House Magazine 2012 Awards

http://www.housesawards.com.au/pages/about/categories?utm_source=Houses+Awards&utm_campaign=58142a440d-HA_2012_cfr&utm_medium=email

DECEMBER BDAQ MEETING - CANCELLED

Thursday, 15th December, 2011 meeting is CANCELLED due to lack of numbers.

(PLEASE NOTE THURSDAY NIGHT MEETING RATHER THAN OUR USUAL WEDNESDAY)

VENUE:Pacific Paradise Bowls Club. 13 Menzies Drive, Pacific Paradise.

(refer to adjacent map)

TIME:    Meeting Commences 6.00pm.

COST:   Free

SPONSORS: 

      

1.   WEATHERTEX - Chris Worchurst from Weathertex has kindly arranged sponsorship of our December meeting which is to be a 'Barefoot Bowls' evening. This final meeting of the year is planned as a casual affair and an opportunity to catch up with your design industry colleagues in a relaxed and fun environment. Weathertex are providing food and drinks for the evening as well as arranging for the barefoot bowls. A display of Weathertex products and information will be available on the night and Chris will be happy to answer any queries you may have. (ChrisWorchurst 0408 803 299 ) 

      Please support our sponsor by coming along and joining in the fun.

                          

DOOR PRIZE: Treasurer Ray has arranged for a six pack of beer and a bottle of wine to be awarded as door prizes to 2 lucky members.

Members note: Please bring your business card to provide to sponsors.

Close of Meeting at 8:30 pm approx.


Please remember to RSVP and advise of any special dietary requirements to ian@mojodesign.net.au
Your early RSVP would be appreciated so that all the necessary arrangements can be made with the bowls club.

BDA - national Building Designers Association

Anyone interested in not only being a member of the BDAQ but also of the BDA?

Ben Thornton is your contact. Email Ben at this LINK

How a design practice uses social media to increase brand awareness

This is the second post in our interview series with different members of the construction industry. Dave joins us from SNOW architects to talk about how his practice use social media to communicate with their audience, raise awareness of the business and generate leads.
I ‘virtually’ met Dave through Twitter over a year ago and then finally saw him in person at our digital marketing seminar in October. He has built up a large online following and often shares interesting articles on industry news and developments as well as blogging about how architects can use the latest technologies for their projects. Now, I will let him take the stage, so to say, and tell you a bit more about the company and how social media has helped him.

Introduction to SNOW architects

I’m David Cornett, Architectural Technician and Director of SNOW architects ltd. We are a trusted RIBA Chartered Practice based in Liverpool, employed locally and throughout the North West of England and North Wales by a wide variety of sectors. SNOW architects currently provide architectural services on projects with a contract value of up to £15m. Our current live projects range from extensions to client’s homes, new build residential properties, apartments, restaurants, hotels, industrial units, student accommodation and mixed-use city centre schemes. I run all the company social media accounts, my business partner doesn’t do marketing.

Why did you decide to start using social media, and Twitter in particular?

We’ve had a website since we started in 2003. I initially set up a personal Facebook account around 4 years ago which I started using to promote the business to other Liverpool based companies. I then joined Linkedin and Twitter later on and have been tweeting for around 3 years now. You can follow me at @snowarchitects.

What has social media allowed you to do that you couldn’t do before?

We are only a small practice so it’s an effective way of marketing. The Twitter account is connected to my Linkedin and Facebook account, as everyone has their favourite form of social media. People who are on Facebook are not necessarily on Linkedin or Twitter.
I’ve found that social media is a great way of networking and developing relationships and it’s always good to meet ‘tweeps’ (people on Twitter) in real life. The ice is broken which makes it a bit easier to get chatting, especially as I use my face as the avatar for all our social media accounts. When I attend a networking event, I often have people come up to me because they recognise me from my avatar. One such event is Construction Pool @constructpool (Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds), the organisers have regularly made comments about how many people attend on the back of a tweet or Linkedin update that I’ve made whilst helping them promote the event.
Being a small practice, social media also allows us to see how other people run their business. Apart from having conversations with other similar architect practices and construction professionals, I also follow and speak to business coaches, PR, web designers, marketers, photographers etc. Through this I’ve picked up a few ideas which have grown and developed. I also attended BE2camp and TedX Liverpool this year, both of which have been very beneficial.

