Mpowered

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question “How does Material Bank help Reps connect with the next generation?” Tune in to learn about Material Bank's unique university program and the top 3 benefits it provides to the next generation of designers who are joining our industry and, what this means for you as a rep.    Interested in hearing about the new generation of designers joining our industry?   Better yet, want to hear directly from them?  Subscribe here to ThinkLab's new season of Design Nerds Anonymous: Gen Z Confessionals, a 4-part mini-series documenting what Gen Z loves (and what they hate) about their entre into the interiors industry.   

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “How can I build effective client communications – digitally?” Host Kayla Aimee Terrell, senior manager of content marketing at ThinkLab, share results from ThinkLab research showing exactly what designers want and out-of-the-inbox insights on how to reach them. 

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question “How do I Ask for Business?”  One of the toughest things about calling on A&D is bridging that gap to asking for the business without alienating them, offending them, or becoming that rep. Host Amanda Schneider, founder and president of ThinkLab, takes you through the top 3 best practices you can be using when it comes to securing new business.

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question “How Are A&D Firms Advising Their Clients When the Future Is So Uncertain?” Leading firms appear to be embracing what we are calling the “beta test mindset.” What is this and what does it mean for you? Hosts Erica Waayenberg and Amanda Schneider walk us through what having a beta test mindset looks like from the perspective of a firm and how you, as a rep, could respond. 

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question “Best practices: co-presenting with reps, how do I find my tribe?” Hosts Erica Waayenberg and Amanda Schneider discuss the best ways to collaborate with other reps and what you need to know as you find trusted partners to work with. 

In this bite-sized episode, we learn what Material Bank can offer you on their rep resources page www.materialbank.com/rep-resources.  Find out what tools you can be leveraging to make your day to day easier as a B2B rep.   

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question “What do I need to know about how designers use social media?” What non-traditional sites are also popular? Who is the social media winner? Host Erica Waayenberg settles this long debate and advises on how you can leverage these platforms for a better connection with the design community.   

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question “what is the future of the firm library?”  We know the approach to the materials library varies from firm to firm, and location to location. Host Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content at ThinkLab, explores the solutions and tactics that you, as a rep, can be sure your product is seen within the mix of these activation spaces.  For more information about firm libraries, listen to our Design Nerds Anonymous episode 'The Future of the A&D Firm Library' here.

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question “How is technology use in the design process shifting?”  As part of the Interior Design Giants of Design research, we survey the largest firms in the country in addition to holding roundtable discussions year-round. Host Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content at ThinkLab, explores what they have to say about how technology is shifting in their practice. 

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “What's hot on the minds of the Interior Design Giants of Design, and how should reps respond?” Host Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content at ThinkLab, offers insight into their top 3 issues – Sustainability, Flexibility and Mental health and wellbeing – and how top firms are finding the right balance to address these concerns.   To learn more about the Interior Design Giants of Design, please visit: www.interiordesign.net/giants

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “How does Material Bank help me support my client's sustainability goals?” Discover how being a brand partner with Material Bank can give you insights on firm's level of commitment to sustainability. Learn about how Material Bank's sampling system allows for easy returns and some of the programs that we partner with so you can be sure that our sampling process is seamless and reliable for you. 

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “How is video changing B2B sales?” Host Erica Waayenberg is joined by Olga Odeide, head of strategic partnerships at ThinkLab, to give you insight on digital body language, why you should embrace the saying “Help me, don't teach me,” and how to expand your relational capacity through video messaging.

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “How are CEUs evolving?” ThinkLab hosts Amanda Schneider and Meredith Campbell give insight into the modern approach to traditional CEUs, virtual CEUs, and why you should care about the new podcast CEUs.  

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle a listener question “How do I get face-time with architects and designers today?” Host Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content at ThinkLab, looks at how you can get the appointment, creating a draw, and leave a lasting impression.   

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “What is the future of showrooms?” As showrooms are moving from analog museums to digital spaces, Host Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content at ThinkLab, offers insight into how you can activate a product within the showroom, integrate digital features, and extend your outreach to a broader audience.

In this bite-sized episode, Material Bank joins us to answer the question, “How does Material Bank make communication with Designers more efficient?” Discover why Inbox, a simple but powerful new user messaging tool, enables easy, efficient communication between reps and Designers.

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “Where do I begin as an A&D rep?” Host Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content at ThinkLab, gives you major tips on how you as a rep can research firms, tailor your pitch and align your product, and track your engagement with your list of firms.

