We Want YOU – to become a CPSM
Today’s post was written by Jennifer Shelby, CPSM, account director at Rhino Public Relations and Director of the SMPS Boston CPSM Committee. Questions or comments? E-mail her at jennifer@rhinopr.com or visit www.rhinopr.com.
On February 6, the CPSM committee will be holding our second information session in preparation for the upcoming study season (set to begin in early March). Please come to hear about what the process entails and ask questions of current CPSMs who’ve experienced firsthand what you’re about to start.
The question I get asked most often is “Why should I get my CPSM – what will it do for me?” SMPS National posted the following quote that sums up the reasons perfectly:
“Being a CPSM has added credibility to my role both within my company and our SMPS chapter. In these economic times, investing in yourself is more important than ever. Becoming a CPSM is one way to position yourself as a leader in our industry. Being able to add this designation to your resume gives you a competitive advantage over someone else with the same experience but without the certification.” Mark Tawara, FSMPS, CPSM, Marketability, LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii
It’s the part about being a leader that resonates with me. When you become certified, you’ve demonstrated that you are qualified to perform the services of a professional services marketer as set forth by the national organization. It’s a benchmark that you’ve achieved. Perception is reality, and the perception is that those with this certification have “successfully positioned themselves as marketers who have invested in themselves and understand and embrace the need for continuous improvement through education, enhancing their opportunity for professional success.”{source: www.smps.org}
SMPS Boston is one of the largest chapters in the country, yet we have very few CPSMs. I’d like to change that statistic. We have such a wealth of talented, intuitive, passionate marketers in our community with the potential to affect great change and the ability to continue mentoring junior staff while advising our technical counterparts. The AEC industry values certified professionals, and the CPSM designation is the only program for marketers within it. Position yourself alongside your technical colleagues and establish your own stake in the professional field.
Benefits of the certification include:
- Increased knowledge in strategic market planning, market research, plan implementation, business development, and promotion
- Demonstrates your dedication to the professional services marketing profession
- Industry recognition of professional competence
- Enhanced credibility with employers, clients, and peers
- Improved ability to compete in the job market
- Potential for increased compensation and benefits
- Career advancement
- Public recognition in the roster of CPSMs on the SMPS web site
- Invitation to CPSM-only educational and networking programs
- Access to the CPSM communities on MySMPS and LinkedIn
The leadership committee of SMPS Boston chose to give the certification program its own committee because it believes in the power of the credential and benefits to our careers, companies, and colleagues. Our goal is to increase the number of CPSMs by 20-30 people within the next two years. Will you be one of them?
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Certified Professional Services Marketer, please contact me (jennifer@rhinopr.com) or Chuck Raymond (craymond@geosyntec.com). Our national CPSM liaison, Kevin Doyle (kevin@smps.org), is available as well. We’re looking forward to seeing you on February 6th.
