BONUS: 4 Strategies to Get Information from Technical Staff

09/15/21 • 10 min

Do you struggle to get information about your firm’s projects from your technical staff? And, don’t you usually need this information when you are under the pressure of a proposal deadline?

One of the most asked questions I get from proposal managers is how to get the information they need in a timely manner from technical professionals. It’s a challenge I am faced with time and time again. I don’t believe the challenge will ever be solved. However, there are ways to help improve this process, work around technical staff, and minimize the effects late content can have on your schedule.

And in this special bonus episode, I am going to be sharing four strategies I’ve used in the past to help me get the information I need from my technical peers.

This is a special bonus episode of the Marketers Take Flight Podcast. And, it’s just a sample of the type of bonus content you can get by becoming a show supporter. For as little as $5/month you can get member-only podcast content, discounts on training, and more access to me. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing that you are supporting a show that brings you so much value, all for less than a cup of coffee.

If you’re interested in becoming a supporter, head over to marketerstakeflight.com/support to learn more and sign up.

Do you struggle to get information about your firm’s projects from your technical staff? And, don’t you usually need this information when you are under the pressure of a proposal deadline?

And in this special bonus episode, I am going to be sharing four strategies I’ve used in the past to help me get the information I need from my technical peers.

If you’re interested in becoming a supporter, head over to marketerstakeflight.com/support to learn more and sign up.

Previous Episode

039: Answering the Questions, You Were Afraid to Ask as a Newbie, Part 2

In this episode, I continue our professional skills-building conversation with Keelin and Matt. If you are a newbie to marketing and the proposal process, you do not want to miss this. We are answering questions that you may be afraid to ask, or maybe you just don’t know where to go and get these answers.

If you missed episode 38, we started our conversation on identifying roadblocks, follow-up, and knowing when you are speaking up too little or too much. This week, we’ll dive into what task you should be working on and what you need to complete that action. We’ll also talk about making mistakes. Everyone makes them, even us. Lastly, Matt and Keelin both answer their rapid file questions. You don’t want to miss their answers to the #1 piece of advice for new AEC Marketers. They both offer valuable insight.

Identifying what project or task you should be working on and what action to take to complete the assignment: 2:51
What happens when you make a mistake? 8:22
Matt’s #1 piece of advice for Marketers new to the AEC Industry: 14:58
Keelin’s #1 piece of advice for Marketers new to the AEC Industry: 15:38

About Our Guests

Keelin Cox, CPSM, ENV SP

Senior Marketing Specialist

Stantec

Keelin Cox, CPSM, ENV SP is a creative thinker and problem solver with a focus on thoughtful interactions throughout the AEC industry. As a senior marketing specialist at Stantec, she is invested in supporting the water sector to build winning proposals, create smart strategies, and help her teams serve their communities. Keelin is the host of the AEC Marketeer podcast that explores AEC marketing and beyond.

Matt Handal

An out of the box thinker, Matt's passion is doing what others assume can't be done. He is an aggressive marketer who has helped construction, engineering, architectural, and real estate consulting firms realize tens of millions in fees from projects ranging from $500K to $2B.

He has a healthy disrespect for the status quo and loves to challenge conventional wisdom.

Matt is a co-author of the Marketing Handbook for the Design & Construction Professional and author of the Society for Marketing Professional Services' research whitepaper on "Marketing and the Mind."

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

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Next Episode

040: How to Get the Proposal Information You Need, When You Need It

Have you ever felt like your internal proposal process was taking too long? Your team is spread out, working from home or maybe they just aren’t meeting deadlines. Well, marketers, today’s episode will bring you some insight on how to better prepare and execute your next proposal process. Our guest, Kate Robinette, CPSM will give you some steps to help your team juggle multiple proposals, stay on task with proposals and maybe even help you streamline your process.

Kate dives into how she’s been able to handle her team’s proposal process. She shepherds them to the finish line by keeping them on task. We talk about her 'No Meeting, Meetings' as well as her proposal outline and how she helps new members integrate into the team. You don’t want to miss this episode, lots of great advice in here. Here are some highlights:

How to kick off the proposal process with a team: 5:30
Kate’s “No Meeting, Meeting” Reminders: 9:15
How to keep that proposal process moving along: 10:08
Review weekly calendar tasks: 13:41
Kate’s advice on how to write better proposals (hint: edit and read): 18:07
What to do after the initial meeting: 20:15
Work on multiple proposal processes at once: 23:26
Kate’s proposal outline: 26:44

About Our Guest

Kate Robinette, CPSM

Partner, Go! Strategies, LLC

Kate is a theater nerd who learned about AEC marketing when a board member of the arts council where she worked suggested she talk to his marketing director. She quickly realized her linear thinking, strategic analysis, writing, and logistics management were a killer combination for helping to win work. She spent 20 years honing her craft. Now she helps companies strengthen their marketing and BD teams, culture, and employee engagement with the same combination of talents and a (slightly less) deadline-driven rigor.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

➢ Kate Robinette LinkedIn

➢ Go! Strategies, LLC

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