PSM: Professional Services Marketing

Success isn't just about working hard—it's about working smart. In this episode, Deirdre Booth sits down with Rachel Charlton, founder of Sticky Communications, to explore seven lessons she wished she had learned sooner in her AEC career. They break down the power of taking initiative, how to lead with purpose, and why understanding the why behind your work can shape both your career and workplace...

Sticking to goals is easy when motivation is high—but what happens when that initial spark fades? In the third installment of our goal-setting series, Deirdre and Damion explore how to stay connected to your goals by digging into the why behind them. They discuss the difference between setting goals for external validation versus personal fulfillment and how aligning with your deeper purpose leads...

In the second episode of our goal-setting series, Deirdre and Damion rethink traditional success by shifting the focus from achievement to transformation. Instead of chasing goals for the sake of external recognition, they explore how goals should serve as stepping stones toward personal growth. They introduce the NICE goal framework as an alternative to traditional SMART goals, highlighting the i...

New year, fresh start? Maybe. But let's face it: the pressure to set ambitious resolutions and overhaul your life on January 1st is overwhelming—and often counterproductive. In this episode, hosts Damion and Deirdre take a deep dive into the mindset shift we all need: moving from hustle culture to a life that's fulfilling, intentional, and aligned with what truly matters. Drawing from their person...

This episode marks the transition of longtime co-host Frank Lippert as he steps away to focus on his role as Director of Strategy at Delve Underground. For the past three years, Frank has been a trusted voice for candid, honest conversations about leadership, marketing, and the human side of professional services. His reflections on this journey offer valuable insights on authentic leadership, suc...

In this episode, Deirdre sits down with Uniqueka Walcott, a renowned writer and speaker, to discuss personal branding, career ownership, and workplace culture. Known as the "Billion Dollar Bid Writer," Uniqueka shares her journey of crafting a strong personal brand through strategic communications and offers insights from her experience to help individuals embrace authenticity and boost visibility...

Cause Marketing is where A/E/C firms partner with non-profits to develop campaigns that do good things for the community, help the non-profit and their cause, and advance the brand and goodwill of the company investing in it. PSM Show cohost Frank Lippert talks to Jodi Sommers of Jodi Sommers Marketing and Megan Falkenstein of Sponsors, Inc. to learn more about what goes into doing great cause mar...

Frank sits down with Laurie Lumish, Principal and Director of Marketing and Business Development at Degenkolb Engineers, and CFO Maury Ballif to explore the secrets of building a strong working relationship that sets a new industry standard. In this engaging conversation, you'll gain practical advice on enhancing your role within the company, developing empathy, mutual understanding, and fostering...

Coffman Engineers is known for having some of the most talented, long-standing, happy marketers in A|E|C. And Chad Heimbigner, COO, and Board Director, is part of the reason why. From his heartfelt servant leadership to collaborative partnerships to lifelong learning, Chad embodies the best traits of a strong technical leader who stands by the team. Deirdre, Kate, and Chad talk about what makes a...

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self? Deirdre Booth and Kate Robinette swap professional and personal advice in this fireside chat. If you have advice to share, please post to our social media pages on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram #psmshow! Resources: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, by Emily and Amelia Nagoski (available on Amazon.)  Fi...

Two theater kids walk into an AEC firm… Kathryn Ness visits Kayla McCause from Dragonfly AEC and Kate Robinette of GO Strategies about how they apply their performing arts training and experiences to their work in marketing and business development. These three get serious about play and the transferable skills of unusual backgrounds. Enter, stage right. Kayla has a background in theater and worke...

**Recorded live at the 2024 SMPS Pacific Regional Conference in Portland, Oregon** Ryn (Kathryn) Bennett, MPH, is a non-binary 40 under 40 award winner, world-record-holding strongman competitor, celebrated TEDx and Ignite speaker, and advocate for developing mental toughness. They are the author of Productive Pain, a personal memoir and inspirational guide. With a background in social and behavio...

