Podcasts about werq

Send us Fan MailWe're back with another Hot Takes episode. Sid spins the wheel with Rob Kirkbride from officeinsight, discussing topics on selling, marketing, and trust in the contract interiors world. They challenge each other on vertical specialization, call out social media noise, and lay out what real partnership should look like between manufacturers, dealers, and the A&D community. References:The Trend Report Episodes: 187 - 10 to Win: The Visibility Problem No One Talks About - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode187186 - Future Ready Learning Environments with Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber and Libby Ferin of Marco - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode186175 - Building Effective A&D Partnerships with Krystal Lucero - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode175Connect with Rob:Officeinsight - https://officeinsight.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkirkbride/The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailJoin Sid as he chats with Anika Jackson about using Delphi to clone her voice and expertise so people can get real answers 24/7 without demanding more hours from her calendar. They break down what to upload, how to set guardrails, and how brands can turn an AI knowledge base into better customer experience and smarter lead capture. References:Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others by Stephen M.R. Covey - https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Inspire-Leaders-Unleash-Greatness/dp/198214372XConnect with Anika:Your Brand Amplified Podcast - https://yourbrandamplified.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikajackson/The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailThis week, challenge yourself with one sharp question: if your content disappeared, would your customers even notice? Sid is breaking down what “adding value” really means in a noisy, AI-fueled content world and sharing simple ways to build trust through clearer, more human content. He's also sharing quick daily habits you can incorporate to make the content creation process easier and more consistent.At the end of the day, your content should help your buyers and dealers answer questions and make decisions. Is that the kind of platform you're building? References:Theatre of the Mind by Melanie Borden - https://www.amazon.com/Theatre-Mind-Melanie-Borden/dp/B0G4MWZRB6The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailSid is digging into why the future of learning deserves as much attention as the future of work with Dr. Lennie Scott-Webber and Libby Ferin of Marco. They discuss how classrooms quietly shape behavior, connection, and performance for years to come. Along the way, they challenge the “butts in seats” mindset and show how research-backed design moves can make learning spaces more flexible, human, and effective. References:The Thinking Problem: A Science of Learning Solution for AI in Schools - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/403700910_The_Thinking_Problem_A_Science_of_Learning_Solution_for_AI_in_SchoolsWhite Papers - Perspectives - https://madebymarco.net/white-papers-perspectives/Connect with Dr. Lennie:Ask Dr. Lennie - https://madebymarco.net/ask-dr-lennie-april-2026/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennie-scott-webber-phd-2594a912/Connect with Libby:Marco - www.madebymarco.netLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-ferin-13677911/The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailThe Hot Takes Wheel is spinning again! This time Kay Sargent from HOK joins Sid to discuss what is breaking, what is evolving, and what needs to get simpler in the contract interiors world. They dig into dealers, talent, consolidation, and AI, then discuss their favorite questions to ask clients.References:Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment by Kay Sargent - https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Neuroinclusive-Workplaces-Processing-Environment/dp/1394309333The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions by Geoff Woods - https://www.amazon.com/AI-Driven-Leader-Harnessing-Smarter-Decisions/dp/B0DB8QL3ZKTheTrend Report Ep 173 - The AI Basics You Need in Your Business with Hunter Jensen - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode173Connect with Kay:HOK - https://www.hok.com/Email - Kay.Sargent@HOK.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-sargent-53b2431/The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailSid talks with Officeworks CEO Chris Hanes about leading through consolidation while stepping into a bigger role and keeping the dealer business grounded in trust, process, and people. They dig into coaching, talent development across generations, AI readiness, and what the modern office furniture dealer really delivers for clients. Connect with Chris:Officeworks - https://www.officeworksinc.