You have been using QR codes and Augmented Reality for a few months now. How have these new technologies benefited you?

We have had QR codes for a while but were not really using them to their full advantage so for the first time, we actually printed a large QR code for a site hoarding in November. We have also been using them in our printed brochure to link to additional information on the website, such as videos or additional photographs of the project. These have been well received but I think the technology still needs explaining as many people are not aware of what QR codes are and how to use them.
I am quite excited about the possibilities of Augmented Reality (AR) and its use in the industry, especially with the majority of people having some sort of smartphone or tablet. We’ve done some image based AR in the #architectmap  and some 3D models to show clients. It’s again a bit of a gimmick, but clients have been impressed when I pull out my iphone and guide them through their building.
At SNOW architects we have also been looking at Geo Located models, which are superimposed over a phone’s camera as you look at the site. We’ve had a lot of Twitter interest in this from all over the world, which is something I didn’t expect. I think the main thing disadvantage is that there isn’t a single app which can do all the things I would want so it’s a case of switching from app to app.

Who do you follow on Twitter and why?

I follow people who I think might inform me or entertain me. Most importantly it helps if they have an avatar and a bio filled in. Generally I follow people in the UK (especially local companies who we can work with or refer work to) and who are construction or property based. I regularly unfollow people who I think don’t suit me or constantly send me to a paywall website.
I follow a few product manufacturers but I don’t like people doing the hard sell to me. This is especially the case if we tweet about getting planning permission on a job, sometimes you then get spammed by lots of companies. I like to form a relationship with people first, I’m not going to recommend someone because they spammed me. I like to see informative tweets about how the product helps overcome a problem.

Do you think social media has allowed you to increase brand awareness of SNOW architects practice?

Most definitely, it has helped promote the company name so at least most people have actually heard of us when we go to industry events in Liverpool and Manchester. We have also had several job enquiries via Twitter, Linkedin and Facebook on the back of a tweet or status update which jogs someone’s memory.

Have you got any advice for other businesses who are still unsure about using social media?

I think a lot of people assume it takes a lot of time, but it doesn’t have too. I tweet whilst waiting for someone to turn up to a meeting or at the train station etc. I also automate some tweets in advance using the Buffer App. So my advice would be to just do it, you’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Summary

A big thanks to Dave for sharing this information with us. He made some interesting points about how valuable social media can be for small businesses who don’t have huge marketing budgets. Through their presence on social media, SNOW architects have been able to raise their profile and make local companies aware of what they do and how they work. Attending networking events to meet people you have been tweeting with in person is a chance to strengthen relationships with industry peers and prospects, which could lead to future business opportunities. Dave is always keen to try out the latest technologies and evaluate how this can improve the business and benefit his clients. I look forward to seeing how he continues to use Augmented Reality on his future projects.
http://www.pauleycreative.co.uk/2011/12/interview-with-a-uk-architect-practice-using-social-media/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=interview-with-a-uk-architect-practice-using-social-media

January Floods video - Timber Queensland Seminar

An inquest into the January floods is played a video which gives a moment by moment account of how a wall of water swept through the Lockyer Valley

http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/national-news/how-they-died-flood-video-2743823.html

A confronting documentary tracing the flood waters and those that perished in the January floods. As building designers this shows graphically the power of flood waters and the damage and loss of life that can follow.

Thanks to Ben Thorton for sharing this link

Remaining High and Dry: Reconstructing Queensland to suit our climate.

Event Type: Seminar
Date: Wednesday 9 November 2011
Location: Auditorium, Broncos Leagues Club, Fulcher Rd,Red Hill. 2.30 - 5.30pm.

---

Event Description

The release of Government planning guidelines encouraging a return to traditional high-set “Queenslander” style housing follows a year of widespread disasters. Understanding how to plan, design and build affordable modern Queenslanders is essential to get the State’s rebuild right.

Event Program

Attend Timber Queensland’s “Remaining High & Dry” seminar to hear from the leaders who are determining how Queensland is rebuilt and the proposed standards that will dictate it’s construction. 
http://www.timberqueensland.com.au/Events/Default.aspx?id=14

NOVEMBER BDAQ MEETING

Wednesday, 9th November, 2011.

Pacific Paradise Bowls Club.

