Political pundits weren’t the only ones watching for election results last night. We kept our eye on several bond propositions for school districts and municipalities in the greater San Antonio region. Here’s how they fared with voters.

City and County Bond Elections

Kendall County Bond Election

Kendall County proposed $20 million in bonds to acquire conservation land, open space, and conservation easements for recreational or open space use, or to protect wildlife habitat and the water quality of creeks, rivers, and springs.

Result: Passed

Kendall County Water Control & Improvement District No. 4

The Water Control & Improvement District proposed a bond budget of nearly $64.4 million for improvements and maintenance of water, sewer, and drainage facilities. They also proposed $78.5 million for improvements and maintenance of roads throughout the county.

Result: Passed

City of Castle Hills Bond Election

The City of Castle Hills proposed $6 million for the construction of drainage improvements, street, curb, and sidewalk improvements, and utility relocation to upgrade the roadway systems in Castle Hills.

Result: Passed

City of Universal City Bond Election

This $30 million bond program for civil improvements includes constructing, renovating, improving, upgrading, updating, and equipping city streets, completing necessary or incidental utility relocation and curb, associated gutter, drainage, traffic control, landscaping, and sidewalk improvements, and the purchase of land, easements, and rights-of-way.

Result: Passed

City of Boerne Bond Election

The City of Boerne’s Proposition A would allocate $23 million for designing, demolishing, constructing, renovating, improving, reconstructing, restructuring, and extending streets thoroughfares, related land, and rights-of-way. These public improvements will also include streetscapes, collectors, drainage, signage, landscape, and beautification. Proposition B includes $13 million for parks and recreation.

Result: Passed

Comal County Water Improvement District No. 3

Comal County’s Water Improvement District No. 3 had eight propositions on the ballot. Proposition A included $1.5 billion for a waterworks system, surface water system, sanitary sewer system, and drainage and storm sewer system. Two other key bond propositions: $646 million for related to roads and turnpikes and $116.5 million for maintaining and improving parks and recreational facilities.

Result: Passed

City of Woodcreek Bond Election

The City of Woodcreek proposed nearly $3.5 million for permanent public improvements to streets and roadways. This includes renovations and expansions to existing roads in the city of Woodcreek.

Result: Passed

City of Kyle Bond Election

The city proposed $294 million for public improvements to streets and thoroughfares, including sidewalks, streetscapes, collectors, drainage, landscape signage, upgrading technology and traffic signals, acquiring lands and rights-of-way, and public art installation. Priority will be given to several street projects throughout the city.

Result: Passed

Sunfield Municipal Utility District No. 4

Located in Hays County, the district proposed $84.5 million for water, sanitary sewer, and drainage/storm sewer projects and $48 million for paved roads and turnpikes. Two propositions to refund previous bonds were also on the ballot.

Result: Passed

K-12 Bond Elections

East Central ISD Bond Election

The $240 million bond program includes a host of proposed projects: security improvements, two new elementary schools, a new middle school, a CTE multi-purpose facility & shop, renovations to four schools, and district warehouse and police headquarters renovations.

Result: Passed

Judson ISD Bond Election

Judson ISD’s proposed bond program for nearly $345.3 million (divided into two propositions) would fund the purchase of new buses, district-wide safety and security improvements, a new elementary school, and a new middle school.

Result: Passed

Marion ISD Bond Election

The district’s $50 million proposed bond program includes campus renovations, safety and security improvements, and CTE renovations.

Result: Rejected

Seguin ISD Bond Election

Under Proposition A, Seguin ISD’s $131 million bond program – more than double its 2019 bond program – would create a new agricultural science facilityand new elementary school. It also includes additions and renovations at Barnes Middle School, a transportation facility expansion, and safety and security upgrades. Proposition B would allocate $7.5 million for a new baseball and softball complex

Result: Proposition A Passed, Proposition B Rejected

Dripping Springs ISD Bond Election

This $275.3 million bond program – divided into three propositions – would be the district’s first since 2018. The extensive program includes projects such as a new elementary school, lifecycle replacements and renovations, campus security and ADA updates, and the purchase of land for future facilities.

