# A Smarter Approach to Business Development for Architects | EP685 Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/business-of-architecture-podcast-389403/a-smarter-approach-to-business-development-for-architects-ep685 Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/business-of-architecture-podcast-389403/a-smarter-approach-to-business-development-for-architects-ep685.md Podcast: [Business of Architecture Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/business-of-architecture-podcast-389403) Published: 2026-05-04T13:00:00+00:00 Episode link: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/podcast/685-why-architects-struggle-to-win-the-right-clients/ Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/businessofarchitecture/685_TJ_Lyons_-_Up_1.mp3?dest-id=122591 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/business-of-architecture-podcast-389403/episodes/a-smarter-approach-to-business-development-for-architects-ep685 Duration seconds: 3837 ## Resource End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework In this episode, Rion Willard sits down with TJ Lyons to explore a side of practice growth that many architects find unclear or uncomfortable. Instead of relying on presentations or personality, TJ shares a more focused way to approach business development—one built on clarity, intent, and better conversations. They unpack what really happens in client meetings, why so many firms sound the same without realizing it, and how a small shift in approach can change who you attract. The discussion also touches on a deeper issue inside the profession: why selling feels difficult, and how that mindset shapes results. If you have ever left a meeting unsure what happened, felt stuck competing on fees, or questioned how to reach better clients, this episode offers a fresh perspective worth hearing. Why the way architects open conversations can quietly shape the outcome The subtle difference that makes some firms stand out—without saying more What effective business development feels like when it's done right To learn more about TJ, visit his website: http://www.cubedbd.com ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/business-of-architecture-podcast-389403/episodes/a-smarter-approach-to-business-development-for-architects-ep685/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/business-of-architecture-podcast-389403/a-smarter-approach-to-business-development-for-architects-ep685.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.