13 Menzies Drive, Pacific Paradise.

(refer to adjacent map)

Meeting Commences 6.00pm.

No charge to attend meeting.

(Tax deductable 2 course meal available for $20)

SPONSORS: 

      

1.      CAESARSTONE - Bob Lovell from Caesarstone will inform members about the exciting new range of quartz surfaces available and also share some of the endless design possibilities possible with the product. http://www.caesarstone.com/  (Bob Lovell 0438 405 014)

2.      POLYTEC - Karen Munro and Boe Anderson will demonstrate some of the great range available from Polytec and tell us a little about the company. With an outstanding array of colours, styles and surface finishes, the polytec range of doors, panels and laminates is amongst the most comprehensive in Australia   http://www.polytec.com.au/    (Karen Munro 0407 214 665)

SPECIAL PRESENTATION:

1. BRAD THOMPSON - Brad Thompson and some of his team from Thompson Building Group are going to offer members some feedback about building documentation from the point of view of the building company owner, the construction team and the sales professional. Some of the items to be discussed include information they would like included on drawings, elements requiring detailing and the benefits of 3D renderings. Brad will be joined by Phil Chipperfield (Construction) and Darryl Dalton (Sales) This is a presentation which I'm sure will benefit all designers - not to be missed.                                (Thompson Building Group 5457 6500)

DOOR PRIZE: Polytec have kindly arranged to supply a door prize on the evening. So come along for your chance to walk away with a great prize.

DATE CLAIMER:

Our last meeting for the year is to be held on 'Thursday' December 15 at the Pacific Paradise Bowls Club. Weathertex have offered to sponsor a barefoot bowls evening. This will be a casual get together to finish off the year, so put it in your diary now and come along to enjoy a fun evening with your design industry colleagues.

Members note: Please bring your business card to provide to sponsors.

Close of Meeting at 8:30 pm approx.


Please remember to RSVP and advise of any special dietary requirements to ian@mojodesign.net.au

The greatest value you give to your clients are your ideas

This missive is from a web site called www.winwithoutpitching.com

It talks about the value of your ideas, food for thought:

We Will Not Solve Problems Before We Are Paid

Our thinking is our highest value product;
we will not part with it without appropriate compensation.
If we demonstrate that we do not value our thinking, our clients will not value it.
Our paying clients can rest assured that our best minds remain focused on solving their problems, and not the problems of those who have yet to hire us.........

October meeting hosted at Coolum Tile and Stone Studio

Thanks to Chris and Rodney Lomas from Coolum Stone and Tile Studio for their warm welcome and generosity in hosting our October branch meeting at their tile studio. Lots of interesting and topical information on tiles and and tile laying.

Thanks also to Taty Hindes for presenting her topic on The Business of Graphic Design, showcasing some of her outstanding work, and her approach to clients and design.

Some photos of the night:

Duplex / Dual Occupancy Sunshine Coast

Thanks to Bert Priest for passing on this information:

hydraulic plans are not required for any Duplex/Dual Occupancy development across the whole-of-region

Building Designers Association Queensland: Intext Wins Documentation Awards

Building Designers Association Queensland: Intext Wins Documentation Awards: Bert Priest, principal of Intext Design, has taken out the 2011 BDAQ Documentation Awards in both the Residential and Commercial categories ...

OCTOBER BDAQ MEETING

Meeting Date...........................

Wednesday, 12th October, 2011.

VENUE:        Coolum tile and stone studio,

                       

                        Cnr Lysaght Street and Focal Avenue, Centra Park. Coolum beach.

                        (refer to following map)

                        Meeting Commences 6.00pm.

                        $10 meeting attendance fee to be paid to treasurer. (Tax deductable)

                        (Students free)

SPONSOR:

1. Coolum tile and stone studio
   Christine Lomas from Coolum tile and stone studio is hosting our October meeting and kindly providing a meal and some drinks. Chris will talk to us about the wide range of products and services offered, and show us around the showroom and trade centre. Coolum tile and stone specialises in sourcing unique and individual products for their clients. Chris will also invite a guest speaker affiliated with the tile industry to address the members. www.coolumtileandstonestudio.com.au (Chris Lomas 5446 2433)

SPECIAL PRESENTATION:

1. Taty Hindes from Soul Space Design - Taty is a graphic designer who holds an MA in design and has 25 years experience in the graphic design industry. To kick off a proposed ongoing series of talks from members of other design professions - Taty has offered to come and talk to members about successful branding, and the creation of a good visual identity for small business. Good design principals form the basis of so many professions which are complimentary to the building design profession, I'm sure we can all learn something to benefit our businesses from Taty. Read more about Taty. http://www.soulspace.com.au/about/soul-space-designers/

DOOR PRIZE:

Treasurer Ray has kindly arranged for a six pack of beer and a bottle of wine to be   drawn as door prizes for two lucky meeting attendee’s.