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-hanes-85b36714/Email - chanes@officeworksinc.comThe Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailSid spins the Hot Takes Wheel with Michelle Warren of The Collaborative Network and Catalyst Consulting. They unpack the questions that keep the contract furniture world debating what works. Michelle and Sid get specific about direct sales, hybrid office design, dealer value, and how to make trade shows pay off. Learn their thoughts on:• when manufacturers should sell direct versus when dealers should lead • why public sector and federal purchasing changes what “direct” means • how the open office shifts toward choice, focus, and collaboration • where dealers act like strategic partners and where execution takes over • what makes trade shows worth the money: targeting, tactics, follow-up, and ROI tracking Connect with Michelle:The Collaborative Network - https://thecollaborative.network/Catalyst Consulting Group - https://strategic-catalyst.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-lynn-warren/Email - michelle@strategic-catalyst.comThe Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailSid is digging into what it looks like when AI moves from headlines to real workflow inside a contract interiors manufacturer. Karli Slocum and Cosmo Kramer break down how 3form uses digital visualization and an AI knowledge agent to speed up answers, reduce errors, and capture tribal knowledge without sacrificing accuracy. Connect with Karli:3Form - https://3-form.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlislocum/Connect with Cosmo:Bitreel - https://www.bitreel.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosmokramer/Email - Cosmo@bitreel.comThe Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailWelcome back to another Hot Takes episode, this time with Larry Lee of KISP. Sid and Larry trade honest exchanges on what moves the contract furniture industry forward. They dig into why distribution and discoverability can beat “new product” hype, and why real digital strategy means human stories, not endless product posts. Go out there and make today great, and we will see you in the next episode.The Trend Report is your inside look at the people, products and ideas shaping the future of workplace design.  We explore the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailEd Eisaman joins Sid to talk about how the independent rep model is evolving into a capital-intensive, service-heavy business that still runs on a backbone of relationships. We get specific about what's working right now, what's breaking under margin pressure, and the things rep firms and manufacturers can do to keep the channel strong for the next generation.Listen to learn about:• building a modern rep firm around investment, not just relationships • using showrooms to create product discovery and expand share of project • vertical selling across furniture, ancillary, and architectural product categories • getting in earlier in the project through architectural products like demountable walls, casework, raised flooring, acoustics, and signage • staffing for speed with W-2 teams, design support, CET renderings, and rapid quoting • using digital marketing and newsletters to stay relevant without wasting attention • pushing for transparency with manufacturers on cost structure and expectations • rethinking rep compensation with performance and growth-based incentives • succession planning, mentorship, and lowering barriers for new reps entering the industry Connect with Ed:Eisaman Contract Associates - https://www.eisaman.com/Email - edward@eisaman.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-eisaman-6a255/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/edwardeisaman/?hl=enThe workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We're stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Send us Fan MailWe talk with Avanto leaders Matt Danyliw and Leonardo Vargas about what “operationalised innovation” looks like when AI moves from talk to execution across the contract interiors ecosystem. We break down the shift from AI tools that only automate alerts to AI agents that take real action with humans reviewing results.Listen to learn:• What Avanto does and why the intersection of workplace, technology and data matters• The three outcomes they optimise for: reduced risk, reduced cost, increased efficiency• Serving the full ecosystem: manufacturers, dealers, rep groups, installers and global end users• Why transparency and order status visibility change the end user experience• Common industry blockers: resistance to change, fragmented systems, lack of operational clarity• What “the action layer” means and why it differs from systems of record like ERP and CRM• Practical rep group use cases: email triage, alternates, pricing support, commissions verification• Where small business leaders should start with AI: define the goal, then map the workflowReferences:Episode 55 - A Partnership Moving the Industry Forward with Matt Danyliw of Avanto - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode55Connect with Matt:Avanto - https://www.goavanto.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-danyliw-6a8b24b/Email - sales@goavanto.comConnect with Leo:Agentic Dream - https://www.agenticdream.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonardovargas1/The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We're stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us Fan MailWhat would change in your business if you truly put your customers first?Sid explores how the Savannah Bananas used courage and a fans-first mindset to turn a failing team into a phenomenon, then map those lessons to customer experience in contract interiors. He shares ten focused takeaways that help you shift from tradition to memorable value.