You've heard of common sense and street sense. Get ready for farm sense, as doled out by SMPS Weld Cox awardee, Donna Corlew, FSMPS, CPSM. Learn how this self-described farm girl got her start, what she sees as the biggest changes in AEC marketing and BD, and what today's marketers can do for themselves to get ahead. Deirdre and Donna bless all the hearts in this uplifting look at our craft.    A...

In today's episode, we have a case study on authentic and intentional leadership. Frank and Deirdre talk with Justin Conger, of Conger Construction, about leadership, decision making, culture, brand, and how marketing impacts a firm.   At the helm of Conger Construction Group, Justin Conger stands as a paragon of transformative leadership. His distinct approach, grounded in the principles of serva...

Ever wonder what it takes to be a leader? Deirdre and Kathryn explore what leadership means, how to become a leader, and what it takes to go beyond a title to truly lead. They also look behind the curtain on how leadership decisions are made. They bring their education, personal experiences, and practical tips to unlock the secrets of good leadership. As a partner in GO Strategies, Kathryn brings...

What if your project summaries could proactively win work for you? Leslie Blaize, CPSM, is a case study specialist. She's sharing the secrets to making a compelling case study document that speaks to your company, your client, and prospective clients with her 1 case study = 3 wins techniques.   Resources: American Writers and Artists Institute - https://www.awai.com/   Casey Hibbard - https://www....

Did you resolve to be better organized or have better follow-through in 2024? Frank and Kate share their tips for staying on top of email, scheduling, and to do items in practical, low key ways.   Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com  

As another year comes to a close, Deirdre and Frank recap highlights of 2023 and expectations for 2024. It's a meaningful look at their professional and personal journeys. There's a little arm-chair market forecasting, a little lessons learned, and a lot of fun in this episode.   Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com  

This is part two of a two-part series on interviews and interview coaching. Professional services marketers work with a team to position for a big pursuit, write a killer proposal and get shortlisted to interview. It's the last step in the process to winning the pursuit… and, honestly, it can be a lot of fun and/or a lot of work. There are multiple personas involved, lots of moving parts, and lots...

This is part one of a two-part series on interviews and interview coaching. Professional services marketers work with a team to position for a big pursuit, write a killer proposal and get shortlisted to interview. It's the last step in the process to winning the pursuit… and, honestly, it can be a lot of fun and/or a lot of work. There are multiple personas involved, lots of moving parts, and lots...

Not sure what retirement holds for you? Or maybe you know someone that's just a little uncertain about what's next for them as they retire from professional services marketing? This podcast is for you. Frank talks to his friend and mentor, Laurin McCracken, who went from professional services marketing legend to one the top watercolor painters in the world in his retirement. This is a fun conversa...

Meet another TankGirl Marketing team member, Sedona Scheopner! Kate and Sedona talk about transitioning into AEC marketing, staying motivated, achieving balance, and even a little AI on this fun, getting-to-know-you chat.   Sedona brings five years of marketing experience and a lot of enthusiasm to the TankGirl team. She is passionate about learning everything about marketing for the AEC industry....

Good research begins with a good framework. In the last episode of our Marketing/BD Plans series, Frank and Kate talk to Sarah Kinard of The Flamingo Project to get the facts about how to build those plans on good research. They talk about defining the use of the data before you start, reframing the questions to get out of the rabbit holes and back on track, and resources to get started.   Sarah K...

As part of our planning series, today we are discussing the ins and outs of Business Development plans. Why do you need one, what do they look like, what do you need to know, and how do you know if you have written a successful plan?   Deirdre interviews Frank about how a BD plan ties into your strategic and marketing plans and most importantly, how they  work together to accomplish great business...

Following up on the case study in Episode 254, we decided that maybe a little back-to-school education on Marketing Plans would be a good idea. This episode talks about what goes into a really good marketing plan, how to create one, get buy-in for it,  implement it, and keep it going through it's lifespan.   Frank interviews Deirdre and they talk about the lessons learned in doing a volume of mark...