Result: Rejected

by Bronwyn Hartwig, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, and Sam Ferris, RVK Architecture

The end of the year can be a hectic time for those of us in marketing and business development. From attending holiday parties and family gatherings to preparing for end-of-year reviews and strategic planning, it can be challenging to focus on your work (let's not forget about the proposal that's sure to land on your desk in mid-December). If you're struggling to stay focused during this busy time of year, here are a few tips that may help.

1. Set realistic goals

Trying to accomplish too much in a short period of time is a recipe for disaster. Before you start your work day, take a few minutes to write down a list of 2-3 things you need to get done that day. Then, prioritize those tasks by importance and focus on one task at a time. You'll be more productive and less stressed if you don't try to do everything at once. Working on a big project? Break the project into smaller tasks so you can track the progress you’re making. Plus, who doesn’t love crossing something off their to-do list?

2. Take breaks and get outside

It's important to take breaks throughout the day to clear your head and recharge. Once you've been working on a task for a given period of time, stand up and stretch, get some fresh air, or take a quick walk around the block. A few minutes away from your work will help you return feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the next item on your list. 

3. Keep distractions to a minimum

During the holidays, when there are celebrations left and right and the breakroom is full of goodies, this can prove challenging. But it's important to limit distractions as much as possible to accomplish your goals. If possible, work from a conference room or at home on days when you need to crank out that project approach write-up.    

4. Make time for yourself 

Don't forget to schedule some downtime for yourself during this busy season. Whether it's taking a fitness class or diving into a new book, reserving time for yourself is essential for maintaining your sanity during the end-of-year rush! 

The end of the year is always hectic, but by setting realistic goals, taking breaks, minimizing distractions, and making time for yourself, you can still get things done without losing your mind in the process!

by Corryn Williams, Method Architecture

By now, we’re all familiar with the seemingly endless number of certifications for AEC technical professionals (we all have at least one colleague whose name and credentials need at least two lines). However, we would be amiss to gloss over the cert for stand-out marketing and business development professionals.

SMPS offers the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) certification, which showcases expertise in professional services marketing. We reached out to our chapter’s 15 CPSMs to ask how they aced the exam. Here’s their take on studying, exam-day advice, and how it impacted their career, plus answers to FAQs about the certification.  

What study method best prepared you for the exam?

“Stay on the recommended schedule: Don’t get behind. I made flashcards (yes, old school) and I would review them any chance I got – sitting in traffic, waiting for an appointment, in the line at H-E-B, etc.” – Melodye Tomsu, CPSM, SpawGlass

“We had a study group that helped. It was led by someone who had already taken the exam and let us know what to focus on. Study group participants offer different perspectives on topics and me think of the material in a way that I wouldn’t have if I had studied alone.” – Christy Rhone, CPSM, Cram Roofing

“Since you are using your brain power, make sure you are getting adequate sleep. Lack of sleep interferes with memory and learning. You’re more forgetful, and your attention is short-circuited. A recent study published in the January 2021 issue of the Journal Sleep showed that sleep deprivation leads to brain stress, cloudy thinking, and decision fatigue. Set yourself up for success by instituting a new temporary routine until you’re done testing.” – Rebecca Chavez, CPSM, Poznecki-Camarillo

What prompted you to become certified?

“In an industry that operates on alphabet soup (PE, AIA, PMP, LEED AP, etc.), I wanted to find a way to lend credibility to myself as a marketing professional and having ‘CPSM’ seemed like the best way to do that. Of course, nothing is a substitute for quality work and being an invaluable member of a team to prove yourself, but being certified was the most tangible way to prove myself.” – D’Anna Wallace, CPSM, Ford Powell & Carson

“Although your company greatly benefits from the knowledge you gain, I think certification is a personal journey. The certification was an accomplishment reminding me ‘I bring something to the table.’ To the outside world, certifications generally prove you are both well-trained and committed to your career.” – Rebecca Chavez, CPSM, Poznecki-Camarillo

How has the CPSM certification added value to your career?

