Started AYDrafting 2 Years Ago: 3 Biggest Takeaways
Starting AYDrafting two years ago has been an incredible journey. From taking the leap to run my own civil engineering firm to navigating the ups and downs of business ownership, every step has been a learning experience. As I reflect on this milestone, I want to share the three key takeaways that have shaped not only my business but also my mindset.
1. Business = Communication
When I first launched AYDrafting, I thought that technical skills and delivering quality work would be the foundation of success. While those elements are crucial, I quickly realized that business is really about communication. Whether it's with clients, partners, or my own team, effective communication has been the cornerstone of building trust and fostering long-term relationships.
In a field as technical as civil engineering, clear communication ensures everyone is on the same page. Miscommunication can lead to costly mistakes, delays, and unmet expectations. Being transparent, proactive, and approachable has helped me turn potential challenges into opportunities. At the end of the day, clients don’t just want solutions; they want to feel heard and understood. If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that successful business is all about people and how you connect with them.
2. People = Money
I used to think that success was tied to securing large projects or winning big contracts. But as AYDrafting has grown, I’ve come to see that people are the real currency. Building a strong network, investing in relationships, and hiring the right people has been far more valuable than chasing numbers on a balance sheet.
Surrounding myself with talented and motivated individuals has been key to scaling AYDrafting. My team has brought fresh ideas and expertise that allowed us to take on more complex projects and deliver even better results. Beyond the internal team, clients and industry contacts are an extension of this. Word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business have accounted for a significant portion of our growth.
The lesson? When you focus on the right people—clients, employees, and partners—the money will follow. It's not just about landing the next contract; it’s about creating an ecosystem of trust and collaboration.
3. Speed Is Everything
In today’s fast-paced world, speed is everything. The faster we can deliver value, the more we stand out. This doesn’t mean rushing or cutting corners, but being efficient and responsive. The ability to act quickly—whether it’s turning around a proposal, implementing an automation, or responding to client inquiries—sets you apart.
In the construction and engineering industry, delays can be costly. But even beyond that, being fast allows us to iterate and improve continuously. From adopting new technologies like Dynamo and Revit API to automating workflows, speed has allowed us to keep pace with industry demands and deliver solutions that matter.
Speed is also about decision-making. The longer you hesitate, the more opportunities you miss. Looking back, I can say that some of the best decisions I’ve made were the ones where I trusted my instincts and moved fast. At the end of the day, agility is what keeps us competitive and ready for whatever comes next.
As I look forward to the next phase of AYDrafting, these three lessons will continue to guide me. Business is about communication, people are the real asset, and speed keeps us moving forward. If you’re starting your own journey or thinking about taking the leap, I hope these takeaways serve you as much as they’ve served me.
Keep drafting like a boss!
—Aydimir
