Well read and practiced, grows your mind and your business...
I have a lot of theories on building and design. What I believe looks good, what has to be done so something can work and then there are topics I know I should research more. Trade publications and books on construction and design fill those gaps. Though there is more to running a business than just learning more about your trade.
Running a business sounds daunting. For the most part it can be. The biggest obstacle you will face is revenue, which is directly connected to how many people even know you are available and what you can do for them. For Designers and Builders, we are constantly looking for the next niche to find great work. Sure the grocery money is nice so you can fill the pantry, but getting your name, your brand out there can be one of the biggest questions marks on just how to do that economically.
Architect Steve Mouzon has authored a new book where he shares inside knowledge pertaining to the architecture and construction industries titled New Media for Designers and Builders. In his book, he shares where we've been as a profession and insights into where we're heading; how to talk to clients as a layman and challenges any entrepreneur (not just to those in the design/build fields)
He asks "What are we doing to cultivate a more authentic voice", which spoke to me as the entire basis on our new networking and advertising path we all find ourselves on. He rightly justifies what not do as well as steers the reader in a beneficial direction towards getting their name/brand out there. His book very well could be used across industries, so if you're in IT, business, marketing, etc... consider checking it out.
"So Great, what's so special about a book geared towards media for Designers and Builders?"
Well, While reading his book, I noticed I kept coming back to previous bookmarks to research ideas further. He makes it very convenient to look into additional material by the way his book is designed compared to other media. Just as in his Architecture practice, Steve is ahead of the curve on using technology to circumvent the printing press and is using smart devices to engage the reader. Part of this format is in the use of
external links,
where at the other end of a click, you are greeted with a light hearted and often amusing story regarding the topic at hand.
The book sets a precedent for interactiveness other media just hasn't touched on yet with
internal links,
allowing you to explore ideas and topics easily. You can even jump to an online discussion forum to ask and answer questions for each section in the book.
internal links,
allowing you to explore ideas and topics easily. You can even jump to an online discussion forum to ask and answer questions for each section in the book.
this is truly unique
