Member Spotlight: Jeff Davidson

Jeff Davidson is the Business Development Manager at Professional Service Industries, Inc. (PSI). He is an active member of SMPS and is a Director of Membership for the 2010-2011 Chapter Board year.

How were you first introducedto SMPS and what motivated you to join?
I moved to the DC area in August of 2009 for the Business Development position I currently hold with PSI. Our CMO and firm are strong supporters of SMPS and I saw joining as an avenue to more quickly get to know who was who in the industry. Being a well-respected chapter of a national organization was icing on the cake.

How has SMPS helped you in your career?
The SMPS network has put information at my fingertips and provided an excellent venue for learning and sharing marketing knowledge. The depth of general industry knowledge and specific marketing and business development experience, present in the membership, are an invaluable resource.

Helpful hints to share with your SMPS members.

• Think of your life and career like a stock portf olio; the bett er the mix, the more valuable. You need to have a good blend of family, work and play. And don’t be scared to have personal interests cross-over into your career and vice-versa.
• GET INVOLVED! What have you got to lose? I have never been associated with such an open and sharing business organization. Plus, with the Mentoring and Guru Guidance programs, no one should feel left out.

Tell us something we would be surprised to learn about you.
I spent a year in Lima, Peru working for an NGO called ADRA Peru. Besides being an incredibly rewarding experience, I now have an intermediate fluency in Spanish.

What would you consider your greatest achievement?
Fostering lasting relationships with bosses and coworkers from all my past employers. Being able to call on previous contacts opens many doors for professional and personal growth.

Who would you consider as influential in your career?
Two people come to mind: Jeffrey Gitomer and my Grandfather, Joseph E. Lillie, III.

• Jeffrey Gitomer was my first employer during college. He always had a very direct “in-your-face” approach; you either loved it or hated it. That taught me to be persistent in my pursuits.
• In stark contrast my grandfather was gentle and very diplomatic. As a local politician and restaurant owner his strength was often in his stature and soft -spoken nature. I attribute my diplomacy and patience to him.

If you were not in this industry, what would be your dream job?
A non-profit organization helping build sustainable communities and commerce in impoverished countries.

Interviewed by Justin Jacobs

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