Marketing for the Built and Natural Environment

For those involved in marketing for architecture, engineering and construction in the Kansas City area, SMPSKC offers valuable opportunities to network, learn and accelerate career development. Our chapter consistently strives to offer programs and events that both educate and inspire our members and guests. More...

Upcoming SMPSKC ProgramsRegister Now For This Upcoming Program

Thursday, July 8: Winning the Interview (Part III)
Location: Brio on the Plaza
Time: 11:00 - 1:00
The speaker will be  Kile Morrison, AIA, DBIA, Vice President of the Kansas City Office and Lynn DiPlacito, CPSM, Business Development Manager at GLMV Architecture

Register here.

Upcoming SMPSKC ProgramsRegister Now For This Upcoming Program

Thursday, August 12: Having the Good Life
Location: Brio on the Plaza
Time: 11:00 - 1:00
Get Out of B.E.D. (Blame, Excuses and Denial) Change Your Outlook, Alter Your OutcomesC The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. We do this all the time in our work and in our lives, which is insanity at its finest and funniest. Unfortunately most times we miss the humor of it all.

Get Out of B.E.D. will teach you how to ask the questions to change your outlook and alter your outcomes. When you Get Out of B.E.D. (Blame, Excuses and Denial), life gets easier.
This signature program is the foundation for all of Marty Stanley's speaking topics. In this program you will learn to:

.     Communicate more succinctly and effectively
.     Make better decisions
.     Motivate and inspire yourself and others
.     Be happier
 
Join us August 12, 2010 at the Brio on the Plaza for Marty's entertaining and enlightening presentation for a better way to balance home and work life. Networking starts at 11:00 AM, lunch at 11:30 and the program starts promptly at noon. Marty will be available before and after the presentation for you to have the opportunity to purchase her book and discuss the program in detail. Learn more about Marty at www.alteringoutcomes.com.

Register here.

Call for NominationsJoin the 2010-2011 SMPSKC Board of Directors

Are you looking to be more involved with SMPSKC? The Nominations and Elections Committee of SMPSKC is seeking quilified candidates to fill positions on the 2010-2011 Board of Directors. For more information on the eligibility requirements and open position descriptions, click here. Nominations must be sent by April 15 to:

Amanda Whiteford, CPSM
SMPSKC President-Elect
Terracon Consultants, Inc.
amwhiteford@terracon.com

Internship ProgramTake Advantage of This Great Opportunity!

The Kansas City Chapter of the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) will be sponsoring multiple internships for summer 2010 to place qualified students in the marketing and public relations departments of architecture, engineering and construction firms in the Kansas City Metro area.

Marketing and Public Relations for a professional services firm requires a wide range of tasks.  Mostly based in the realm of communication and presentation, these include:  graphic design, advertising, public relations, feature writing, corporate branding, project proposals, client presentations and helping develop strategies to acquire new clients.  All positions are hands-on, so applicants should possess outstanding writing skills, good computer skills and the willingness to work in a professional environment, often on deadline.  Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite programs, especially InDesign, is desired.

The successful applicants will be asked to attend the monthly SMPS professional development functions during their term and will be assigned to an experienced marketer to serve as a resource throughout the summer and beyond.

Interns will be serving either two consecutive 6-week terms or one 12-week term, depending upon availability, and will be paid at a minimum rate of $10/hr, regardless of firm placement.

Desired applicants should be pursuing a degree in journalism, marketing, public relations, communications or related field.  To apply submit a resume, any samples of writing, graphic design or campaigns and a cover letter describing your abilities and goals for the future to:

Julie Koehn
SMPS Education Chair
c/o Excel Constructors, Inc.
8041 W. 47th Street
Overland Park, KS  66203
julie.koehn@excelconstructors.com

Hard copy and digital submissions are equally acceptable.  Creativity and a strong presentation are encouraged.

