaders and employees by making their employees feel seen and heard. She cites real-world examples of how humility has been an effective aid in solving crisis situations in global companies such as Ford and Costco. Learn more about humility and how you can display it in your leadership by listening to this podcast episode today! What's Discussed in This Episode: Marilyn's encounter with Jim Sinegal [02:08] How Jim demonstrates leader humility [04:09] Relationship between humility and power distance [05:23] Leaders' awareness of their effect to others [08:15] Advice for CEOs mentoring new leaders [10:17] Perception of a leader [12:51] Show humility in a proactive manner [11:38] Generous inclusion and leadership [15:08] Why leaders don't include their employees in decision-making [16:50] Alan Mulally's experience with Ford's crisis [18:33] How Alan balanced competing interests [21:09] Leader's humility impact on the organization's bottom lines [17:48] Building self-awareness [26:34] Rebuild a humble model of yourself [25:32] Helpful tools in building humility [27:22] Repairing damaged relationships [31:26] A leader recovers according to their strength [30:38] Top three things to do to become a humble leader [33:41] About the Guest: Marilyn Gist is an educator, speaker, and acclaimed author of The Extraordinary Power of Leader Humility. She is a sought-after speaker for topics on leadership effectiveness and impact. Marilyn's book about leadership humility brings insight into what is required from leaders to work together with their employees effectively. Resources: Marilyn Gist Website (https://www.marilyngist.com/discover-extraordinary-power) Marilyn's restaurant recommendation: Il Terrazzo Carmine (https://www.ilterrazzocarmine.com/) Books mentioned in this episode: The Extraordinary Power of Leader Humility (https://amzn.to/35Hyq2l) Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

There is a rapid shift happening in the workplace today. Millennials are firmly established in leadership positions. While this proves to be useful for companies, some Boomers and GenXers find it difficult to adjust and see the good that the Millennial generation offers. Finding the balance between the strengths of each generation and how to put it to good use is crucial to get the workplace in order and more productive. Today's podcast episode features ICF professional coach and author of "Unleash the Millennials and Save the World", Philip Zimmerman. Philip has extensive experience in handling and growing businesses before he ventured into teaching. We will talk about how this transition he went through in life helped him see and highlight the disparity between generations, how to effectively incorporate the younger generation to the company's executive team, and what these different generations can learn from one another. Listen to this podcast episode and gain a lot of helpful insights about this issue. What's Discussed in This Episode: Philip's career change [02:20] Experiences as a teacher [04:43] The disconnect between generations [09:55] The interaction between leaders and employees [08:18] Allow creativity and innovation thrive [12:53] Explaining why the 'Why' is as important as explaining the 'How' [10:40] Bridging the gap between the new and traditional methods [14:25] Mistakes when incorporating Millennials into leadership teams [16:03] Bridging the human wisdom gap [17:54] How can Boomers help Millennials lead in human interactions effectively? [19:54] The need and preference for coaching sessions [21:20] Communicate the mission, vision, and core values properly [24:07] The next steps to maximize the impact of Millennial leaders [26:40] About the Guest: Philip Zimmerman is on a mission to help businesses achieve higher and sustainable levels of outcomes. He is the author of the groundbreaking book 'Unleash the Millennials and Save the World', which aims to build resilient and successful businesses by developing the next generation of leaders. His long years of experience in handling businesses and in the academe helped him bridge the generational difference in the workplace. Resources: Check out Philip's website (https://engineeringleadershipdesign.com/) Visit Philip's recommended restaurant (https://www.toasttab.com/lit-pizza-burbank/v3#!/) Books mentioned in this episode: Unleash the Millennial and Save the World (https://amzn.to/3kl1HWO) Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

Do soft skills have a place in hardened industries like construction? Dennis Doran—CEO, speaker, and author of Soft as Steel—explains the value of soft skills and relationship building within the construction industry. In today's podcast episode, we will tackle how soft skills create leaders. We will also learn how soft skills are similar to a building's foundation and how it supports the structure that builds on it. Learn more about the importance of soft skills in the construction industry by tuning in to this episode today! What's Discussed in This Episode: Soft skills make a good leader great [01:24] Influences of emotionally intelligent leaders [04:19] Why are soft skills undervalued in the construction industry? [07:24] Trustworthiness as the top soft skill [08:43] The importance of building relationships [11:26] Downsides of not valuing soft skills in the construction industry [10:42] What the older generation can learn from the younger generation [14:57] Determine the unfavorable traits and work on it [18:41] Poor performance can be due to non-technical issues and interests [17:13] Planning improves emotional intelligence [20:49] Personal and professional improvement is a process [22:39] Next steps of construction executives [23:52] About the Guest: Dennis Doran is a leading expert in the construction industry with his more than thirty years of experience. Dennis dedicates his time to providing leaders, across all industries, with tools to be successful in business, life, and relationships. He highlights the importance of soft skills in the construction industry in his highly acclaimed book, Soft as Steel. Resources: DiSC Behavioral Assessment (https://www.everythingdisc.com/Home.aspx) Books mentioned in this episode: Soft as Steel (https://amzn.to/353TfVx) Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (https://amzn.to/2IBQKSV) Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

