An Inside Look at SMPS and The Phelix Awards with Brandi Barr
Posted by sreynolds on Jun. 5, 2024 / Chapter News, Misc. / Subscribe 0
The Delegates had the recent pleasure of sitting down with Brandi Barr, Above Barr Marketing, to learn more about her experience with, and thoughts on active engagement in both SMPS and the Phelix Awards. A 25-year veteran marketer, business developer, and AEC guru, she has found immeasurable benefits to being a part of the SMPS community – on a local and national level. From friendships to professional growth, to understanding the organic and highly connected nature of PR in our community, she attributes both her success and seasoned skillset in big part to her time spent with our association.
Brandi describes how marketing in the early 2000’s was handled by internal professionals who were in many cases “converted administrators” asked to write proposals. Not knowing much, and with no formal guidance or training, SMPS was the only community that allowed people to learn how to “do the job”, from an AEC-specific perspective.
What do you feel is the biggest gain, from active participation in the association, and the Phelix Awards?
“8-10 years into my tenure in the industry, I went to SMPS University and received a certificate from SMPS National (Leadership Advancement Program) and University of Maryland – Robert H. Smith School of Business. Here not only was I able to take a crash course MBA level training, but also start to build my national SMPS national network.”
That network has been the essence of her continued success throughout her career.
When it comes to award-winning proposals, campaigns and communications, Brandi reminds us to never undervalue the voice of your PR team. “I have been fortunate enough to receive three Phelix Awards. The wins validated both my team and my contribution to the pursuit and proposal. Furthermore, when I received Marketer of the Year, it validated to my company all the contributions I’ve made to the firm and my profession.”
A common reaction to winning Phelix Awards is genuine surprise. Many people say they didn’t think of their efforts in each moment as overly worthy of notoriety, and shy away from nominating their campaigns (or themselves!) because they think, ‘I was just doing my job, was the final result really award-winning?’ Toot your own horn, you deserve it!!
How do you feel this experience can benefit a person in their career growth?
Winning a Phelix Award is an accomplishment and a true validation for an individual or team of their innate skills. For many recipients it serves as their first (and sometimes only) public acknowledgement of the effort put in as well to secure work for the firm.
What makes for a top-notch submittal?
- Competitors now take a respective company more seriously, "good rumors".
- Changes perception and validity of teams' strength and capability.
- Wins show collaborative ability, internally and externally
When thinking about what to submit, remember - marketing should get people to move. If it caused an emotional response from the intended recipients, and was effective, it’s worth taking the time to nominate.
What can hurt a submittal?
- Check all the boxes. You submit RFPs for a living!
- Be forward thinking. Find your award submittals over time through debriefs on actual project submittals, campaigns and/or communications. Don’t just ‘slap something together’ last-minute.
- Be inward thinking. What would you highlight in your personal review to your supervisor. If it’s good enough for that, it’s good enough for an award. Did you get an “A” or give yourself one? Do it!
- Missing the Big Ask. You must answer “why you should win,” don’t be modest! Make sure to put the human element into your submission. The what is as important as the who. This is not a time for humility.
What are your favorite submittal types?
Curated, personal events that showered a company's culture and motivated people to show up in person/provide active engagement (post-COVID especially).
We thank Brandi tremendously for her time and wish all the nominees good luck!
Author Information
Brandi Barr | Above Barr Marketing
Brandi Barr is the Chief Marketing Strategist for Above Barr Marketing. She has a bachelor of arts in communication studies and 25 years of AEC marketing experience. Brandi is an award-winning multi-disciplined marketer who has worked at a local, national, and global level. Her range includes strategic planning, branding, graphic design, coaching, social media, and can help you build or elevate your internal teams. She is highly recognized for working with teams to pursue and win projects, where her competitive nature is infectious and can help teams come together.
0 Comments