• sponsors who streamline operations and selling in contract interiors• courage as a practical leadership skill• fans first as customer first for our industry• reimagining rules to create delight• designing experiences over chasing efficiency• challenging tradition and fear of looking foolish• translating lessons to sales, service, and delivery• ten to win principles for action• a closing question that reframes your strategyIf this episode made you think differently, I encourage you to pick up the book Fans First and challenge yourself to look at your business through the eyes of your customers and not your competitorsReferences: Fans First: Change The Game, Break the Rules & Create an Unforgettable Experience by Jesse Cole - https://www.amazon.com/Fans-First-Change-Unforgettable-Experience/dp/154452921XThe workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We're stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work.Connect with Sid:Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeThe Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send a textSid connects sustainability, design, and the future of work with Todd Bracher of Humanscale, tracing his craft-first roots in Europe to a clear framework: form follows function, and function follows context. They unpack the Path Chair's net positive story, fast assembly, flat-pack efficiency, and what it means for the industry in the next decade.• how European craft cultures shape design choices• hands-on manufacturing lessons and material literacy• contextual design as user, environment and business fit• shortening development by front-loading research• Path chair goals, knit engineering and flat-pack logic• sourcing ocean-bound plastic and recycled aluminum• packaging density, freight impact and installation speed• why specialization beats the sea of sameness• furniture as a vehicle for integrated technology• letting real market feedback guide innovationYou won't want to miss Todd's final piece of advice, so be sure to stick around until the end to hear his advice as we move into the future. References:Design in Context: A Framework for Strategic Differentiation - https://www.amazon.com/Design-Context-Framework-Strategic-Differentiation/dp/B0D6GHVXWVTodd Bracher Observations, Research and Design - https://www.phaidon.com/en-us/products/observations-research-and-design?srsltid=AfmBOoqKbFyHrlW2kUal4G6KYQbnv_eurFQyrQrqcnbyhYXsZDpfTvMtConnect with Todd:Humanscale - https://www.humanscale.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopKNme5eJGTstvIHA0Tq-409jWgrWgT9_utoLv2iIC86M02fc4ETodd Bracher - https://toddbracher.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddbracher/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddbracher/The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We're stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send a textWelcome back to the new Trend Report segment called Hot Takes. Join Sid along with Amanda Schneider as they challenge the idea that our industry sells products and argue for outcomes, ease, and risk reduction as the real value. Along the way they share leadership advice, unlearning in the age of AI, a dress code debate, and the books shaping our thinking.• process innovation over product features• leadership that reduces friction and stress• why customers buy ease, certainty, and outcomes• industry dress codes and what they signal• books on AI, moral psychology, and fiction that broaden perspectiveReferences:*For links to the book recommendations do to https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode176Connect with Amanda:Thinklab - https://thinklab.design/Ted Talk - https://www.ted.com/speakers/amanda_schneiderLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajeanschneider/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/p/DURwYhDDb9k/Design Nerds Anonymous Podcast - https://insights.thinklab.design/tag/design-nerds-anonymousWork for What's Next: Why Workplace Culture is Failing and How the Next Generation Can Fix It by Amanda Schneider - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/work-for-whats-next-amanda-schneider/1149016023The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We're stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send a textSenior Interior Designer, Krystal Lucero, and Sid explore how to earn trust and build durable relationships between product sellers and the design community. From fast, accurate support to visible thought leadership and inclusive mentorship, the conversation maps a clear path to relevance for sellers and designers.• integrating work and life for sustainable energy• coaching lessons that sharpen patience and leadership• the power of mentors and long-game relationships• IIDA, representation, and scholarships that unlock access• practical access tips for sellers: research, relevance, response• tabletop tactics that attract attention without hard sells• thought leadership that keeps you top-of-mind• actionable advice for new reps to ask for help and learn• elevating diverse voices to strengthen the industryReferences:The Office Insights Magazine - https://officeinsight.com/Connect with Krystal:Edwards Mulhausen - https://edwardsmulhausen.