Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT
Senior Member
Username: rliebing
Post Number: 1418
Registered: 02-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 - 08:55 am: |    |
130814
CCPR ?
By Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT
Cincinnati, Ohio
Recently saw a blog posting asking what I thought when seeing “CCPR” behind one’s name.
I, personally think, colleague; professional; knowledgeable; good and reliable resource. I see someone with foresight, drive, ambition to be better and one who truly believes in and understands his or her product line[s]. Not that I am some sort of oracle, but I think, down deep, this is the unspoken impression of most architects and engineers-- both of which need such resources to augment their information, concepts and project possibilities! It’s silly to say that they rely on us [for our projects] when in turn, what they can bring to a project is vital to our work and the end result.
Oh, I am sure there are some—very few-- who do what they do “just as a job”. But most [and certainly those of CSI membership] have a far different mindset and goal. Perhaps not stated opening or enough, is the fact that the PR is the expert” for her/his products and with that become an integral part of the project team. Theirs is not a take the order and wash your hands of the project, but good [CSI!] PRs follow through, answer questions, explore options, deal with the quirky, solve problems, meet project parameters, etc. FOR the design professionals.
To me, a good PR will do more than just sell the products. She or he will introduce their products, or any updates. Then they will try to “fit” the products into our work by making us more familiar with them. And in turn the PRs will try to establish a rapport with me-- a relationship if you will whereby I have added confidence in their information. This is a personal relationship and not just a “pitch”. And certainly asking about any problems we have had with their products [we practice internationally] even in other venues is showing interest in making their products even better or making their manufacturers aware of "rough edges” that may need attention. In essence, it is product and relationship I expect from PRs. We don’t socialize necessarily, but there is something more than ”I-got-this-stuff-and- expect- you- to- specify- it! Rather self-evident I think.
Straight forward, accurate, no flim-flam or part truths. Outdated product data, company changes, mergers, etc. are part of this, so we know what and who we are dealing with. 1988 binder info is rather useless and really shows a lack of interest. Non-use of a product is not an indication is it not “in the running”, just that another is being considered! Rather two people with a single goal-- a project made satisfactory to the owner by satisfactory application of materials, systems and devices.
The CCPR really serves in two ways-- on the design team and on the construction team. Each have distinctive roles and needs for differing information. In this unique position the CCPR is able to see the project in two perspectives and can, if necessary, act as an observer to both teams. This is a vital aspect, and as recently identified, one as a “trusted advisor”.
Is there a truer and clearer descriptor for CCPRs? I think not! |
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