Jon shares tips on how to stay positive when feeling down about your business. Drawing from his 20+ years in architecture, Jon highlights common challenges and offers strategies to boost morale. He discusses the importance of changing perspectives, leveraging community support, utilising coaching exercises like the circle of control, and the benefits of networking and co-working. Jon also stresses the value of celebrating small successes and managing overwhelming to-do lists through bullet journaling. Tune in for practical advice to maintain a positive mindset in your entrepreneurial journey.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:20 Understanding Business Struggles

02:24 Changing Your Perspective

05:50 Circle of Control Exercise

08:47 Environmental Changes and Networking

13:30 Journaling and To-Do Lists

15:38 Conclusion

Key Takeaways...

Change how you look at things

When you're feeling low about your business, try to look at things in a different way.

It’s easy to compare yourself to others and feel like you’re not doing enough.

But remember – you don’t see their full story. Everyone has ups and downs.

Try to spot the difference between what’s really true and what you’re just feeling in the moment.

Don't waste energy on things you can’t change

When everything feels too much, try this simple exercise to feel more in control:

Draw three circles on a page:

• In the outer circle, write things you can’t control (like the news, the economy, or other people’s actions)
• 
  
• In the middle circle, write things you can influence (like how you talk to clients or the way your team works)
• 
  
• In the centre circle, write what you can control (like your daily habits, how you spend your time, and how you react)

Spend most of your time and energy on the centre circle. That’s where real change happens.

Small changes can lift your mood

Feeling stuck? Try changing where you work – a coffee shop or coworking space can give you a boost.

Get outside for a walk, or do something fun like kayaking or cycling.

And even if you're an introvert, talking to others in your field can really help.

You’re not alone – sometimes, a quick chat can give you a whole new idea.

—--

Want to explore podcasting for your business?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Interested in joining our membership community?

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Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 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.

Jon is joined by productivity and habits coach Haley Watts to discuss the psychology of habits and offer practical tips for small firm founders in architecture. They discuss the Four Tendencies of habit formation, strategies for managing to-do lists, and the importance of balancing work with personal interests. Haley also shares insights on creating small, actionable habits and provides advice on how to leverage energy levels for better task management. The conversation offers valuable guidance for anyone looking to improve productivity and achieve more freedom and fulfillment in their business.

Today's Guest...

Hayley Watts is a productivity and habits coach and trainer. She helps people who are juggling too much to get clear on their priorities, reduce their stress and help them grow their businesses. She has been delivering training around productivity and people management for the last 10 years, and now helps people who are running their own businesses to get focused.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:33 Meet Haley Watts: Productivity and Habits Coach

03:36 Understanding Habit Formation

06:50 Effective Use of Calendars and To-Do Lists

11:26 Creating and Sustaining New Habits

14:05 Managing Overwhelm and Prioritising Tasks

24:10 Weekly Planning Strategies

28:03 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

31:32 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Key Takeaways...

Build small habits that stick

Start with tiny steps you can do easily.

Link your new habit to something you already do – like brushing your teeth or making tea.

Celebrate little wins to help you keep going.

Plan your day in a way that works for you

Use a simple system to keep track of what needs doing.

Start with the most important jobs, and think about when you have the most energy.

You can use a calendar, a journal, or even post-it notes – whatever helps you stay on track.

Stop feeling overwhelmed

When your tasks are all over the place, your brain feels messy too.

Keep everything in one spot and break big jobs into small steps.

This makes things feel easier and helps you stay in control.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Visit Hayley’s Website

Connect with Hayley on LinkedIn

—--

Want to explore podcasting for your business?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Interested in joining our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 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.

In The Next...

Jon chats with business coach and entrepreneur Ray Brown about a simple yet powerful business framework for architecture practices. They discuss the 'Four Ps' - Practice, Projects, People, and Perception - that can dramatically improve business results. Key insights include being intentional about business perceptions, understanding and managing project hours, the importance of clear roles and strategic hiring, and the value of a foundational business education. They also introduce ArchiBiz's new Business School for Architects. Ray underscores that architects must embrace basic business knowledge to ensure long-term success.