           

Members note: Please bring your business card to provide to sponsors.

Close of Meeting at 8:30 pm approx.

Please RSVP ASAP so that our kind sponsor can make the necessary arrangements.

RSVP        ian@mojodesign.net.au

Small Business Development Workshop for BDAQ members

Interested in learning more about business and taking your business to another level?

The State Government is running some heavily subsidised business managment workshops, and the Sunshine Coast BDAQ has the opportunity to attend a series of workshops just for BDAQ members. The workshops will be hosted by Rod Richards, who will be speaking at this month's meeting.

We need a minimum of 6 members to attend, with a maximum of 10. See the attached flyer.

Please email Paul Hindes paul@soulspace.net.au if you are interested.

BIM Connect community

Autodesk are looking for members to join their new BIM Connect community.

Interested?

Here is some more information:

About the BIM Connect community:

 BIM Connect is a private, online community of global professionals who have experience and can speak to issues of collaboration and data management related to BIM or topics related to product development and product lifecycle management.  As a community member, you would have the opportunity to:

• Provide insight into your organization's needs and challenges
• Share your thoughts on a variety of technology industry topics
• Learn early on about new Autodesk initiatives and influence their direction
• Interact and network with your peers in a private, online forum
• Receive periodic rewards in exchange for your participation

Customers chosen to participate in BIM Connect will be asked to complete a click-through Non-Disclosure Agreement, create an account, and then log in and contribute your their thoughts (via surveys, dialogues, bulletin boards, etc.) an average of 5-15 minutes per week. Please note that while the community is global, it will be conducted in English only. 

Thank you in advance for your interest, and we hope to see you in the community!

Just answer some questions in the short questionnaire (link below)

BIM Connect applicant questionnaire:

http://www.communityinvitations.com/html.pro?ID=1049&said=adk711&csid=autodesk-BIM-TL-697&pcid=RFR

Food for thought - house sizes

　

MatusikMissive –Big homes

1stSeptember 2010 –http://www.matusikmissive.wordpress.com/

One of the current social themes is that the consumer is to blame for wanting a big home. The new social order –excuse me if I get on my hobby horse for a second or two –wants us to buy something smaller and magically make our housing problems disappear. Sadly, too many who clog up the blogosphere with urban commentary do not understand the economics of new housing nor a rational buyer’s decison-making process
Recent statistics published by the CBA show that Australia has the largest homes in the world, with the average floor area of a new dwelling (including townhouses but excluding apartments) topping 214m², up from 150m²just 25 years ago. The average floor area of new free-standing houses also set a record at 245m². Our homes are much larger than those within Europe and even many American cities.

Why has this occurred?

It is simply economics. The actual land component of a new house and land package is very high and fixed. The land usually costs around two-thirds of the total purchase price. This is particularly the case for basic or entry level new housing. For example, the land component of a basic $375,000 house and land package in Queensland could cost as much as $250,000.

In contrast, a 150m² three-bedroom base level house on that land would cost about $135,000 or around $2,500/m²as a total price (including the price of the land). Now, a larger 250m² four bedroom house with a study might cost $175,000, making the end package cost $425,000. The buyer gets 100m²of extra house for just $50,000 more. The total end price per square metre has now dropped to $1,700 or 30% less.

Here is the real rub. Assuming that the buyer can afford to pay the extra deposit and fund a $425,000 house and land package, all it costs–assuming a ten percent deposit and using today’s rates –is an extra $10 per day in mortgage payments. The new home buyer can now own a home that is two-thirds larger for just $70 per week. To upsize the house, as outlined in the example above, would cost the buyer an extra $3,640 per year.

