That's it: I'm working for food !

[Matthew Juros]

As I watched the economic news last week about the current 'recovery', I realized that I have never been in worse financial shape. I have a long list of active leads which will yield work given time (this could be the recovery we're hearing about). But I have been operating month to month for the past 16...September looks as bleak as ever.

I spend most of my time marketing: keeping up with contacts; meeting new people, strategizing about who the rain makers are - finding them - meeting them - pitching my services. I'm active with the city development committtee. I feel very well received but...all of the work that I can find is on hold or in the infant (pre design) stages. I stay in touch with these potential clients. We socialize when possible, gossip and trade jokes…you know, no pressure, just want to stay in the loop. It’s a helpless feeling when there is NOTHING happening, though. So I decided I need to focus on actively LANDING some of these projects - facilitating their start - on my dime - in order to grease the skids.

First victim: I have a lovely potential, probable, future client who is a restaurateur (Les Doux - you MUST check it out - http://www.ledouxcafe.com/). Her planning for a second location is in the infant stages. Rather than check in bi-weekly for a chat and a bite, I want to keep my finger on the pulse of the project and help her through some of the pitfalls that might come up. I asked her what I could do, as an architect, to help her with her planning. She replied that a scaled plan of the existing space would help immensely. So we struck a deal: I would do limited measurement and documentation of the existing space; in return, she agreed to feed me for free. This provides opportunities for us to stay in contact and really start designing the project. Provided it goes forward, most of the design work will already be in the can. It’s risky…but I think it’s worth a try.

Next Victim: a local developer who is waffling on plans to convert a vacant building to mixed use residential loft/retail.

Anybody have similar experience or suggestions?

[Justin Lukasavige]

Way to get the ball rolling Matthew! I don't watch TV or read much of the paper (too many murders) so I find myself removed from the turmoil the press is reporting. It's amazing at how great I feel when I create my own future rather than relying on them to tell me when things are turning around. I've never been busier than I have been this past year.

There are plenty of businesses out there that need your help. You owe it to them to find them and show them how you can help. Let them get a taste of it. You must be able to show them what the investable opportunity is.

I know that's a big word, but it comes down to value. Whether someone spends $1,000 or $100,000 with you, they need to get much more than that out of the deal. When you can show them in plain terms what they get out of working with you, you'll make a sale every time.

[Matthew Juros]

Thanks for the encouragement Justin - next time you're east of Raleigh - don't forget to drop in for something tasty.

[Michelle Gower]

Good idea, Matthew. It gets you paid in a different currency but paid nonetheless, AND keeps you in front of your target without having to 'touch base' ala sales calls. Kudos for being creative. Now let's hope that creativity starts to pay the bills for you soon.