Social unrest, widespread protests and riots, and a global pandemic. These are just a few of the crises that we are dealing with at present. When everything seems to be in a state of total unrest, what are the steps to take to maintain the equilibrium within your business? Today's podcast explores the stance of Coinbase, an online platform that buys, sells, and trades crypto currency. I will point out how Coinbase has maintained a mission-focused outlook despite the current situation of the society. Specifically, we will go over a blog post from Brian Armstrong, the co-founder and CEO of Coinbase and use it to answer the question: How should companies engage in broader societal issues while keeping their teams united and focused on the issue? If you or those around you are struggling to maintain a sturdy footing during these times, this podcast is perfect for you. What's Discussed in This Episode: Starting from the roots: Determining the purpose of a business [03:26] Benefits for the customers [06:24] What the employees are entitled to [06:54] Responsibilities towards the industry and society [07:07] Responsibilities of the business to its stakeholders [06:06] Compelling and clear mission [08:47] Cultivate a unique company culture [09:38] Foundations of a sturdy business [08:30] Notes from Coinbase's company culture [11:16] What do employees want from work? [17:58] Let your company be a safe space for employees [19:03] Do not compromise company culture for the wrong people [21:02] Pinpoint and work on what you can improve [22:45] Determine your company's singular focus [21:50] Know when to and when not to involve in societal issues unrelated to work [23:30] Glorious Freedom: Do what you want to do [27:17] The cost of involving in controversial societal issues [28:05] What are the next steps for a construction company executive? [33:18] Resources: Read the referenced Coinbase blog (Mission Focused: https://blog.coinbase.com/coinbase-is-a-mission-focused-company) (Follow Up: https://blog.coinbase.com/a-follow-up-to-coinbase-as-a-mission-focused-company) (Culture at Coinbase: https://blog.coinbase.com/culture-at-coinbase) Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

If you look back on your days as an employee at your first company, would you still be able to remember its core values and strategic focus? Most likely, not. How about if you surveyed your employees, do they know what your values and strategy are? Core values are what helps employees behave in a manner that benefits the company and strategic focus gives them a clear picture of how the business is going to succeed. What does it take to ingrain the core values and strategy into your employees? That's what we're here to discuss in this week's Construction Genius episode with Bill Schultz, President of W.M. Schultz Construction. We talk about the measures he took to instill the core values and strategic focus in the hearts and minds of his people as well as what lead him into the creation of the 22 service standards. If you are struggling with making sure your employees share your vision and adhere to your company's values, then tune in to gain incredible insights now! What's Discussed in This Episode: What lead to the creation of the 22 service standards [02:25] The mistakes made and lessons learned [04:26] The company's core values lie in the heart and mind of the founder [06:21] Simpler is better; Less is more [06:39] The core values attract the right people and repel the wrong ones [13:57] How the 22 service standards were ingrained into the minds of the employees [09:07] 22 service standards for 22 working days [17:22] The service standards are related to the founder's core focus & strategy [19:15] How the 22 services standards were developed [14:49] Easy jobs draw more competition [21:03] Focus on a niche [22:51] Why it's great to build a customer-centric business [20:17] Finding the balance between customer service, completing the job, and safety [23:54] Building relationships with government customers [25:23] How to develop your own service standards [27:26] Bill's advice to all construction CEOs [26:32] The importance of consistently communicating your core values [28:28] Achieving a revenue of $65 million in 10 years [30:48] About the Guest: Bill Schultz is the President of W.M. Schultz Construction, Inc., a company based in Ballston Spa, New York, providing services for water and wastewater treatment facilities to bridges, site work, industrial facilities, cast in place concrete, and design-build. Being in business for more than 20 years, it has become one of the dominant players in the construction industry in New York. Resources: W.M. Schultz Construction Website (https://www.wmschultz.com/) Connect with Bill Schultz through LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-schultz-a80395198/) Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!

LeBron James is in the NBA Finals again. It's amazing the level of performance he's sustained for over 15 years. We all know he's incredibly talented, but his success is not due primarily to his natural abilities. Hard work, dedication, and understanding how to succeed is far more critical to LeBron achieving consistent excellence. Today, let's learn some lessons from LeBron and other top-performing athletes and take a deep dive into the 99% perspiration that goes into excellence, and what you can do to get into the habit of greatness. We discuss: The seven areas of excellence Self-imposed roadblocks TDAAT Steps you can take to improve as a leader Don't settle for mediocrity. Keep striving for excellence and tune in to this episode! What's Discussed in This Episode: What is excellence? [04:18] The 7 areas of excellence [04:58] Why people put roadblocks on themselves [10:26] The difference between genius and dedication [11:48] The self-imposed roadblocks to excellence [08:51] Understanding quantitative and qualitative changes [14:24] What happens if you make at least 2 qualitative changes [16:29] The path to excellence [12:55] Different techniques you can use to improve your leadership [17:09] "Do what you hate to do, but do it like you love it" [20:27] You must embrace the attitude of self-sacrifice to achieve excellence [22:20] Associate yourself with excellent leaders [24:59] Excellence builds up over time when you sweat over the small stuff [26:40] TDAAT: five things to remember to get on the habit of excellence [16:38] Excellence is achieved by putting together all the small things performed well [27:33] The compounding effect of making simple qualitative commitments [28:08] Steps you can take to improve as a leader [34:07] A simple win breeds confidence [34:33] Find someone who fits the definition of leadership you want to achieve [36:03] Resources: Construction Leaders Dashboard: www.ericanderton.com/cld Kick Ass Meetings: www.ericanderton.com/kam Daniel Chambliss: The Mundanity of Excellence: An Ethnographic Report on Stratification and Olympic Swimmers Contact Eric: www.ericanderton.com/contact Connect with me on LinkedIn. For more podcast episodes, you may also visit my website. Tune in and subscribe to the Construction Genius: A Leadership Master-Class Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. Thank you for tuning in!