Communiqueso Podcast

On Monday's episode, we welcomed Sylvia Montgomery, CPSM to talk to us about how original research can be used as a content marketing tool. For today's Double Dip, we’re back with Sylvia to learn more about how her career, and how she went from a graphic designer to a brand and marketing expert in the professional services niche.

As consumers in a data-driven world, we are all more informed than ever before. Buying a new camera? Check out Consumer Reports. Thinking about trying a new restaurant? Not before seeing it's Yelp rating. Whether we know it or not, we're constantly conducting original research to learn more about companies, products, and services before we invest our time and money. But as marketers - or professional services firms - we don't always apply that same level of due diligence when making decisions that impact our clients or marketing strategies. Today we're excited to be chatting with Sylvia Montgomery, CPSM, Senior Partner with Hinge about conducting original research, and how you can leverage your findings to create value for your firm.

Susan has come a long way from being a shy English teacher to today, an inspirational presentation coach for AEC firms across the country. On today's double dip, she is sharing some great stories and advice she's learned along her glamorous journey.

As in-house marketers, we're often the go-to internal resource on coaching technical staff for presentations - be it for a client interview, speaking opportunity or internal meeting. And while most of us are natural-born communicators, presentations bring unique challenges. Before we can coach others, we must be great presenters ourselves. That's why we're excited to welcome Susan Murphy of Murphy Motivation and Training to the podcast this week to share her valuable insight surrounding her 20-years as a presentation coach.

We're back with Heather Davis, Managing Director of Brand + Culture and MGAC, to learn about her career journey - and how a design background has led to her current marketing role in the AEC industry.

If you've made it to this point in your career and have never faced a difficult conversation in the workplace, I'd say you've most likely either avoided them or you're simply a lucky individual! Whether related to performance issues, personality conflicts, or a hostile work environment - these confrontational discussions are by no means easy, but extremely necessary. Learning how to face these direct conversations head on is an important step in everyone's career, and we're excited to be chatting with Heather Davis this week to hear about her experience and tactful approach.

On Monday's episode, we chatted with Joanna Hoffschneider about the challenges of taking on a new team and how to overcome them. Today, we're back with Joanna to hear more about her career as a marketer, the impact of her personal network, and why she's making the next year about getting back to the basics.

Starting a new job is hard. There's a new culture to adapt to, and new projects and procedures to learn. And if you're a manager, you also have the challenge of taking on a new team. Today we'll be talking with Joanna Hoffschneider, industry vet and Vice President of Business Development and Marketing at Grimm + Parker, about how to turn your NEW team into YOUR team.

We're back today with Mindy Hinsley, CPSM to learn more about her career experience and challenges.

Strategic planning. It's one of those things that we all know we should be doing, but don't always dedicate the time and resources true to our intentions. When done right, a strategic plan will act as a roadmap to not only plan for the future, but also guide and motivate each employee in their daily decisions. Today we're chatting with Mindy Hinsley, CPSM, about the value she sees in keeping the plan alive, and how to incorporate the strategic planning process into you everyday routine.

On Monday's episode, we talked with Kim about her passion for mentoring and why she thinks marketers at every experience level should have one. we're back with Kim to learn more about her career, the lessons she's learned along the way, and what inspired her to start 1200 Miles Away – her highly successful lifestyle blog about marriage, military life, parenting a tween, and everything else life might throw at her.

Mentoring. We all know we need it, but don't always make the time for it in our increasingly busy schedules. But mentoring isn't a luxury that should be reserved for our spare time, it's a necessary investment that deserves to be prioritized if you want to grow as a professional – and help others do the same. Today we'll be talking with Kim Robertson, CPSM, Senior Marketing Manager at MKK Consulting Engineers, about the value of mentoring, and being mentored, at every stage of your career.

On Monday's episode, we talked with Kathryn about different tactics she has found to improve the procurement process. Today we're back with Kathryn to learn about her interesting career path that ultimately landed her in the AEC world!

