Susan Young's
Amplify Blog

 

 

 

Communication Isn't a Soft Skill—It's a Revenue Skill

Think about it:

A project manager who can clearly explain trade-offs and guide a client conversation?

🔷That’s risk mitigation.

🔷A superintendent who can speak confidently in a progress meeting?

🔷That’s client retention.

🔷A technical lead who can tell the story behind the numbers in a shortlist interview?

That's how firms win work.

🎯That’s exactly why I built on-demand A/E/C communication and leadership training—so firms can develop confident communicators who move projects and business forward.

Learn anytime, anywhere.

Build skills that you (or your team) can use in every conversation, meeting, and interview.

See how it works here >> https://www.aecamplify.com/top-tier-communicator

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Project Managers Who Sound Like Leaders in Client Meetings

Tongue-tied spells trouble in business.

Every A/E/C professional knows the moment when technical skills aren't enough in client meetings.

You're in a shortlisted presentation, and you or a team member are trying to lead a tough conversation.

You look around and see frustration, fidgeting, and faces that scream trouble.😮

You know, at the moment, communication is the differentiator that wins pursuits.

🎯That's precisely why I created the Top Tier Communicator online training program.

It's a flexible communication and leadership class built for you (or your team).

Learn today's skills to build confidence, communicate with clarity, and lead effectively — without leaving the job site or office.

Here's the truth: In our industry, communication isn't a "soft skill." It's a revenue skill.

Details on my new training options are here.

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AI Is Only As Smart As Your Communication

Clarity is a beautiful thing.

Especially when tech staff are thinking through RFIs, field reports, and meeting agendas that cost A/E/C firms productivity and profits.

Yes, Artificial Intelligence can simplify complex data.

Still, AI tools only bring value when humans provide clear input and prompts.

➡️When prompts are vague or confusing, the info you get back will miss the mark.

The result?

Misunderstandings, cost overruns, and lost credibility.

Clear thinking = Clear Prompts

➡️Our Top Tier Communicator on-demand and live training programs give teams the tools to strengthen clarity, communication, and AI prompts.⬅️

Each of the 3 programs are under $1,000.

Individuals and firms can access today's tools to bridge communication gaps and deliver successful projects. 

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The High Cost of Dysfunctional Teams

Communication tip:

Teamwork is your competitive advantage.

Here's the truth: A lack of trust amongst A/E/C teams brings dysfunction.

Messy interactions and communication breakdowns lead to misunderstandings, cost overruns, reworks, low morale, and labor shortages.

Successful leaders are willing to quickly and honestly address chaos to diffuse conflicts and keep projects on track.

How do you manage conflicts and dysfunctional teams?

Reach out if your team needs support. 

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You're Losing Because Your PMs Don't Know the Process

Back up the bus, A/E/C leaders.

Most newer project managers, estimators, and superintendents aren't familiar with the process of being shortlisted.

Still, you expect them to be confident and well-spoken in seller-doer interviews.

Let's lay a solid foundation for these pros so they have a deep understanding of business development. 

When there's a lack of clarity, bids go to your competitors.

To avoid losing revenue, take the time to educate technical staff. 📈

They influence interview panels.

Confidence and business acumen are what owners and stakeholders look for when awarding bids.

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What To Do When Employees Show Up To Collect a Paycheck

Collecting a paycheck. 

If you've had a few jobs in your life, this phrase has likely crossed your mind.

Or fell off your tongue.

Going through the motions at work is frustrating and a waste of talent.

Leaders: Do you have employees who show up disengaged, collecting a paycheck rather than being eager to learn and contribute?

This disconnect isn't about people being lazy.

🚩They may feel like their voice doesn't matter. 

🚩They may not believe their work is having an impact.

A/E/C leaders must know that lighting a spark to re-engage people is rooted in curiosity.

Ask team members what's getting in the way. 

Ask them if they are clear on expectations. 

More than 90% of the emerging leaders in my online training classes say they're unsure how their daily work fits into the bigger picture of the firm. 

It's the 30,000-foot view and the 3,000-foot view. 

Without clarity, people show up to collect paychecks.

Clarity brings a sense of purpose. 

🎯And it's an opportunity for manag...

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How to Turn Project Managers Into Business Development Leaders

Business development professionals and marketers aren't the only rainmakers in A/E/C firms.

Today, everyone is in marketing.

Most project managers and technical leads didn't sign up for this BD role.⬅️

Still, when your teams have time with clients, they must be skillful communicators.

Precious time spent with stakeholders is a significant opportunity to build credibility, trust, and connections that will help land your next big project.

Pitches at the end of a project often fall flat.

📈A better strategy in business development is to create value gradually over the course of work.

Taking this approach rather than waiting until the end means you're not pitching anything.

Repeat clients and referrals will easily fall into your lap without you awkwardly asking for a sale.

You'll earn trust and work by:

🎯Communicating daily and being proactive

🎯Asking strategic questions and sharing insights from project managers

🎯Framing conversations around client results

When your PMs and te...

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A New Look at Our Fast-Paced Lives with These 4 Words

 

If you're like me, there's not enough time in the day to get things done.

Busy, busy, busy.

Life is a fleeting moment.

The 4 words I just heard from Abraham Hicks have completely transformed how I spend every day.

One phrase can do the same for you. 

Quit rushing and start living.

I share the 4 words in the video above. Take a look. 

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Why Curiosity Wins More Pursuits Than Technology

Drones and AI are reshaping the A/E/C industry.

But they don’t win pursuits—people do.

What consistently sets your firm apart from others?

Curiosity and storytelling.

These skills build trust, spark connection, and make clients want to work with you.

Technical expertise matters—but only after you’ve won the bid. 🎯

To capture more pursuits, you need to connect first, then talk tech.

I’ve been teaching this at SMPS conferences, industry events, and in private trainings. 

It's a topic that can not be overlooked any longer. 

Skilled business development leaders and marketers use curiosity and storytelling to strengthen proposals, interviews, and client relationships.

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The 1 Safety Term Many in A/E/C Are Missing

Yes, physical safety and mental health must always be top priorities in our industry.

There's a different kind of safety that firms often overlook: Psychological safety.

It's an essential form of communication.

Psychological safety means that staff feel comfortable and safe in expressing their emotions, using their voices, and sharing concerns — without judgment or repercussions.

➡️It directly impacts emotional well-being, talent retention, performance, and job dissatisfaction.

When leaders in my training programs are unsure of this practice, I worry.

Are your emerging leaders and executives using psychological safety practices to support staff?

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