SponsorshipsSpring/Summer Program Sponsorships Available

SMPSKC has some exciting Programs and Events coming in the next few months.  Jump start your business development efforts with maximum exposure to our influential guests at the April 8, Speed Dating Your Client event.   A luncheon sponsorship includes registration for chapter luncheon, inclusion in the e-Prospects electronic newsletter, inclusion in the e-Alert electronic event announcements, opportunity to exhibit and distribute company materials, speaking opportunity and company introduction, and name advertised during pre-event networking for just $300. 

Interested in a FREE sponsorship? Consider taking part in our discounted rate for the upcoming three part series on marketing tactics covering Reaching New Clients (Part I - May), Government Proposals (Part II - June), and Winning In The Interview (Part III - July).  Sponsors may participate in this three part series for only $550. This opportunity gives you the monthly sponsorship benefits for three full months for less than the cost of two, a $450 savings!

CPSM InformationCPSM Stipend

Once a member in good standing has been approved to sit for the CPSM exam and paid the applicable registration and fees, he or she may submit to the Finance Committee, via the Treasurer, a request for a stipend of $150. Each member is eligible for this stipend only once.

SMPSKC is now on Twitter!Follow us on Twitter to learn more about upcoming programs, website updates and other useful information.

Click here to follow SMPSKC!

Get More Involved with SMPSKC Look into joining a committee!

If you answered yes to the above question, then the first step is to join one of the following committees as a member. By joining a committee within SMPSKC you will have the chance to build your network and strengthen relationships with other members. Participating on the committee level will also be a springboard for you as opportunities will arise to take on various leadership roles throughout the organization both locally and nationally.

Programs Committee
Organizes industry specific special interest programs and events involving prominent industry leaders, public officials, media figures and programs surrounding potential project opportunities. Committee members can market their firms and help determine program topics for the entire organization. Program committee events might also include joint programs with allied organizations such as DBIA, KCCREW and AIA.

Membership Committee
Recruits new members in the Kansas City chapter. Researches current membership opportunities and investigates member retention. Plans events including, new member breakfasts and other miscellaneous networking events.

Sponsorship Committee
Oversees a comprehensive annual program that enables firms to gain exposure to the top decision makers throughout Kansas City. This committee is responsible for: marketing the chapter as the perfect venue for firms, corporations and vendors to spend their marketing dollars. It is a great way to build your network and maintain the financial viability of the chapter.

Education Committee
The goal of the Education Committee is to provide our membership with outstanding educational, professional, and personal development opportunities. The Education Committee offers a variety of events and formats that comply with the Six Domains of Marketing. Education topics focus on professional services for individuals and member firms. The committee provides certification training to become a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM).

Communications Committee
The Communications Committee serves as the liaison between the chapter and the local, regional and national press, and is comprised of the following:
Public Relations: An overall public relations program that promotes the Kansas City Chapter, the built and natural environment industry, and the profession of services marketing.
Newsletter: The SMPS Kansas City newsletter is electronically published multiple times throughout the year and is distributed to our entire membership as well as member prospects.
Website: The brand new Kansas City Chapter website was recently launched and has received a tremendous amount of feedback and enthusiasm. Updated monthly by a chapter webmaster, the website provides chapter news and information on programming and educational events. Firms can also advertise on the website through the chapter’s sponsorship program. Support in the development and maintenance of the website is welcome. For more information, visit www.smpskc.org.

Marketers on the Move Committee
The goal of the MotM Committee is to promote education and professional growth by providing a casual atmosphere and a wide range of activities to guide up-and-coming professionals on how to form a strong foundation in this industry while having a little fun along the way. The MotM Committee hosts six events throughout the year in various formats including happy hours and Q&A sessions with industry professionals. Committee members also have a chance to market their firms by hosting an event.

If you’d like to volunteer to become a part of a committee, please contact Adriana Morehead.

SMPSKC Debuts on Facebook Group Another option for members to connect!

SMPS KC has made the jump and is now part of the social networking craze - Facebook.  Our Facebook group is just one more way each and every one of our members can connect with each other.
 
To find our new group, please conduct a search for SMPS Kansas City Chapter. For any questions, please contact the group leader, Jaclyn Simons.