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “How is hybrid affecting designers' work?” Host Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content at ThinkLab, offers fascinating insight into where designers work now, how are they collaborating, and how you as a rep can fit into that hybrid schedule.

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “How is the role of a rep changing?” Host Erica Waayenberg is joined by Amanda Schneider to give insights from ThinkLab research on how reps can extend their outreach, understand designers' autonomy, and embrace their problem-solving superpower.

In this bite-sized episode, Material Bank joins us to answers a question posed by a listener, “What is the current state of the supply chain, and how is it impacting the interiors industry?” Listen for insights on what's happening in the global supply chain that is causing such disruption as well as a look at the forecast for the foreseeable future.   

In this bite-sized episode, Material Bank joins us to answer the question, “How do I follow up on an MB lead?” Listen for insights on the elements of a Material Bank lead, with a project timeline. Then, we offers tips on how to follow up: communicate clearly, add value, spark inspiration, and more!

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “What designers need from a website?” Host Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content at ThinkLab, answers with what designers want – including straightforward and self-serving elements, inspiration and visualization tools, and information transparency.   If you have a question or topic you'd like us to tackle on air, we'd love to hear from you. Simply direct-message Material Bank on Instagram with your success story or question through the messaging function.

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “How can I use thought leadership as a lead in?” Host Meredith Campbell, who develops research and content at ThinkLab, brings insight into how to recognize the types of content that resonate with audiences, how to best deliver, and how thought leadership can benefit you as a rep.  If you have a question or topic you'd like us to tackle on air, we'd love to hear from you. Simply direct-message Material Bank on Instagram with your success story or question through the messaging function.

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “Where do designers live?” Host Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content at ThinkLab, looks at three key ways to determine which markets have the best designer outreach opportunities, and what you can do with that information.  If you have a question or topic you'd like us to tackle on air, we'd love to hear from you. Simply direct-message Material Bank on Instagram with your success story or question through the messaging function.

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “What do interior designers do and how does product selection fit in?” Host Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content at ThinkLab, helps you discover the 3 key areas you can meet designers where they are and support the product selection process, such as: Where designers are going to get new products, what designers are considering when selecting new products, and which resources are needed to take a product from mood board to installation.   If you have a question or topic you'd like us to tackle on air, we'd love to hear from you. Simply direct-message Material Bank on Instagram with your success story or question through the messaging function.

In this bite-sized episode, Material Bank joins us to answer the question, “How does Material Bank make my life as a rep easier?” Learn how to spice up your exchange and reduce your lift with the innovative digital tool kit Material Bank provides.   If you have a question or topic you'd like us to tackle on air, we'd love to hear from you. Simply direct-message Material Bank on Instagram with your success story or question through the messaging function.

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “When will designers be back in the office?” Host Erica Waayenberg, head of research and content at ThinkLab, gives actionable ideas while navigating the hybrid realm, such as how to recognize the power of mentorship, asking the right questions during the process, and why you should NOT abandon digital tools.  If you have a question or topic you'd like us to tackle on air, we'd love to hear from you. Simply direct-message Material Bank on Instagram with your success story or question through the messaging function.

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “What do designers need most from a rep?” ThinkLab hosts Amanda Schneider and Erica Waayenberg give insight into all the key words designers need from reps – including responsiveness, expertise, reliability, trust, and access. You'll learn how to tick all those boxes!  If you have a question or topic you'd like us to tackle on air, we'd love to hear from you. Simply direct-message Material Bank on Instagram with your success story or question through the messaging function.

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “Where to start when calling on Architects and Designers?” Host Amanda Schneider, president & founder of ThinkLab, shares an expert look at calling on A&D with an eye toward creating an experience, playing the long game, and asking for the business while building relationships.  If you have a question or topic you'd like us to tackle on air, we'd love to hear from you. Simply direct-message Material Bank on Instagram with your success story or question through the messaging function.

In this bite-sized episode, we tackle the question, “How do I thrive in today's changing environment?” Host Amanda Schneider, president & founder of ThinkLab share insight into how to connect with clients as we look at applying a beta test mindset, working smarter ( not harder,) and sharing the love with social selling.  If you have a question or topic you'd like us to tackle on air, we'd love to hear from you. Simply direct-message Material Bank on Instagram with your success story or question through the messaging function.

Welcome to MPowered, a podcast brought to you by Material Bank and created by ThinkLab, that delivers a weekly dose of bite-sized actionable insights to help you succeed as a B2B rep.