Today's Guest...

Ray Brown is a business coach and entrepreneur. Originally from Scotland & now based in Australia. Ray has coached everyone from startups to top executives of major companies. He is the founder ArchiBiz - a global company that helps ambitious architects build profitable and sustainable businesses without compromising design standards. Ray is our first returning guest, having featured on episode 31 of the podcast back in May 2024.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:31 Meet Ray Brown

04:03 The Four Ps Framework for Architecture Practices

06:33 Deep Dive into Practice and Projects

16:17 People: Hiring, Training, and Utilisation

22:47 Perception: Shaping Your Market Image

28:43 Introducing the Business School for Architects

35:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

38:55 Travel Talk and Farewell

Key Takeaways...

Build Your Business Like You Build a House

You can be great at design, but without a strong business setup, your practice won’t run well. Ray Brown talks about using the “Four Ps” to keep things on track:

🏢 Practice – how your business is set up

📁 Projects – how you run your jobs

👥 People – who you hire and how they work

👀 Perception – how others see your business

Know Where Your Time Goes

You only have so many hours in a day. Ray says it’s important to know how you spend them:

⏱️ Time on client work you can charge for

🧾 Time on project tasks you can’t charge for

📋 Time on things not linked to any project

If you don’t track this properly, you might end up working loads… but earning less than you think.

Don’t Wait Too Long to Hire Help

Hiring someone when you’re too busy can lead to mistakes. Ray says:

👷 Hire before you're desperate

📄 Give each person a clear job and role

💰 Use the right team member for the task – the one who can do the job well without costing too much

This way, your team works better, and your business makes more money.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Click here to join the Business School for Architects (for free)

Click here to learn more about ArchiBiz

—--

Want to explore podcasting for your business?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Interested in joining our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects,...

Jon is joined by architect Joe Wright, who shares his journey from working in a large architecture firm to running his own small practice. Joe shares the challenges and rewards of this transition, including his changing approach to business and the importance of client collaboration. He also discusses personal anecdotes, his love for a local gospel choir, and the significance of sustainable design in his projects. The episode offers valuable insights for small firm founders aiming to build their dream business in architecture.

Today's Guest...

Joe Wright is a Chartered Architect who creates bespoke homes in London and West Sussex. His focus is on client collaboration and sustainable design. Joe has worked on around 10 projects a year for over a decade, from design to construction. Helping to turn his clients’ houses into fabulous homes. During that time, he’s also moved from Tottenham to the seaside town of Worthing in West Sussex. And oversaw building work on three projects on his own home. Asides from spending time with his architect wife, two sons and their mad cocker spaniel. Joe loves mountain biking, Arsenal football club, travel, and is a member of a local gospel choir.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Meet Joe Wright: Architect

04:45 Joe's Architectural Practice and Philosophy

07:45 Joe's Journey to Becoming an Architect

13:31 Starting a New Practice: Challenges and Strategies

17:29 Early Business Struggles and Client Relationships

25:36 Dealing with Difficult Clients

27:18 Learning to Trust Your Gut

29:43 The Impact of Bad Clients on Mental Health

31:07 The Importance of Client Collaboration

31:41 Business Development and Marketing Strategies

40:45 Networking: Overcoming Fear and Building Relationships

46:39 Favourite Travel Destinations

48:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Key Takeaways...

Facing Your Fears and Taking Action

You might feel scared to try something new — like getting into architecture, starting your own practice, or going to a networking event. But the longer you wait, the more chances you might miss. Taking action helps you learn as you go. You don’t need to have it all figured out — just get started, and deal with things as they come.

Why Building Relationships Matters

At first, networking can feel awkward. But once you start meeting people, it gets easier — and it can really help your business. Talking to others, sharing stories, and asking for advice can lead to new ideas, referrals, and work. You don’t have to do it all alone — people want to help.

