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O P I N I O N
It’s not just about size
W e talk a lot about growth here at Zweig Group. It’s a philosophy that underpins all of our consulting work. I’m sure the statement, “If you’re not growing you’re dying,” has been printed countless times in this publication, but what does that really mean? For many, growth means losing their beloved workplace. But think again. Growth can mean increased capabilities, not increased numbers.
Christina Zweig Niehues
The word “growth” turns a lot of the AEC industry off. The majority of the industry is made up of small- and medium-sized firms, and many people who work in these places imagine growth as a scenario where the firm they love is either gobbled up, or turns into a giant mega firm, and is consequently robbed of its character and culture. There’s no arguing that growth can be about size – adding people, revenue, and locations – but it can also be about more than just increasing numbers! One of the first ways a company can grow without necessarily adding a ton of new employees is by expanding their capabilities. This can be done through one or two key hires, or the education of an existing employee. If you see the need for a particular technical skill in your market, but aren’t quite comfortable handling it, now is the time to make it happen! I would advise every leader in every firm to make a list of things they know would save time or add value to current projects, and then think of ways they can expand the capabilities of their team to fulfil these objectives. Capabilities don’t have to be technical. You could
grow your firm by having better customer service, better proposals, a higher comfort level when speaking in public, better accounting, or project information, or improved marketing campaigns. “There’s no arguing that growth can be about size – adding people, revenue, and locations – but it can also be about more than just increasing numbers!” Another way your company can grow is through the use of technology. This is one area where you simply must continuously improve and invest, or else you will be quickly outflanked by your competitors. Technology growth can be anything from embracing smart phones, to new design software, or the use of drones. If you aren’t comfortable using new technology, get educated from an outside source or hire someone who is.
See CHRISTINA ZWEIG NIEHUES, page 4
THE ZWEIG LETTER January 29, 2018, ISSUE 1233
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