As a marketer or business developer in the AEC industry, you've no doubt spent your fair share of time dedicated to the procurement process. This deadline driven environment moves quickly, and oftentimes you're moving onto the next pursuit without giving much thought to the process you're following. Today, we're chatting with Kathryn Bennett-Curtis, CPSM about improving the procurement process by finding efficiencies that will lead to a higher hit rate and a happier team.

For the second half of our Get to Know CQ series, we're back with a Double Dip style episode featuring the grand duchess of gifs herself – Kate Attilio, CPSM! 

In the past few months, we've had quite a few requests of folks wanting to get to know us (Laura and Kate) a little better. So - as promised, here is our first "double-dip-style" interview with Laura!

We're so, so excited to announce that we've been selected to speak at SMPS Build Business: Synthesis, this August in Philadelphia! And in true Communiqueso style, the program will consist of interviews with top industry leaders from around the country. The catch? We plan to select the panel members based on YOUR suggestions! Listen to find out how you can nominate panelists, and participate in the conversation.

Folllowing up on Monday's episode when we chatted with Kenda about negotiating skills, in today's episode we'll get to know Kenda a little better and learn about her career path.

Negotiation. Just saying the word makes me uncomfortable. But why? Negotiation is what you make of it, from salary, to benefits, even memberships and professional development. And there is plenty of room for most of us to grow and improve. Today, we’re chatting with Kenda Salisbury, CPSM, Pacific Northwest Business Development Manager at Degenkolb Engineers to ease concerns and learn from her negotiating tactics. You know, like a BOSS.

On Monday's episode, we talked with Louise about how to make the most out of corporate anniversaries while staying true to your brand. Today we're back with Louise to talk more about accountability, the role of humor in marketing, and the people who have had the biggest impact on her career.

Corporate anniversaries present a unique marketing and positioning opportunity - formal announcements, messaging, storytelling, logos, events, webpages. But what's most important is to tell the story while providing value - both internally and externally. Today, we'll be chatting with Louise Boulton-Lear, CPSM, Vice President of Integrated Marketing Communications at DAVIS Construction, to hear her take on corporate anniversaries and how to make the most of it, while staying true to your brand.

On Monday's episode, we talked with Jennifer about event planning, and leaving a lasting impression on client and peers. Today, we catch back up to learn about Jennifer's career, and the recent launch of her new business.

Events. Love 'em or hate 'em, if you're an AEC marketer, event planning and execution are bound to fall under your role at some point in your career. Luckily, I (Kate) fall into that category of "love,"  Laura, not so much. Today we'll be chatting with Jen Newman, CPSM, CEO at Ignite Coaching & Consulting about some of the amazing and value-driven events she has pulled off in her 20 years of AEC experience.

On Monday's episode, we talked to Bethany Rustic Smith about the benefits of becoming an expert in firm finance. But on today's show, we welcome Bethany back to share stories about her career, including what she's learned about being a good manager.

As marketers, we're all about proving impact on our firm's bottom line. But outside of winning and promoting work, many of us don't have an in-depth knowledge of what goes into keeping our firms profitable. If we're going to impact the bottom line, shouldn't we understand how it gets drawn in the first place? Today, we’ll be chatting with Bethany Rustic Smith, FSMPS, CPSM, Director of Business Development for the Cincinnati office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, about why, when, and how marketers should start becoming fluent in their firm's financials.

On Monday's episode, we chatted with Catherine about finding, hiring and onboarding the right entry level candidate. But on today's show, we'll be learning more about Catherine's career path and influencers along the way.

Hiring an entry level candidate has it’s pros and cons – you can train according to your own preferences and standards without having breaking bad habits, but it can also be a A LOT of work. Is the investment worth it? Today, we’re talking with Catherine Dewitt, Director, Marketing + Business Development at BKM about her process for onboarding, and why she prefers to find, hire and train the right candidates who happen to be entry level. (Spoiler alert – our very own Laura Ewan is a prodigy of this process!).

