Spec Shaman

Spec Shaman: Getting Specified

Building product manufacturers who want to get specified by architects can find strategies and suggestions in our weekly blog posts. Building product specification is crucial for manufacturers and our team offers the best resources available. Blog post topics include: 3 part CSI guide specifications, AIA continuing education, and building product rep training. Building product manufacturers who want to get their products specified can check our platform every week for valuable information about the AEC industry. Guest bloggers are always welcome. Please contact us for submission information and requirements.

On: May 21, 2018 By: Brad Blank
Product Reps Should Treat Everybody as a Potential Client
The best salespeople see everyone in the world as a potential customer. Everyone knows someone. They know someone that can become a customer or a referral. Product reps should treat all noncustomers as existing clients.
On: May 18, 2018 By: Stacie Townsend
3 Ways LEED Product Documentation Leads to Product Specification
The road to product specification can seem like you’re on the Star Trek Enterprise and that you just got transported to an unknown alien planet. There’s lot of steps to take to get specified. There are many strategies to implement. And it’s not all straight forward. It can be confusing!
On: May 14, 2018 By: Brad Blank
Turning Architect Objections into Product Objectives
“Customers always have concerns or issues that must be satisfied before they will buy,” says author Jeffrey Fox. He notes that customers are concerned about price, delivery, reliability, size, color, warranty, and other issues.
On: May 10, 2018 By: Stacie Townsend
3 Reasons Why a Health Product Declaration (HPD) Increases Specification Opportunities
Product specification doesn’t just happen, it takes a bit of strategy to achieve! Stephen R. Covey said, “Make time for planning: Wars are won in the general’s tent.” But this isn’t war, this is business! Yes, but planning ahead in any situation is time well spent, especially when it deals with product specification.
On: May 8, 2018 By: Brad Blank
3 Organizations That Can Help Product Manufacturers Get Specified
“Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too,” said mountaineer W.H. Murray.
On: May 3, 2018 By: Stacie Townsend
Manufacturers: What Kind of Networker Are You--a Farmer or a Hunter?
The Greenbuild/ABX 2017 Sustainability Report was recently released and it’s exciting to see how Greenbuild stands behind their claims that sustainability is their foundation.
On: Apr 30, 2018 By: Brad Blank
Why Your Building Product Is Kryptonite
Kryptonite is the Achilles’ Heel of Superman. The radioactive substance can kill America’s favorite superhero. Sometimes a building product can seem like kryptonite to an architect or contractor. They will run away screaming if you try to select the forbidden product for a new building project.
On: Apr 25, 2018 By: Brad Blank
3 Things Spock Would Recommend for Building Product Specification
“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few,” said Spock. The brilliant Vulcan was the science officer aboard the Starship Enterprise on its mission to explore strange new worlds—to seek out new life and new civilization. Spock’s intellect, vast knowledge, and use of logic makes him the perfect candidate to evaluate building products.
On: Apr 19, 2018 By: Brad Blank
Under the Influence: How Habits Increase Product Specifications
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit,” said Aristotle. When under the influence of positive triggers, architects will specify a certain product. Through a series of examples, we will outline how an architect’s habits increase product specifications.
On: Apr 16, 2018 By: Brad Blank
How to Influence Building Product Specifications and Increase ROI
How do you influence building product specifications? How can a product manufacturer increase ROI? Motivation, ability, and individual triggers are three factors that play an important role in the specification process.

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