Jon addresses what to do when facing a shortage of clients or work. He shares his personal story of recent hardships* and explains the common mistakes to avoid when trying to attract new clients. He provides practical advice for fast sales, focusing on hot leads, and high-touch outreach. Jon also emphasises the importance of asking for help and using available resources to manage cash flow issues. The episode concludes with recommendations for related podcast episodes that delve deeper into lead generation and sales strategies.

* Trigger warning: between 01:43 to 02:22 Jon briefly mentions death and bereavement.

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Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Personal Struggles and Business Impact

03:14 Common Mistakes When Seeking Clients

05:04 Effective Strategies for Fast Sales

05:38 Practical Tips for Faster Sales

08:45 Recap and Additional Resources

10:25 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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Key Takeaways

Focus on hot leads - When you need more clients, you should talk to people who already know you, like your past or current clients. They are more likely to work with you again.

Try not to panic - If you feel worried because work is slow, try not to panic. Take a moment to calm down, then make a plan to help your business.

Talk to someone - You do not have to do everything alone. If you need help, ask someone you trust or talk to a professional for advice.

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Curious about podcasting? Click here to book a chat with Jon 🎧

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Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

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Next Episode

Next time Jon is joined by Daniel Patterson to explore how to double your profits (without hiring or spending more on marketing!).

Jon welcomes David Drazil, an architect, author, and creator of 'Sketch like an Architect.' They discuss how technology has overshadowed and nearly replaced the craft of architectural sketching in schools, leading to a decline in this essential skill among young professionals. David shares insights from his journey and mission to revive this art form, drawing on his experiences in Denmark and his global platform, which has helped thousands master architectural sketching. He highlights the cognitive benefits of sketching, from aiding in problem-solving and brainstorming to enhancing client interactions. They also discuss the advantages of using both traditional and digital sketching methods, and share success stories from students and professionals who have benefited from David's teachings. The episode underscores sketching as a universal, learnable language that enriches both the creative process and business communication in architecture.

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Today’s Guest

David Drazil is an architect, author, and creator of Sketch Like An Architect, a global platform helping architects and designers build confident drawing skills through a clear step-by-step method. Originally from the Czech Republic, David studied architecture in Denmark, where he noticed a big gap: sketching was expected, but rarely taught. That insight sparked a mission that’s grown into a worldwide movement — with over 300,000 followers, 15,000 students in his online courses, and three popular books. Today, David empowers creatives to communicate their ideas visually with clarity and confidence.

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Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Meet David Drazil: Architect and Sketching Advocate

01:45 David's Personal Interests and Background

03:56 The Importance of Sketching in Modern Architecture

06:59 Personal Benefits and Practical Applications of Sketching

13:26 Sketching as a Differentiator in Client Interactions

23:11 Success Stories and Testimonials

27:37 Final Thoughts on Sketching and Technology

30:54 David's Favourite Places and Conclusion

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Key Takeaways

Sketching is a Timeless Skill That Sets You Apart

You learn that, even in an age dominated by digital tools and AI, the ability to sketch by hand remains a powerful differentiator. Sketching helps you communicate ideas quickly, build trust with clients, and stand out in interviews or meetings. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being able to think and express visually in the moment.

Anyone Can Learn to Sketch - It’s Not About Talent

You discover that sketching isn’t a gift reserved for the naturally talented. It’s a learnable skill that you can develop with practice. By embracing sketching, you open up new ways to brainstorm, solve problems, and engage with others, regardless of your starting point.

Sketching Fosters Human Connection and Collaboration

You realise that sketching is more than just a technical skill; it’s a tool for collaboration and dialogue. When you sketch in front of others, you invite them into the creative process, encourage feedback, and create a shared understanding. This approach not only speeds up decision-making but also makes your work more engaging and client-focused.

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Click here to connect with David Drazil 🤝

Click here to learn more about Sketch Like An Architect 🖥️

Curious about podcasting? Click here to book a chat with Jon 🎧

Jon welcomes internationally renowned architect Kevin Kennon, the founder and CEO of Beyond Zero DDC, to discuss his journey and innovative approach to sustainable design. Kevin shares his experiences, including his involvement in the World Trade Center design competition, and the concept of distributed practice. He explains how this model can help studios access the best talent while remaining competitive and nimble. Kevin also touches on the advantages of working with remote teams, the importance of harnessing new technologies like AI, and the future direction of the architecture profession. The episode provides valuable insights for architects on balancing tradition with innovation in the architecture industry.

Today’s Guest

Kevin Kennon is an internationally renowned architect with over 40 years’ experience in sustainable and innovative design. He’s the founder and CEO of Beyond Zero DDC, leading the creation of zero-carbon luxury eco-resorts around the world. His portfolio includes major projects such as the Barclays North American Headquarters, the Rodin Museum in Seoul, and award-winning Bloomingdale’s stores. A finalist in the World Trade Center design competition, Kevin has received over 40 international design awards and has work in MoMA’s permanent collection. He also lectures at top universities and contributes widely to discussions on urban development and climate change.

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Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction

00:45 Meet Kevin Kennon

04:10 Understanding Distributed Practice

10:19 Challenges and Misconceptions of Remote Teams

16:49 Success Stories of Distributed Practice

22:24 Kevin's Career Journey

25:20 9/11, Ground Zero, and the World Trade Centre Design Competition

27:56 Advantages of Running Your Own Practice

30:46 The Future of Architecture and AI

39:08 Advice for Younger Practices

43:55 Main Takeaways

45:32 Favourite Travel Destination

46:42 Final Thoughts

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Key Takeaways

You can achieve more by building teams for each project and working with people from different places. This helps you find the right skills and makes your work stronger.

You should be open to new ideas and ways of working. Using technology and working with others online can help you keep up with changes in your field.

You will grow if you keep learning and share your knowledge with others. Every project is a chance to learn something new, and working together makes your work better.

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Liked our guest? Click here to connect with them 🤝

Click here to learn more about Kevin’s work 🖥️

Curious about podcasting? Click here to book a chat with Jon 🎧

Want to meet people like you? Click here to join our community 🤝

Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

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👇 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.

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Next Episode

Next time, Jon chats with David Drazil to explore whether design professionals still need sketching skills.