“I learned more about marketing, business development, leadership, and the foundations of AEC business fundamentals in our industry by reading the various domain books. This knowledge has afforded me the ability to elevate marketing in my position and educate those with whom I work about the depth of knowledge needed for this certification.” – Kayla Choate, CPSM, Rogers-O’Brien Construction

“I do mostly business development but I’m also over marketing at my company. I don’t have a marketing degree, so it helped me understand parts of marketing better, and I’m able to manage that side better.” – Christy Rhone, CPSM, Cram Roofing

“My certification boosted my confidence and reignited my interest in the industry. For my accomplishment, I earned a great deal of praise from my peers, managers, and the industry at large. It feels good to be recognized for your individual efforts, especially because the majority of what we do benefits our companies as a whole. Also, the four letters after your name lend you some AEC street cred, which I don’t mind.” – Selena Horn, CPSM, Joeris General Contractors

Was there anything that surprised you about the exam?

“The exam was more difficult than I anticipated. I strolled in with confidence, but when I walked out, I wasn’t sure if I passed or not. Fortunately, I did!” – Selena Horn, CPSM, Joeris General Contractors

“Some of the information in the books taught us to approach situations in certain ways, but I don’t think their approach was always practical. There are many ways to tackle a problem – theirs was just one way. So instead of answering questions based on what you would do, you need to answer them based on what the books say you should do.” – Christy Rhone, CPSM, Cram Roofing

FAQ

Who’s eligible to take the CPSM exam?

All test takers must have marketing or business development experience with a professional services firm. The amount of experience required depends on your education:

• Someone with a bachelor’s or advanced degree needs at least four years of experience
• Someone with an associate’s degree needs at least six years of experience
• Someone without a degree needs at least eight years of experience

How do I apply for the exam?

You must submit an online application and application fee to Professional Testing Corporation. You’ll need a copy of your college transcript or a notarized photocopy of your degree (if applicable).

How much does the exam cost?

The price varies depending on your membership status. The cost for members is $520 and $765 for non-members. There are additional fees for retesting and recertification.

Where do I take the exam?

The exam must be taken at a Prometric Testing Center.

When can I take the exam?

The exam is administered during two three-week testing periods in March and September. The 2023 testing periods are Mar. 4-25 and Sept. 2-23.

For more information, visit https://www.smps.org/learning/certification/how-to-become-a-cpsm/.

by Sam Ferris, RVK Architecture

Standing in line at the local public library with your newly minted library card safely tucked in your Velcro wallet, you can hear the crinkle of the plastic-covered books in your hands. You’ve just chosen three new books, one from each of your favorite series: Goosebumps, The Babysitters Club, and Junie B. Jones. You put your selections on the librarian’s desk and pull out your summer book club passport to be stamped. Only five more books and that smiley face pencil topper is yours!

Summertime brings waves of nostalgia for simpler times and less responsibility. For me, I’m whisked back to days riding my bike to friends’ houses, swimming in the river, and finding reprieve from the summer heat by hanging out in the stacks of the local public library.

While my bike treks have been replaced with Peloton classes and getting to the river is a feat of family logistics with little children, I still love finding ways to get lost in a good book.

So, I’ve pulled together a summer reading list for marketers. This book club of sorts will inspire new ideas and provide new tools for you to use in your everyday life as a marketing professional! While there are no smiley face pencil toppers or animal-shaped bookmarks, there is a badge to download and share on social when you’ve completed the list!

Everybody Writes by Ann Handley

In this book, you’ll find easy-to-apply tips and tricks on how to write in an age where video content dominates marketing communication. From creating social media posts to proposal narratives, this book is a must-read for writing engaging content.