Trusting Your Gut with Clients

Sometimes you just know when a client doesn’t feel right. If you ignore that feeling, it can lead to stress, wasted time, and low energy. Be picky. Set clear rules from the start. When you work with good people, your projects go better and you feel happier too.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Visit Joe’s practice website

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn

—--

Want to explore podcasting for your business?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Interested in joining our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Resources…

👉

Jon discusses how much money is enough for both you and your architecture business. Jon guides listeners through a step-by-step exercise to calculate personal and business income requirements, dispels common myths, and offers practical advice to maintain profitability. He emphasises the importance of considering both short-term needs and long-term financial goals. Additionally, Jon introduces the Profit First method for allocating business revenue. Tune in to gain clarity on your financial targets and ensure your business's financial health.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:38 Understanding Your Financial Needs

03:56 Calculating Your Monthly Income

05:08 Planning for Annual and Unexpected Expenses

07:03 Setting Long-Term Financial Goals

08:50 Determining Your Business Revenue Needs

09:50 Profit Allocation and Business Expenses

12:08 Conclusion and Next Steps

Key Takeaways...

Know how much money you need

You need to be clear on how much money you need to live and run your business. This means knowing what you need to take home each month, as well as saving for once-a-year bills and surprise costs. It helps you stay on top of things and avoid money stress.

Set money goals for your business

Break your income into steps. Start with what you need each month to get by. Then look at your yearly costs. Finally, think about what you want in the future. These steps make it easier to plan your business income and keep things growing.

Split your money the smart way

One way to manage your money is from the book Profit First. You split what your business earns like this:

💸 50% for paying yourself

🏢 30% for running the business

💰 15% for tax

📈 5% for profit

This helps you make sure everything is covered — and that you’re not just working, but earning too.

—--

Want to explore podcasting for your business?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Interested in joining our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 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.

In The Next Episode...

Next time, Jon chats with architect Joe Wright about his changing approach to business.

Jon continues his chat with filmmaker, author, and master storyteller Jude Charles to explore the power of storytelling in business. They discuss how capturing and sharing personal and professional stories can humanise a brand and attract more clients. Jude offers practical advice on building a 'story bank,' the importance of video storytelling, and how speaking engagements can enhance your business. Real-world examples from architects and interior designers illustrate how storytelling can be leveraged for greater business success.

Today's Guest...

For over 18 years, Jude Charles has been producing documentaries for entrepreneurs. He has produced stories for Google, Steve Harvey, and dozens of visionary CEOs. Jude is the author of Dramatic Demonstration. This book is a roadmap that teaches you how to dig deep to find compelling stories that no one else knows, and then leverage those stories to grow your business. Jude’s mission is to lead and empower entrepreneurs to have relentless, unwavering courage.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:29 The Power of a Story Bank

04:01 Crafting Engaging Stories

08:50 Success Stories in Design

14:42 Marketing Beyond Your Portfolio

22:40 The Impact of Video Storytelling

27:04 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

29:04 Travel and Connection

31:12 Closing Remarks

Key Takeaways...

Why storytelling matters

🗣️ If you want people to trust you and feel a real connection, sharing stories helps. When you tell personal stories, it shows the human side of your business. It makes you easier to understand and easier to like. Jude says it’s a good idea to keep a “story bank” – a place where you write down little things that happen each day. You can use these stories later when you need them.

Using video to tell better stories

📹 Video is a great way to tell stories. People can see your face, hear your voice, and really get a feel for who you are. Jude says video helps people understand what your business is all about – sometimes much faster than reading words on a website. It helps them decide if you’re the right person to work with.

Marketing isn’t just about pretty pictures

📸 If you're an architect or designer, don’t just show your finished work. Let people see what happens behind the scenes. Share clips of your team working, or happy clients talking about their experience. And try speaking on podcasts or at events – it helps more people find you and trust you. These simple things make a big difference when it comes to getting the right clients.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Grab a free copy of Storytelling for Design Creatives

Visit Jude’s Website

Follow Jude on Instagram

—--

Want to explore podcasting for your business?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Interested in joining our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects,...

Jon is joined by Jude Charles, an expert in storytelling and documentary filmmaking for entrepreneurs. They discuss the three types of stories every business should share: origin stories, success stories, and vision stories, to build a strong connection with their audience. Jude shares his insights from over 18 years of experience, highlights from his book 'Dramatic Demonstration,' and personal anecdotes to demonstrate the power of effective storytelling in business. Additionally, Jude reveals the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in storytelling and offers a simple two-step formula for crafting impactful stories. Don't miss this episode to learn how strategic storytelling can help you attract ideal clients and grow your business.

