In this issue
Member Spotlight
Dylan DeZeeuw is the Director of Marketing for PSARA Technologies, Inc and has been a member of SMPS for three years.
What has been the biggest benefit for you, personally or professionally, with being involved with SMPS?
Being able to connect with and learn from marketing and business development rock stars in our industry has been incredibly valuable. It’s easy to get stuck in a bubble and caught up in the day to day happenings at your job or company. The exchange of different experiences, tactics, and concepts at SMPS has often given me the inspiration to make a positive impact at my company.
Education plays a major role in SMPS and the success of its members. What's one of the greatest things you've learned?
The importance of a strong brand and it’s connection to company culture. A brand is a promise that is realized through the client experience. The client experience is delivered by employees. The employees are driven by the company culture. Company culture is effectively the brand, and a strong brand is the best differentiator there is.
What kind of lasting impact do you hope to have within the industry?
I hope to be a disruptor within the industry, challenging the way things are done to figure out how we can stand out or improve.
When you’re not working or volunteering, how do you like to spend your free time?
Outside of work commitments, I enjoy checking out new breweries, attempting DIY home and garden projects, and going on outdoor adventures with my dog and my wife.
The Greater Cincinnati/Dayton area has a lot of unique and charming characteristics. What’s your favorite thing about the region?
- I’m going to cheat here and say favorite thing about Cincinnati is it’s character, which combines all my favorite things: the hills and the river, the history and preservation of it, the food, the breweries, and the parks.
Promote Your Firm - Sponsor GCSMPS
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to promote your company and connect with different stakeholders from the A/E/C community. Your local chapter has carefully crafted a NEW package of benefits to reflect our shift to virtual events, with new levels of opportunity to best suit your firm.
If you would like more details about sponsorship for the 2020-2021 programming year, contact Chris Bills, Brown & Bills Architects, Director of Sponsorship at [email protected]
SMPS Heartland Regional Conference
CALL FOR SPEAKERS: EXTENDED UNTIL FRIDAY
Heartland 2021 has extended the deadline to apply to be a speaker until Friday, December 4. They anticipate having 15 75-minute programs, and are encouraging not only the typical presentation, panel, or workshop, but are looking for unique ways to present pertinent information. If you have an out-of-the-ordinary format, we are all ears!
Archives
UPCOMING EVENTS
Make Good Marketing: Why Analytics Matter
Do you know what you clients expect, need, want and desire? Google Analytics knows.
TWITTER FEED
@CINCINNATISMPS #gcsmps
Quick Links
Newsletter
December 2020 
From the President
As another year reaches its end, I often take time to reflect. 2020 is no different. I look back with gratitude that the AEC industry has been relatively unscathed, all things considered. I know we are all eager to leave this year behind. But the reality is that the challenges many faced this year will not magically disappear when the ball drops. I hope that you have the resources and the kindness to give this season to support neighbors in need.
“The Salvation Army expects to see a greater need for its services this holiday season – more than any in recent history.” Considering a possible 10-11% unemployment rate and the increased service it already provided this year due to COVID-19, The Salvation Army will need resources to serve up to 155% more people with Christmas assistance.
The Salvation Army is traditionally fueled through donations and fundraisers—especially the traditional red kettles. But with declining foot traffic and the closing of retail stores, it is possible The Salvation Army will see a 50% decrease in traditional red kettle donations.
That is why GCSMPS is kicking off a holiday campaign to help #RescueChristmas for those in need. We have set a goal of raising $500 for the Salvation Army Virtual Red Kettle in time for our virtual Holiday Party on December 17. No gift is too big or too small. Please go to the link to donate to our campaign now.
Then, I hope you will join us in your ugliest holiday sweater for our virtual Holiday Party on December 17th from 4:00-5:00. We will kick off with a scavenger hunt and toast to the hopes of seeing each other in person in 2021.
I hope you have a safe and healthy holiday season and come back refreshed and ready for lots of great content and networking opportunities.
Melanie Pliskin, CPSM
President
Greater Cincinnati SMPS
Calendar of Events
Virtual Holiday Party
December 17, 2020
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Virtual
Grab your ugliest sweater and your prettiest cocktail, and join us to celebrate the successes of 2020 and the promise of 2021! We'll kick off the merriment with a scavenger hunt!
CPSM Free Information Session
January 06, 2021
4:45 PM to 6:00 PM
Virtual
Attend this free CPSM Study Group Information Session with an introduction to CPSM and study tips!
CPSM Study Group
February 03, 2021
thru April 28, 2021
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Virtual
Study with your peers and prepare to take the test that proves you are certified in our industry best practices. Meets bi-weekly on Wednesdays for eight weeks.
Kudos
Congratulations to GCSMPS President Melanie Pliskin, CPSM, who was just named Associate with GBBN.
CPSM Study Group
CPSM Study Group - Free Information Session
January 06, 2021
4:45 PM to 6:00 PM
Virtual
Your marketing skills are vital to the lifeline of your firm. Every day you further your company’s growth by identifying new project opportunities, developing business relationships, and getting your company’s name in front of prospective clients. That’s your job as a professional services marketer. SMPS, the recognized leader in education and information for marketing professional services, offers a credential that recognizes the marketing expertise you have achieved: Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM).
Attend this free CPSM Study Group Information Session with an introduction to CPSM and study tips!
New and Renewed Members
Welcome to our newest members:
- Veronica Smith, Marketing Coordinator at Burgess & Niple
And thanks to members who recently renewed their membership:
- Janet Heil, CPSM
- Bethany Smith, FSMPS, CPSM
- Patrick Raverty
- Laura Gerald
Worried about your upcoming renewal, due to COVID hardships? SMPS HQ has extended the grace period for all members to 130 days, from 70. Reach out to Membership Chair Paul Moran [email protected] with any questions.
SMPS HQ Link
It’s a great time to save and amp up your knowledge in marketing and business development. Take 50% off select SMPS products and publications—and up to $200 off next year’s Build Business with the member rate.
Cyber Monday Deals last through December 7 to give you a bit more time to shop. Technically, that’s still a Monday—and we’re sticking to it!