What to Ask: How to Learn What Customers Need but Don’t Tell You by Andrea Belk Olson

As featured in the May/June 2022 edition of Marketer, this new book provides insight into the challenges we face with identifying client needs and quickly transforming them into key differentiators. This smart, practical guide is a contemporary reference manual for unlocking customer motivations.

The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni

In this leadership fable about a construction company, you’ll learn the three key aspects of ideal team players and how this framework can help you build better teams or become a better team player. 

Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller

We’ve reviewed this book in a previous post – you can check that out here. As marketers, we must hone our storytelling skills to create compelling messages that communicate our firm's value and unique differentiators. 

Once you've completed our summer reading list, make your book club membership official with this certificate of achievement!

by Corryn Williams, Method Architecture

Have you ever told yourself that you’ll be successful if you can just make it to the bottom of your backburner to-do list? Although that feeling is liberating, most of us would agree that this kind of success has a rhythm to it – especially since RFQs seem to come in waves.

If you’re finally facing a couple of weeks that aren’t packed with 47 proposals, the concept of working proactively instead of reactively might sound like a foreign concept. But we wholeheartedly recommend it. Here are eight backburner tasks that can fine-tune your processes, let you breathe, and maybe even make you a marketer eager for another proposal!

1. Cull your email contacts

When was the last time you updated your email contact database? If we’re being honest, it’s probably been a minute – and we’re not just talking about adding new emails. Run a bounce back report on your latest email blast and see which addresses aren’t receiving your emails. Then, go through the list and verify each email with a phone call or quick web search.

Bonus: Some CRMs offer plug-ins, like Unanet. You can automatically add your contacts to Unanet as you parse through your emails – adding them to companies you’re already in contact with – instead of writing that on a separate to-do list.

2. Track those social media and website analytics

We know you’d never forget, but we also know it’s the first thing we ignore in times of stress. Happy dance for those that are on top of this 24/7 –  you’re a unicorn.

3. Organize your RFQ responses

Paragraphs on paragraphs of revisions no more! Again, most CRMs have a tool to store RFQ responses, but even if you’re old-school spreadsheet-ing this information, reviewing your canned responses for questions you’re asked over and over again can save you time in the future, especially if they’re all in one place. Imagine putting together an SOQ with one InDesign tab open!

4. That dreaded file organization

Not only could we all stand to organize our network drives a little more, but I’m also going to bet that most of us don’t have asset management down to a science. There are beautiful resource-sharing platforms out there, but this blog will always champion the Adobe Creative Cloud Library tool. Color palettes, logos, other vectors, and even paragraph styles can be shared across your Adobe Suite. Not only does this help your brand consistency, it’s also a time-saver and joy-generating experience to simply click a button instead of typing in your hex code for your brand colors. Now, there’s certainly something to be said for memorizing your brand color codes, but what if you needed that brain space for memorizing the new Harry Styles album lyrics?

5. Training

There’s no better time to finally dust off that book you’ve been promising yourself that you’ll read, or to subscribe to an online class and actually set aside the time to train or re-train yourself in a topic you’re passionate about. This could also help with team bonding: pick a buddy at the office and hold yourself accountable!

6. RFQ closeouts

There’s nothing fresher than closing out your RFQ/RFPs. Maybe you don’t have a process yet, or maybe you just need a friendly reminder to upload all images into your management system and add any new client/consultant data into your CRM.

7. Brainstorm and dream about your future content

Instead of working right until the deadline on your next social media post, grab a pen and list out as many ideas as you can! When you’re able to step away from a task like this, you might actually find yourself feeling inspired as these ideas marinate. When your deadlines creep up, you’ve already done the hardest part – getting started!

8. Ask yourself: Is this a good time to try something new?

Maybe you or somebody on your team has been sitting on an idea that there hasn’t been time to try out. No time like the present, particularly if you don’t have a pressing billable project ahead of you.

