Bullets are acceptable, sub-bullets rarely are. Below is a basic example of transforming four hierarchy levels as bullet points into a clearer layout.

Pictured: Isaiah Harrell

Nearly half a decade, a whole lot of learning, and a community I never knew I needed.

In 2022, I joined the SMPS Colorado Communications Committee as a fairly shy marketer still trying to find her place in the AEC industry.

My goals were pretty simple: learn more about the industry, meet some people, and hopefully get a little more comfortable walking into networking events where I barely knew anyone.

In the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, the way we approach marketing must reflect a fundamental truth: our business is built on relationships, not transactions. We aren’t selling a product off a shelf—we’re earning trust, solving complex challenges, and delivering value over time. That means marketing in the AEC world isn’t about quick wins or flashy slogans. It’s about consistent, strategic storytelling that builds credibility, fosters connection, and leads to long-term client loyalty.

To maximize the impact of a marketing campaign in this unique environment, AEC marketers must approach each initiative with clarity, intention, and a deep understanding of both metrics and meaning. Here’s how to craft campaigns that resonate—measurably and memorably.

SMPS Colorado is seeing increased interest in sponsorship, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead for 2027. Sponsorship is a great way to support the local marketing and business development community while building meaningful connections with the people and firms shaping the AEC industry.

Getting involved early gives you more time to make the most of your sponsorship. You can plan ahead, explore the opportunities that best fit your goals, and take part in SMPS programs and events throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to raise your firm’s brand awareness, connect with potential clients and partners, or support professional development within our AEC marketing and BD community, there are so many options to help you and your firm get involved.

I joined my firm over 11 years ago, new to the AEC industry and tasked with proposal and admin support. I knew nothing about marketing and selling professional services and spent my first few years learning as much as I could from the people I worked with. I learned about civil engineering and surveying, land development and entitlement processes, the typical life cycle of a project, contract language, and what our project managers thought made a good proposal.

Once I had exhausted my internal resources, I started to look outside of my firm for ways to improve my proposals and help tackle marketing tasks. It took me a while, but I eventually found SMPS and discovered a whole world of resources built specifically for the AEC industry. I started to attend virtual seminars, read articles, and quizzed other marketers to build a picture of best practices. Although I was learning a lot, I still felt something was missing. The information I picked up was focused on task execution which was helpful, but I wanted more.

November has a way of reminding us to slow down and appreciate the people, experiences, and opportunities that make our lives richer. As I reflect on my 10 years with SMPS, I realize just how much this organization has given me. What started as a transferred membership when I joined a previous company has turned into a journey that has shaped my career and the person and professional I am today.

I'll be honest: I hadn't even heard of SMPS before joining. Looking back, I wish I had discovered it much earlier in my career! Over the past decade, I've learned, grown, found my people, and discovered a passion for business development that I might not have found otherwise.