I met up with some wonderful colleagues this morning for coffee (well for me, just the smell of coffee…can’t touch the stuff!). We all work in the A/E/C industry (Architecture, Engineering, Construction), but it was quite apparent they had been working in it longer. The companies they spoke about and the people mentioned are not on my radar. They should be.
Sometimes I trap myself inside the marketing bubble and don’t search out additional information on the people within the industry I’m marketing. I’m realizing I should know which architect is working on the big project downtown just as much as I know about who is organizing the next Chamber event. I need to know information on the engineering firm that’s discussed over lunch as much as I know about the author of the latest marketing book. I want to know which construction company goes after educational projects as much as I know about which marketing colleague to contact when I’m in need of blogging tips. (Thanks Brian!)
So many people and places, so little time! But I’m realizing more and more their importance, so I need to start making time. Off to do a little AEC research!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
Excellent point!
ReplyDeleteMarketing is what we do, but industry insight is imperative for a marketer to be effective. With B2 Design, I work with small businesses in a variety of markets and, although I rely on them to give me the overall picture, I have to do some research and networking to truly understand 'the scene'.
However, this is one of the best parts of what we do and I enjoy it very much. Talking with people, learning new things, keeping track of who is doing what or going where... It's like putting together a puzzle. Each piece fits somewhere. The key is to find the right spot.