RFQs may or may not wind down as we enter the ever-cherished summertime with vacations and pool days. Help the Future You™ create a solid rhythm for your “backburner” tasks and make your day-to-day life easier, even when the amount of work isn’t getting any smaller.

by Michelle Rohrbough, KFW Engineers + Surveying

Image courtesy of Artful Ruckus

Your alarm goes off and you want to ignore it. But the dogs have been restless for a few minutes now. You roll out of bed, chase them to the back door, and let them out. They sprint straight to the last alleged squirrel sighting, and you proceed to pour out their food. While you do that, you’re distracted, thinking about your own breakfast. But coffee comes first, so you shuffle over to the coffee pot.

Most people don’t wake up thinking outside of themselves. Even if your entire week, month, and entire career revolves around your clients, you can’t escape your own perspective from the moment you open your eyes every day. You have a unique lens through which you see the world, and so do your clients. We can’t escape our fundamental position as the main character in our own lives. Your clients are no different.

As marketers, we typically aim to paint our beloved firm as the hero. Anything else seems counterintuitive, yet you’ve probably wondered why your current communication strategy isn’t winning the proposal every time. Here’s to the book – and genius – teaching us the power of protagonist and storyteller relationships.

Donald Miller began his career in storytelling. The second publication in his career, Blue Like Jazz, made him a New York Times bestseller in 2003. Since then, Miller has published a handful of other reflective pieces and begun his marketing agency, StoryBrand. Sharing a title with Miller’s company, StoryBrand helps marketers establish a framework for communication strategies. At every conference, on every marketer’s must-read list, StoryBrand is exalted. StoryBrand exists to formulate your brand message so your audience better relates to your services. Miller’s manual is practical, applicable, and comprehensible to every marketer.

Miller describes the relationships between marketers and clients like that of Pixar and its audience of millions. Have you ever wondered how massive audiences find blockbuster movies relatable even though the protagonist really only has one goal – one that you and I will likely not face in our lifetime? (Let’s hope the world isn’t relying on InDesign skills to steal back the Declaration of Independence, or hunt down the darkest villain in the wizarding world with social media savvy.) It is innately human to be captivated by movies, books, and podcasts. Even sans superpowers, we buy into stories because we can see something about ourselves in the hero. Miller theorizes that if marketers simplify their messages by rooting for the client and making them the hero, we can forge a meaningful connection with our audience.

If you want your marketing strategy to read like a fairytale, StoryBrand should be your next go-to read. You can also join Diana Brown at our Marketer Talk on May 10 for in-person coaching on storytelling magic. Register here. 

by Michelle Rohrbough, KFW Engineers + Surveying

After an unsavory Texas winter, we are all eager to enjoy the recent sunshine. Whether you’re meeting with prospective clients, an old boss, or a friend in the industry, here are five meeting spots that have energizing patios, minimal noise distractions, and a wonderful menu full of treats.

For the coffee lovers

1) Philo Coffee

Philo’s is a prime spot for a classic coffee meeting. Not only can you find a peaceful place to discuss business, but you also get the bonus of delightful pastries while you’re at it. The best part? The patio! They have an open caranda that is shaded and quiet, an idyllic springtime setting!

Visit: 606 W French Pl, San Antonio, TX 78212

Click here to learn more.

2) CommonWealth Coffeehouse & Bakery

CommonWealth is the perfect blend of a restaurant and a coffee shop. It has incredible outdoor space with greenery, gardens, and chickens, as well as a menu like a restaurant. It’s also conveniently located in Alamo Heights – ideal for those who work in central San Antonio. CommonWealth is famous for its welcoming atmosphere and impressive outdoor patio; it is casual, fresh, and energetic.

Visit: 118 Davis Ct, San Antonio, TX 78209

Click here to learn more.

