Happy New Year! As we enter into 2010, we look forward to an end to the recession and the unknown possibilities a new year brings. Everyone in marketing and business development had a very busy year in 2009 as firms turned in record number qualifications and competition for projects grew. Each of you deserves a pat on the back and I hope you celebrated over the holidays.

The SMPS fiscal year began in September, but with the new calendar year we will be rolling out some new initiatives that we have been working on for the last quarter. The new initiatives include:

• A rejuvenated newsletter, The Network. Each week there will be a new article posted on the website blog. At the end of each quarter, these articles will be consolidated into a newsletter sent out to our membership. Articles include highlighting new and existing members, tips, reviews, and information on events. This article kicks off the new format. 
• A new registration system, Cvent, which will streamline communications and the registration process and allow for credit card payment for sponsorships. 
• A possible mentoring group, to help marketers and business developers new to the industry. Each member should have received a survey to help steer the direction this group will take. Please take the time to participate in the survey. 
• Stronger educational programs. We will continue to provide excellent monthly lunches featuring owners with work. However, a new educational subcommittee will concentrate on maximizing the potential of our Lunch and Learns, webinars, and the annual workshop. 
• A possible awards competition. It’s time our members have a chance to celebrate their creativity. A committee has started to plan a local competition similar to national’s that will end with awards at the December networking lunch. 

The strength of the Austin SMPS chapter depends on the involvement of its membership. As well, I have found that you maximize membership by becoming involved in the organization. If you are interested in taking part in any of the new initiatives or joining any of our other committees please contact me. As well, if you have any suggestions on how we can improve your SMPS experience, please contact me or you can use the suggestion box that is at each luncheon.

I look forward to seeing each of you at the next event. Best wishes in 2010.

Paulette N. I. Rudolph, PE, LEED AP

Walter P Moore

SMPS Austin Chapter President

Member Spotlight: Amy Jones

Amy Jones

Principal 
O'Connell Robertson 

What is your professional history?
I graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism from the  University of Texas at Austin and worked for nearly twenty years in communications and public relations before accepting a position with O’Connell Robertson.  Although my strength was public relations, I felt unprepared in the A/E/C Industry.

How were you first introduced to SMPS and what motivated you to join?
Initially an invitation to a luncheon.

What significant changes have you seen at SMPS since your involvement?
Currently standing at ten years, I have seen a portion of the growth of the SMPS Austin Chapter.  My initial involvement began when San Antonio and Austin participated in a joint chapter.  Through the years I have seen the migration into two different and distinct chapters.  As membership has strengthened so has the program content as well as the Chapter’s organizational structure.

How has SMPS helped you in your career?
SMPS helped me develop a strong network of peers.  This network helped create a presence for my company in the industry as well as the professional development tools necessary for business development and marketing – from proposal submittals to client relations.

What do you currently do for personal professional development to develop and maintain your marketing skills?
The evolution of my career has progressed into a principal position within my firm.  My professional development has expanded to not only include SMPS but also other organizations that help me broaden my professional expertise.

Helpful hints to help your fellow SMPS members?
SMPS offers its members a better understanding of their role in the industry, whether you are new to the A/E/C industry or further along in your career.  SMPS offers an arena for networking and an opportunity to not only learn the skills required in your profession but also create opportunities for your firm.

Many members become involved on a committee to help them access information or develop business relationships required to achieve their goals.  This involvement may come from participating on the Programs Committee in order to develop relationships with project owners.  Some members become involved with the Registration Committee to learn and expand their rapport with prime architectural or construction firms.  While other members strive to become President of SMPS Austin Chapter to create visibility for their firm.  Each committee offers a unique ability to give a member the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally not only for themselves but for their firm.

Book Review

PLAN IT

Lisbeth Quebe, FSMPS

I love to read. I can pick up a book and read all weekend until I finish. When I get a good book in my hands, my kids and husband know that they must fend for themselves because I am not stopping until I’m done. When I was asked to write a book review for the SMPS newsletter, I decided to pick a book that was geared toward the audience, ie. professional services marketers.

I have to admit, as much as I love what I do, books about marketing do not have the same irresistible force to keep me glued to the couch all weekend. My main complaint about marketing books is that it takes 200 pages to say what you could say in 50. My ideal marketing book needs to gets to the point sooner.

The book I chose was, “Plan it” by Lisbeth Quebe, FSMPS. I thought, I can do this..it’s 95 pages, big type, short chapters..this book may be one that could hold my attention long enough to get to the end.

And it did. “Plan it,” was completely relevant to what we do and hit the main points on developing and improving on your marketing plan. The first chapter gives you sound reasoning for the importance of a marketing plan and the components that must be included to make it successful. The components they list include Audit, Outlook, Goals and Objectives, Strategies, Tools and Resources, Budget and Implementation.

The subsequent chapters step you through the process of each component of the plan. The book is structured in chapters but reads more like a checklist. What I liked about it most is that it was practical, useful information and got to the point without repeating information. Each component is covered by a short chapter with solid advice for your marketing plan.

I would recommend this book to other SMPS members. It can help with implementing strategies that may have been left out of your existing marketing plan. It’s not rocket science, or probably anything you haven’t heard before, but it is a prompt for us to continue to improve on what we have to make it better.

“Plan It,” is recommended by SMPS and available at the SMPS bookstore online. It is also recommended reading for anyone considering the CPSM exam. First and foremost, it is short and to the point.

Erika Passailaigue

Datum Engineers

SMPS Austin Chapter President-Elect