Today's Guest...

For over 18 years, Jude Charles has been producing documentaries for entrepreneurs. He has produced stories for Google, Steve Harvey, and dozens of visionary CEOs. Jude is the author of Dramatic Demonstration. This book is a roadmap that teaches you how to dig deep to find compelling stories that no one else knows, and then leverage those stories to grow your business. Jude’s mission is to lead and empower entrepreneurs to have relentless, unwavering courage.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:39 Meet Jude Charles: Filmmaker and Storytelling Expert

04:03 Why is Storytelling Important in Business?

07:42 Three Essential Stories Every Business Should Share

12:23 Overcoming Challenges and Building Trust Through Stories

15:44 What Holds People Back From Sharing Stories?

20:02 The Simplicity of Effective Storytelling

27:21 Conclusion and Next Steps

Key Takeaways...

📖 Why Storytelling Matters in Business

Telling your story helps people trust you and connect with you. When you share your journey, successes, and big ideas, you show what makes you different. People remember stories – and that makes you stand out.

💬 Being Real Builds Trust

Being open about your experiences (even the tough ones) helps people relate to you. When you’re honest and real, your audience feels a stronger connection. That trust makes them more likely to work with you.

✏️ Keep Storytelling Simple

Jude Charles breaks storytelling into two easy steps:

1️⃣ Pick a clear moment – A time when something important happened.

2️⃣ Share the lesson – What you learned from it.

That’s it! No overthinking, just simple, powerful stories that connect with your audience.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

Grab a free copy of Storytelling for Design Creatives

Visit Jude’s Website

Follow Jude on Instagram

—--

👇 Click the link below to grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the FREE step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers.

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/blueprint

—--

👇 Join the waitlist & chat group for our Community & Mastermind (for FREE)🎁

https://architecturebusinessclub.com/waitlist

👇 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.

👇 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn at...

Jon discusses the benefits of podcasting for small architecture firms and other service-based businesses that deliver complex or technical services. He explains how podcasting can help articulate complex services, build trust, and attract the right clients. Jon also debunks common myths around podcasting, such as the need for expensive equipment or being an expert before starting. He shares practical tips on getting started, including using guest appearances to ‘dip your toe’ into podcasting. Be sure to contact Jon via the link below if you’d like to learn more about how podcasting could benefit you.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction

01:51 Benefits of Podcasting for Your Business

05:59 Debunking Podcasting Myths

13:22 Overcoming Fears around Podcasting

18:08 How To Get Started with Podcasting

19:57 Conclusion and Next Steps

Key Takeaways...

🎙 Building Trust and Authority

A podcast helps you show people what you do and why you do it. When you share your knowledge, you build trust with potential clients. The right people will be drawn to you, and those who aren’t a good fit will move on.

🚀 Getting Past Common Podcasting Fears

Think you need fancy equipment or a perfect radio voice? You don’t!

✅ Start with what you have – A simple setup works fine.

✅ Learn as you go – You don’t need to be an expert to begin.

✅ Your story matters – People connect with you, not just your content.

🎯 What Does Podcast Success Look Like?

Success isn’t just about money or big download numbers. It’s about:

📅 Showing up consistently – Keep publishing, even if it’s not perfect.

💡 Sharing something useful – Help your audience, and they’ll keep coming back.

🎙 Enjoying the process – If you like doing it, you’ll stick with it!

Want to explore podcasting for your business?

👉 Book a chat with Jon to explore working with him 📞

Interested in joining our membership community?

👉 Click here to JOIN THE WAITLIST 😀

Resources…

👉 Grab the Architecture Business Blueprint 🎁

It’s the step-by-step formula to freedom for architects, architectural technologists, and architectural designers. Get it today (without any charge).

👉 Follow or Connect with Jon on LinkedIn 🤝

👇 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.

In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats with Jude Charles on using storytelling to attract better clients.