Programs
Mark your calendar for the 4th Tuesday of each month!
Monthly programs are typically held at the Renaissance Seattle Hotel on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM unless otherwise noted. Content subject to change.
For more information regarding our programs please contact Sarah Wortman.
SMPS Programs are a great sponsorship opportunity! Contact Jennifer Van Vleet to inquire about sponsorship opportunities for events listed.
FELLOWS FORUM SCHOLARSHIP Apply for the 2012 Fellows Scholarship!
The winner will receive a paid registration to the SMPS National Conference, “Build Business: Take Action” in San Francisco, July 11-13, 2012. Only those people who have attended a Fellows Forum are eligible to submit for this scholarship. Applications are due on May 11, 2012. The instructions and 2-part application can be found here.
The Fellows will select the most deserving candidate based on the submittals and the recipient will be announced at the Reign Awards on June 7 and introduced at the Fellows Forum on June 14.
The Fellows—Bill Strong, Carla Thompson, Karleen Belmont, Ted Sive and Vicky Cooper—know how much the SMPS national conferences have contributed to their own career advancement, and they’re excited to offer this same opportunity to someone in the Seattle Chapter again. They believe that attending Build Business is one of the best investments you can make in furthering your education and building your professional network.Feedback from the 2011 Fellows Scholarship Recipient
“The National Conference not only packs a wide range of educational and networking opportunities into three days, as a professional marketer it really recharges your batteries. I, for one, came back with a renewed energy to tackle challenges in new and exciting ways. I know that the things I learned, and the people I met, at the conference have helped me both as a marketer and as an SMPS volunteer.”
–Chris Imbeau, RAFN Construction
UPCOMING PROGRAMS 5/22/12 - How to achieve business development success -
Taking the 'scary' out of sales.Business Development. Most likely it's part of your job description or you've been asked to take it on. We bet you're asking yourself 'What do I need to do to bring business in the door?'
Well, fortunately, Karen Johnston of the Johnston Training Group has the answer for you.
'Taking the "Scary" Out of Business Development' focuses on the techniques and strategies used throughout the architecture, engineering, and construction industry to develop business. These ideas have generated hundreds of thousands of dollars for firms and are designed to benefit both the experienced and novice professional services marketer, especially those who can't find the time to market, really don't like "selling," or want to reach higher and get even more work.
This workshop will teach you:The program is interactive, with useful handouts and ideas that you can implement immediately.
- What to say and do when face-to-face with a potential client
- How to develop an effective “elevator speech.”
- How to handle objections like “You’re too expensive!” Or “We always work with XYZ firm!”
- How to find the time to develop business
- How to overcome resistance to developing business
When: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 - 8:00AM to 10:00AM
Where: Downtown Seattle Public Library - Washington Mutual Foundation Room - 1000 4th Ave, Seattle
Registration Fees:
SMPS Member - $50.00 ($40.00 if registered by May 15th)
SMPS Member Firm - $55.00 ($45.00 if registered by May 15th)
Non-Member - $60.00 ($55.00 if registered by May 15th)
For registration questions or to register as an SMPS Member-Firm please contact SMPS Treasurer, Sunny Beaman at (425) 827-2014.
6/26/12 - How to get the fees you deserve
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
When: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - 11:30AM to 1:00PM
Where: Washington Athletic Club - Seattle
Registration Fees: TBD
PAST PROGRAMS What Wins & Why? The Art & Science of Winning Proposals & Presentations Case Study: Bothell City Hall RFQ/RFP
A/E/C firms spend significant time and resources submitting proposals to clients in an effort to get shortlisted and selected for a project. Despite their best efforts, firms lose two out of three proposals, on average. Why? Because clients find that the submittals are non-responsive, don’t address their specific needs, or look and sound the same. How can you make your firm stand out?
There are seemingly endless webinars about this topic, but this is a chance to learn how to differentiate your firm and win more pursuits from veteran marketer, Carla Thompson, FSMPS, Global Marketing Director for MulvannyG2 Architecture and special guest, Terrie Battuello, Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Manager for the City of Bothell. Carla will present proposal and presentation best practices based on 30 years of experience in the A/E industry, and Terrie will share what she observed while managing the highly competitive selection process for the Bothell City Hall RFQ/RFP.
