Book Reviews

The Innovative Leader

Paul Sloane’s latest book is a great read.  It is full of innovation for the big or small enterprise.  Unlike some innovation books, Sloane provides the reader with an eminently practical collection of innovation tips, examples and strategies.  You’ll find idea’s that you’ll keenly want to implement straight away.  The final section on personal creativity has a place in everyone’s life, be it work or leisure!

Date reviewed: November 2010

The Leader's Guide to Lateral Thinking Skills

A very readable, highly practical and inspiring book.  This is a delightfully fresh approach to a very well-worn subject.  Paul Sloane sets out the vital importance of innovation in modern business, using a very wide range of stimulating examples and case studies.  Through games, exercises, puzzles and challenges, it helps to release your own creative ability and to show in very realistic and achievable ways, how you can extend that to your whole team.  The writing is intelligent but very readable, so it works on two levels:  as a light, thought provoking read and as a practical manual for taking action in business.

Date reviewed: November 2010

Construction Marketing Ideas

Mark Buckshon is a journalist who publishes regional construction industry publications in the US and Canadian market. He is also a prolific Blogger (see www.constructionmarketingideas.com) 

This book has been written for the North American Architectural, Engineering or Construction (AEC) business, but has much of relevance to those same companies in the UK. If you are not in this group it is still well worth a read as it contains plenty of useful ideas.

Many of his suggestions have been drawn from a few key businesses that he has got to know and all are practical. He also provides a number of useful references for further reading. The first half of the book sets out the foundations for an effective business, covering subjects such as brand, identifying strengths, customer relationships and the business plan. Then he moves on to make practical suggestions for promoting your business. For those who are not in small AEC companies, his views on the use of digital media will probably be most useful, as they are based on practical experience.

Although there are a number of references to US organisations, it is an easy book to read and contributes to a very small library of specialist construction marketing books.

Date reviewed: 16th June 2010

Marketing & Selling Professional Services in Architecture & Construction

Basil Sawczuk’s book is an invaluable sales tool for the architect or other professional working in the construction sector.

It draws on tried and tested sales practices, presenting them in a logical and easy to follow format, within the context of a hypothetical architect’s practice. Starting with selection of the client, we are told how to identify their needs, to differentiate and present the benefits of our practice, how to communicate, given advice on bidding, how to deliver added value once successful and finally advised on building credibility.

Only the last chapter addresses any marketing issue and this is done quite superficially. But it is probably all the small practice needs.

This is a ‘must have’ book for small professional practices and useful for anyone providing services into the construction sector.

Date reviewed: December 2009