How to Stand Out When Everyone's Qualified and Has Relationships
When the shortlist hits, you're no longer competing on qualifications; you’re competing on clarity, chemistry, and connection. And the firms that win? They know how to deliver a story that resonates.
In this SmartSKILLS™ session, we’re pulling back the curtain on the same methods Smartegies has used to coach thousands of AEC teams over the past 16 years, contributing to our 75% win rate on shortlist interviews. You’ll learn how to lead the pursuit process with precision, prep your technical teams quickly and effectively, and shape a narrative that makes the client feel like they can’t imagine doing the project without you.
You’ll learn how to craft a pitch that is client-focused, cohesive, and compelling, even when your team is short on time and buried in deadlines.
What you’ll learn:
• What it really means to be client-focused in a shortlist interview
• How to align the team, the message, and the visuals with speed and clarity
• AI tips that reduce prep time and lift the burden on your technical staff
• How to handle Q&A with authenticity and control
This class is built for marketers who lead pursuits and seller-doers who want the interview process to run smoothly, feel more strategic, and actually move the needle. If you’re looking for a better way to prepare, one that respects your time and delivers results, this session is for you!
Because in a room full of resumes and relationships, the best story still wins.
ADDITIONAL INFO
When:
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 · 12:00 p.m.
Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Katie Cash is a Senior Vice President at Smartegies, where she leads growth strategies for AEC firms nationwide. Since joining the firm in 2011, she has guided a wide range of architecture, engineering, and construction clients through strategic...
Donna Graybill is a Marketing Strategist at Smartegies, known for blending strong writing with sharp strategy and a storyteller’s instinct for what moves the needle. With a background in public relations and deep experience in the AEC industry,...
udy Sparks is the Founder and CEO of Smartegies. With over 30 years of experience in B2B sales and marketing, she partners directly with AEC firm leaders to drive growth through smart branding, targeted strategy, and full-funnel marketing. Known...
For Principals Who Want Results.
For Marketers Who Want to Win.
AEC marketing has changed more in the last 3 years than in the previous 30.
Firms that keep relying on outdated tactics or under-trained teams are falling behind — fast.
Whether you’re onboarding new hires or upskilling experienced marketers, SmartSKILLS™ is the training series built for the way AEC firms grow today: faster, leaner, and with far more pressure to prove value.