For the drinks and treats

3) Sternewirth

A beautiful, stone-detailed plaza is the home of the Sternewirth patio. Sternewirth is for meetings that welcome liquid libations and delicious bites. Quiet before the evening rush, this café’s atmosphere is warm, inviting, and not stuffy in the slightest.

Visit: 136 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215

Click here to learn more. 

4) Hanzo

Hanzo is a great place for quiet, critical meetings. The atmosphere creates a certain level of privacy for its guests. Hanzo has an incredible Japanese-inspired menu – beverages and dishes galore – and of course, an essential modern patio for immersing yourself in the spring air.

Visit: 7701 Broadway Ste 124, San Antonio, TX 78209

Click here to learn more.

5) Down on Grayson

Down on Grayson is the place to meet with fun, lively, individuals in your network. It’s perfect for lunch or making introductions. The outdoor dining’s gorgeous greenery and high-contrast details create a refreshing Mediterranean-like setting.

Visit: 303 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215

Click here to learn more.

Let’s refresh our meetups and networking in the great outdoors! Picking a great space to host your meeting won’t be overlooked. Clients and peers alike will appreciate your impeccable taste and attention to detail in San Antonio’s heavenly springtime.

by Bronwyn Hartwig, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

The following contains lessons from “What’s the Story and How to Tell It” by talkStrategy with Laura Hotten, Kristine Smith, and Tina Dunk

Words are a powerful commodity. These little symbols convey relationships, language, and stories. As marketers, our goal is to harness this power to communicate the value our firm offers to prospective clients and positively impact our bottom line. We can accomplish this by creating a brand story for potential clients.

Before we explore the art of brand storytelling, let’s try a quick exercise. Brainstorm at least 15 words that you’ve used in the past month to describe your firm. These can be words from social media, SOQs, brochures, or your website. Write these words down on a list.

Have your list ready? Cross off every word you’ve seen a competitor use to describe their services. What’s left? If your list isn’t completely gone, congrats – you may have a differentiator or two on your hands. If you crossed out every word on your list, don’t stress just yet.

The sad truth, my marketing-minded friends, is that your services are much like those your competitors provide. If you use descriptive words that everyone else in the A/E/C industry uses, you’re not revealing your firm’s unique appeal for clients, and your efforts might not make you stand out as much as you think. The need for a differentiator is critical and something our friends at talkStrategy shared with us at the Coffee Talk on Feb. 8.

Defining Differentiators

So, what’s a differentiator? The term is sometimes used synonymously with “unique,” but it’s a little more specific. According to a Hinge Marketers report, differentiators are truthful, relevant, and provable. Consider what factors are critical to your audience of decision-makers. Who are your targeted decision-makers? It depends, but as talkStrategy likes to point out, they might not always be the same thing as your audience. For example, sometimes you’ll want to influence the group that has the executive’s ear as much as you would the executives.

Find Your Differentiator(s)

When you consider how many other firms do what you do, you can likely think of a few places in your region where your clients could go for the same services. Unfortunately, your firm can’t be all things to all people. That’s why it’s critical to identify a differentiator and use it to your firm’s advantage in your messaging. Zero in on what your firm does well and let that inform your brand storytelling. Look through testimonials and referrals and talk to leadership to discover the characteristics of your firm that retain or convert clients.

Tell Your Brand Story

Now that you’ve discovered the power of a differentiator, try incorporating one into your brand story. For example, let’s say a firm’s website header reads, “We are trustworthy with family values.” That’s not a bad start, but what if instead it read, “We have met every deadline for 10 years. You’re part of the family.” This level of indisputable candor shows your client that you’re trustworthy and transparent. You don’t have to connect the dots for a potential client: they undoubtedly want on-time services.

You can tell a cohesive brand story by incorporating powerful differentiators into your branding. Ultimately, winning differentiators change how prospects identify with your firm and services and help convert prospects into loyal clients. 

by Michelle Rohrbough, KFW Engineers