Given the high cost of land in and around our capital cites, the trend towards larger new homes makes economic sense. Consumers are just acting in their own interests and are making rational decisons to choose a larger and more valuable home for what is a small additional out of pocket expense in the broad scheme of things.

Unless there are real economies in the land content –for example the plentiful supply of subdivided land to keep land prices keen –building a small house on a more traditional sized suburban block of land is often not thebest value for money.
Michael Matusik

SEPTEMBER BDAQ MEETING

Meeting Date...........................
Wednesday, 14th September, 2011.

Pacific Paradise Bowls Club.
13 Menzies Drive, Pacific Paradise.
(refer to adjacent map)

Meeting Commences 6.00pm.
No charge to attend meeting.
(Tax deductable 2 course meal available for $20)

SPONSOR:       

1. BONDOR / SOLARSPAN - Steve Cramb from Solarspan will be telling us about the InsulLiving project. The InsulLiving project was conceived by Bondor as the next phase in the journey towards zero energy housing, with an 8+ star energy rating.
   Steve will demonstrate:
   • The ease of construction using Insulwall® & SolarSpan®
   • The speed of construction
   • The reduced requirements for trades.. www.solarspan.com.au (Steve Cramb 0418 748 680)
2. APRICUS Michael Axisa from Apricus Solar Hot Water Australia will give us an overview of their Evacuated Tube solar water heating technology and its benefits. We will also get a preview of the soon to be released Alunga system which will combine Hot Water, Pool Heating and Space heating in the one tank. A very intersting development.           (Michael Axisa 0424 133 599) www.apricus.com.au/

SPECIAL PRESENTATION:

1. Rod Richards is back again for our September meeting talking about business planning, and planning for success.
   
   Last minute change to Rod's presentation: Rod will mix it up in his session with a round table forum on "Looking for new Opportunities through Marketing Strategies". He will be calling for ideas and suggestions in developing an effective marketing plan. This should be a lively and thought provoking session, with the opportunity to think about your business and what you do in a different way.
   
   Free business plan templates will be given out on the night to all attendees.            (Rod Richards 0408 750 502) www.richardsconsulting.com.au

DOOR PRIZE: A couple of door prizes will be on offer during the evening - another good reason to attend.

Members note: Please bring your business card to provide to sponsors.

Close of Meeting at 8:30 pm approx.

RSVP             ian@mojodesign.net.au

Sunny Coast State Award Winners

Congratulations to the Sunshine Coast members who won awards at the 2011 BDAQ State Building Design Awards on the 20th August 2011.

Here they are:

Premier Award Winner
Residential Alterations & Additions > $600,000
Gerard Smith                        Mojo Design  

New Homes 351 - 450 sqm
WINNER
Norman Richards                 Norman Richards Building Design + Interiors  

New Homes 451 - 600 sqm
WINNER
Chris Clout                                Chris Clout Design 

New Homes > 600 sqm
WINNER
Paul Clout                             Paul Clout Design          

Residential Alterations & Additions $300,000 - $600,000
WINNER
Chris Clout                               Chris Clout Design          

Residential Alterations & Additions > $600,000

WINNER
Gerard Smith                        Mojo Design                                                         

High Density Multi-Residential

WINNER
Brad Read                                 Brad Read Design Group Pty Ltd                  

The Peter Modini Memorial Award for Commercial Buildings
 COMMENDATION Brad Read                                 Brad Read Design Group Pty Ltd          

Industrial Buildings
WINNER
Kieron James                        Kieron James Design           

   

Best Residential Interior

WINNER
Paul Clout                                   Paul Clout Design    

 Environmentally Sustainable Design
WINNER
TimChristopher               Golden BeachDesign   

  

New Homes <$1100 per sqm

WINNER
TimChristopher                Golden BeachDesign   

               

New Homes $1101 - $1400 per sqm

WINNER
Norman Richards                 Norman Richards Building Design + Interiors 

 

Best Bathroom Design

WINNER
Tim Christopher                   Golden BeachDesign  

Best Pool or Water Feature

WINNER
Chris Clout                             Chris Clout Design          

for more details and photos see the BDAQ Blog site
http://buildingdesignersqld.blogspot.com/p/2011-queensland-building-design-awards.html                                             

September meeting preview

Rod Richards is back again for our September meeting talking about business planning, and planning for success.