On Monday's episode, we spoke with Stacey Ho, CPSM and senior marketer at Brown and Caldwell about ways marketers can maximize the value of their CRM. Today we're back with Stacey to learn more about her career, including her exciting path to starting her own consultancy and what brought her back to the in-house role.

Creating a high-performing customer relationship management system, or CRM, is one of the most difficult, yet valuable, marketing tools a firm can implement. Not only does it require the support and participation of overstretched seller-doers to be successful, but there is no ONE way to do it. So as a marketer, how do you find the system that's right for your firm? How do you get people to actually use it? And with all the headaches that come with implementation, what's in it for us? Today, we’ll be chatting with Stacey Ho, CPSM and senior marketer with Brown and Caldwell, about the benefits, challenges and rewards of a functional customer relationship management (CRM) system.

On Monday's episode, we spoke with Josh Miles, principal of branding, design, and marketing agency MilesHerndon, about things to consider when planning for a website redesign. Today we're back with Josh to more about his story, and how his obsession with design continues to drive and shape his career.

Designing, building, and launching a successful professional services website is an enormous investment of time and money. But with more and more potential clients using websites and social media to "try before they buy," it's an investment those of us relying on outdated sites and strategies can't afford to put off if we want to remain competitive. Today, we'll be talking with Josh Miles, principal of branding, design, and marketing agency MilesHerndon, about what marketers need to do, know, and discuss before approaching a website redesign for your firm.

On Monday's episode, we spoke with Dana Galvin Lancour, FSMPS, CPSM, Corporate Communications Director for Barton Malow Company, about marketing's role in building a high-performing culture. Today we're chatting with Dana about the her unique career path, and overcoming the challenges she faced in her transition from external to internal communications.

As today's firms grow and the pursuit of both projects AND talent becomes more competitive, firm culture has become a bigger differentiator than ever before. And though we've all heard the phrase "culture eats strategy for breakfast," sustaining a successful firm culture is, in fact, a strategic effort. Today, we'll be talking with Dana Galvin Lancour, FSMPS, CPSM and Corporate Communications Director at Barton Malow Company about investing in corporate culture and how internal marketing and communications contribute to defining, shaping, and reinforcing it.

On Monday's episode, we spoke with Jenifer Johnson, Senior Associate with Thornton Tomasetti, about proving your value as a business developer. Today, we're back to learn more about Jen and her career, including her opinion of the glass ceiling in AEC.  

The business development role carries with it a lot of mystery. Why are they never in the office? What do they do besides go to events? This mysterious qualifying skill set, along with days spent away from the office, often leave business developers in a constant struggle to prove their value. On this week's episode, we talk with Jenifer Johnson, Senior Associate with Thornton Tomasetti, about her approach to communicating, proving, and increasing the value of her role as a business development leader within her firm.

On Monday's episode, we spoke with Brian Reilly, CPSM, Senior Technologist at Liftoff, about the startup mentality. Today he's back to share his story, including his dabble in the AEC industry and what he has learned from taking risks.

The mentality, structure and everyday practices that accompany a startup are refreshing. It's an environment that is based on risk and passion. And it gives every employee the sense of ownership that drives them to do their best work. Today we're chatting with Brian Reilly, CPSM and Senior Technologist at Liftoff. Brian left his comfy corporate marketing job nearly five years ago to join his best friend in a startup venture - something that has turned into a rewarding career change and growth opportunity for them both.

On Monday's episode, we spoke with Melissa Rysak, CPSM, Marketing and Business Development Director for Daroff Design, about her recent transition into the BD role and what it's taught her. Today we're chatting with Melissa about the biggest influences on her career, what her biggest failure has taught her about getting things done, and how she continues to challenge herself daily.

As a marketer in the AEC industry, there are historically two dominant career paths to choose from: marketing or business development. And when it comes to the later, we’re often led to believe you either have it, or you don’t. The good news is, a talent for business development doesn’t have to be something you’re born with. It can be a skill learned over time just like any other. On this week’s episode, we talk with Melissa Rysak, CPSM, Business Development and Marketing Director with Daroff Design, about her recent transition from marketing to business development, what she’s learned, and how her perspective on the role has changed.