Rod will mix it up in his session with a round table forum on business planning. He will be calling for ideas and suggestions while filling in a business plan live. This should be a lively and thought provoking session, with the opportunity to think about your business and what you do in a different way.

Free business plan templates will be given out on the night to all attendees.

Set aside the 14th September, come along, stretch your mind and take your business to another level at our next BDAQ Sunshine Coast meeting. Look forward to seeing you all there.

Tilling Meeting Invitation

Recommended Reading

The Architects’ Guide to Fees + Contracts

Published Aug 2010    Format PDF     Price AU$67    (available in 13 currencies)

If you are thinking about becoming a freelance architect or running your own practice then The Architects' Guide to Fees + Contracts can help. This step by step guide will show you how to write effective architectural fee proposals and it explains the common contractual terms and conditions that you should be including in all your appointments.

http://blueturtlemc.com/portfolio

The Architects’ Guide to Design Fee Psychology

Published Apr 2011    Format PDF     Price AU$47    (available in 13 currencies)

New: Despite what economists would have you believe people have a tendency to make irrational and illogical decisions when addressing financially related issues. Whether or not you are proposing fair and reasonable fees may not be the determining factor in winning new work.

http://blueturtlemc.com/portfolio

Masterclass recordings

Darryl O’Brien has presented two Masterclass presentations on the New Premises Standard.

Following is the link for both Masterclass recordings.

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1167643585/f31078e466644f3d652159f09d0028cf

Feel free to contact me if you have any queries.

Kind Regards,

Cherése Audie

Office Assistant

Building Designers' Association of Queensland & Northern Territory

PO Box 651, Strathpine QLD 4500

P: (07) 3889 9119

BDAQ Technical Committee Breakfast - Join us!

Only three days to go until the BDAQ technical committee breakfast at Victoria Park Golf Club this Friday at 8.00am.

The good news is that you are invited. It’s not just for committee.

The really big news is that our guest speaker will be Ian Jennings, General Manager of the Building Services Authority. Ian has first-hand knowledge of how the building industry is going and where it is headed. His role is to monitor BSA licensees to ensure that they remain financially viable so he should know the real state of the industry. Ian also knows about the current position and future direction of national licencing.

This is a not-to-be-missed event and at just $50 it is probably the best value breakfast you will ever experience.

We do need to know in the next twenty-four hours if you and your friends will be coming so please let us know as soon as you are able.

Kind Regard,

The BDAQ Team

Gloomy outlook? Try these actions to stay on top.

It’s impossible to read the news without getting the distinct impression we’re heading for stormy weather. Here’s what you need to do

• 1. Avoid morale hoovers

If you’re prone to getting a bit freaked out by gloomy talk, make sure you keep a polite distance from those who scaremonger. While hiding under the covers may not be the best strategy; nor is moping around looking and feeling scared.

•  2. Choose your clients

If there’s ever a time to stop doing scrappy work with second-rate customers, now is that time. 

Start being the best you can be and stop burning time and energy on those who drain you.

Not sure how? This may sound cheesy, but well, buy our book and read it.      

•  3. Get raucous!

A great way to get noticed and attract new opportunities is to rattle cages. Get involved in discussions, forums, social networking and face-to-face networking and freely share knowledge and opinion about the sector within which you work.

Offer help, help and a little more help to anyone who’ll listen and savour the effect that giving has on receiving.       

• 4. Reassure

It’s tempting to discount when times are tough, but in this environment people are looking for reassurance that they’re spending their money wisely.

It’s rarely the cheapest who wins the sale; it’s the one with the safest hands.

•  5. Make a fuss

There’s one kind of dust that definitely doesn’t need a hoover - fairy dust - so sprinkle liberally on your fans and raving fans. These are the wonderful people who support your business and refer you to others, so stay in regular contact.

Finally, I can’t end without pointing out the benefits of professional development at a time like this and yes, Independents’ Day is one day of learning you really shouldn’t miss. Just see what we’ve got planned.

Robert Gerrish is one of the Flying Solo crew and supports soloists as a coach and consultant. He presents at conferences and networking events and bangs on to the media or anyone who listens, about all things micro. He’s the co-author of Flying Solo – How to go it alone in business

http://www.flyingsolo.com.au/startup/business-confidence/gloomy-outlook-try-these-actions-to-stay-on-top