On Monday's episode we spoke with Erin Ongena, Associate Vice President and Marketing Manager for CallisonRTKL's Commercial Practice Group, about how to empower, engage, and motivate your decentralized marketing team. Today we catch back up with Erin to discuss the role relationships have played in her career, working at a global scale, and what's in store for her team in 2016.

The benefits of a centralized marketing team seem pretty obvious. Team culture, transparency, and collaboration come naturally when you're sharing the same office space. But with large-scale mergers, paired with the ability to work virtually, many marketers are finding themselves part of a team they don't see on a regular basis, if at all. On this week's episode, we chat with Erin Ongena, Associate Vice President and Marketing Manager for CallisonRTKL's Commercial Practice Group, about how she keeps her team connected, motivated, and contributing at the highest level within her organization.

On Monday's episode we spoke with Tim Asimos, CPSM, Vice President and Director of Digital Innovation at Circle S Studio, about how to plan, start, and refine your content marketing program. Today we reconnect with Tim to discuss his career path, his approach to ongoing professional development, and his next big content adventure.

We all need to create content, and then create more, but how do we make sure that the content we are pushing out is actually good? On today’s episode we’re going to be talking to Tim Asimos, CPSM, Vice President and Director of Digital Innovation at Circle S Studio, about developing a digital marketing strategy and creating content that results in measurable value.

On Monday's episode we spoke with Amy Adye, CPSM, Associate and Marketing Manager of SmithGroupJJR's Corporate Workplace Practice, about her transition into management, establishing yourself as a leader, and having your team's back. Today we're chatting with Amy about her career, and how taking risks and proving value has paid off.

Everybody who has moved up the corporate ladder can attest that “the skills that got you to where you are, are not the skills that will get you to your next job." One of the most challenging aspects of taking on a management role is learning how to effectively manage people, keep them motivated and engaged in their work. On today’s episode we’re going to be talking to Amy Adye, CPSM, Associate and Marketing Manager of SmithGroupJJR's Corporate Workplace Practice, about the transition from managing things to managing people.

On Monday's episode we spoke with Katie Garrett, Account Director with RepEquity, about the value of corporate social responsibility to your firm, its employees, and the bottom line. Today we're going to talk to Katie about her recent transition to the agency world, her time as a one-woman-marketing team, and the tools she can't live without.

Every firm is doing something to give back to the community. But not many firms are capitalizing on that from a marketing and branding perspective - which is a huge missed opportunity! Marketers must realize the business case for corporate social responsibility (CSR). On this week's episode, we chat with Katie Garrett, Account Director at Rep Equity about the value of CSR to your organization and engaging employees, and how to market cause work without patting yourself on the back.

On Monday's episode we spoke with Alice Phillips, Director of Neatline Creative, about the importance of developing a unique, authentic voice for your brand. Today we're going to talk to Alice about her biggest win, owning (and marketing) her own firm, and the role her network plays in staying current.

It's a very noisy world out there, with a TON of new content being published every day. Through social media, corporate and personal blogs, and podcasts just like ours, everyone has the power to be a publisher. This ever-increasing flood of content makes it more difficult than ever to stand out, and that's why having a unique voice is so important. On this week's episode, we chat with Alice Phillips, Director of Neatline Creative about the power of a unique voice, the importance of authenticity, and the clarity that knowing who you are can bring to both internal and external marketing efforts.

On Monday's episode we spoke with Julie Huval, marketing professional for Beck Technology, about how her firm is tracking and analyzing digital analytics to inform marketing strategy and planning. Today we're going to talk to Julie about her educational background, career path and the role her network has played in her becoming a nationally respected AEC marketer.

Marketers have access to more data than ever before. And it's an extremely daunting task to look at all of that data and truly understand what it means and how it can influence strategic decisions. But it is also a great opportunity to showcase the impact and value of marketing. On this week's episode, we chat with Julie Huval, CPSM, of Beck Technology about how marketers can be using analytic data to influence strategic marketing decisions within their organizations.