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystallucero/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/krystallucerorid/The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We're stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send a textSid explores why gratitude is a performance multiplier and how simple daily habits can raise trust, engagement, and results without adding more work. Learn four practical practices to balance high standards with real humanity and change how teams show up. He shares:• the research-backed link between gratitude, engagement, and burnout• why gratitude as a driver of psychological safety and performance• the myth that gratitude lowers standards• four practices: start your day, start meetings, recognize effort, pause before reacting• how to use specificity in praise to reinforce desired behaviors• gratitude as intention, not reinventionThe workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We're stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send a textHunter Jensen of Barefoot Solutions, and Sid unpack why AI is moving so fast and the important basics leaders skip during implementation and use: data quality, governance, and a focused strategy that targets real ROI. Hunter shares practical use cases across support, HR, and sales, plus how to deploy secure, private LLMs with RAG for reliable answers from your own data.• Three Cs of data: clean, current, complete• Difference between generative AI and legacy machine learning• Strategy vs policy vs plan vs governance• Risks of public LLMs and data exposure• Practical use cases: documentation, support, HR, sales• RAG explained for secure document search• ROI modeling to pick a killer use case• Hunter's pivot to product and Compass platform• Staying current with daily newsletters over booksReferences:Rocky Mountain Marketing Podcast Ep 410 -Is Your Team Putting Business Data at Risk with ChatGPT with Hunter Jensen https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-your-team-putting-business-data-at-risk-with/id1506956667?i=1000727063525The Rundown AI Newsletter - https://www.therundown.ai/Connect with Hunter:Barefoot Solutions - https://www.barefootsolutions.com/Barefoot Labs - https://www.barefootlabs.ai/Email - hunter@barefootlabs.aiThe workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We're stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Alternative 80s CLUB - #TBT ( TECHNICALLY 70s-80s-90s-00s)*track list updated Betty Davis eyes - kin carnes Enjoy the silence- Depeche

Send us a textJoin Doug Shapiro and Sid as they tackle the biggest sales and showroom challenges in the contract interiors industry — from outdated cold calling and bid-driven selling to training that fails to stick. Learn how leading teams are shifting to targeted outreach, story-led sales training, and micro-learning tools that support today's mobile, fast-moving workforce.They explore application-based showrooms that simulate real workplace environments, smarter approaches to RFPs and pricing strategy, and how to move from pushing products to delivering workplace solutions. The key takeaway: ask better discovery questions, build trust faster, and sell outcomes that improve how people work — not just furniture and finishes.References:Use coupon code FIRSTIN at checkout to get 50% off your monthly membership at sidmeadows.com/communityThe Trend Report Ep. 151 - Love What You Do with Doug Shapiro - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode151Connect with Doug:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doshapiro/JSI Furniture - https://www.jsifurniture.com/Imagine a Place Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/pl/podcast/imagine-a-place/id1506501256The workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We're stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWe kick off season seven with Bryce Stuckenschneider, CEO of Loftwall, to explore how privacy-first design, flexible architecture, and AI-forward practices can reshape the workplace while keeping people at the center. We also unveil DesignStage, a new on-demand CEU platform built to fix the  broken continuing education system.• doubling down on privacy as a product, not just partitions• why speed, flexibility and human support win dealer loyalty• lessons from Orgatec and Clerkenwell to guide product roadmaps• freestanding architecture that scales without mega-manufacturer friction• leadership through turbulence using conviction and legacy as filters• AI as a force multiplier for product launches and enablement• people-first, AI-forward service with human verification• DesignStage as studio-quality, on-demand CEUs for designers• podcasts we recommend for practical AI learningReferences:The Trend Report Ep 7: CEO Chat with Bryce Stuckenschneider - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ceo-chat-with-bryce-stuckenschneider-ceo-of-loftwall/id1507944776?i=1000475248980Design Stage - https://designstage.com/Big Technology Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLADd6sStSis77HKfbf4KCY6SvthfxeUgnThe Artificial Intelligence Show  - https://podcast.smarterx.ai/Connect with Bryce:Loftwall - https://loftwall.com/Email - bryce@loftwall.comThe workplace is changing faster than the conversations guiding it. We're stepping up with a sharper plan for Season Seven: weekly episodes designed to spark action, challenge assumptions, and give you practical tools to build spaces and businesses that actually work. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.comPodcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWelcome to Season 7 of The Trend Report. This opens with a clear plan and a sharper purpose: weekly episodes that blend deep interviews, fast Hot Takes, and 10‑minute professional wins. We invite listeners to help shape topics, join a new Insider Community, and lean into candid conversations that move workplace design forward.Head over to sidmeadows.com/podcast to learn more about SpeakPipe. Want to learn more about the Insider Community? Go to sidmeadows.com/community and use Coupon Code FIRSTIN at checkout to get 50% off through February 28, 2026.The Trend Report explores the evolving world of contract interiors, office furniture, and workplace design. From the interior design industry to commercial furniture and the future of work, we share insights, trends, and strategies that keep the office furniture industry and the interior design community informed and inspired. Connect with Sid: Home Page: www.sidmeadows.com Podcast Website: https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast Sid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTube The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textEver wondered why people in Glasgow ask different questions than people in London about the same service? We pull back the curtain on a major update: city-level People Also Ask targeting that lets you research real local queries and build content that matches each neighbourhood's language, concerns, and intent. It's a simple shift with powerful results—clearer clusters, tighter FAQs, and topical authority that feels grounded in place rather than padded with generic terms.We also share what's changing behind the scenes. A refreshed interface is on the way to speed up research and reduce friction, and we've been investing heavily in entity-led workflows. Entities help search engines connect your content to real-world concepts—people, places, organisations, products—so your pages hold up through algorithm changes. Combine entities with city-level question data and you get a reliable map for content planning: fewer overlaps, sharper internal links, and pages that speak to actual user intent.Finally, we're making a counterintuitive move: pausing our three-episodes-a-week cadence over December to run a live experiment. Our library is heavily evergreen and binge-friendly, so this is a clean moment to test whether a short break affects discovery, downloads, and listener habits. If you manage content calendars, this will resonate—sometimes the best optimisation is stepping back to measure what the audience does when you publish less.If local SEO, link building strategy, and entity-first content are on your roadmap, this update will help you plan smarter for the new year. Listen now, explore the new city-level PAA targeting, and tell us which city you want us to test next. If you find value here, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review so others can discover it too.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textLinks still move the needle, but the way we earn them has changed. We pull together the best of our link building series and lay out a clear, low-risk path to stronger rankings and lasting authority. No gimmicks, no cloak-and-dagger—just assets people want to cite.We start by cleaning up the language of links: what “good, bad, and ugly” backlinks look like, why Penguin still shapes risk, and how AI-driven answers increase the value of being cited. From there, we get practical with linkable assets that compound: tools that solve real problems in seconds. You'll hear how a broadband postcode checker and a benchmarking speed test attracted highly relevant links, and how a People Also Ask crawler snowballed to thousands of citations without outreach. Each example shows why hard-to-replicate utility beats any anchor-text wishlist.We also lift the bonnet on private blog networks—how they're built, why they seem tempting, and the real cost when footprints surface. Then we pivot to creative, safe plays: become the awarding body in your niche with objective categories and shareable badges that merchants proudly link to. Add “engineering as marketing” to capture top-of-funnel interest: simple graders and diagnostics that align with your product, generate leads, and earn natural mentions. Finally, we share a practical promotion playbook—Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, conferences, and email—that seeds discovery without asking for links, kick-starting a flywheel where attention turns into citations and citations into rankings.If you want links you can sleep on, this is your roadmap: build something worth voting for, promote it where your audience hangs out, and let the compounding begin. Enjoyed this guide? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a mate who's still buying links.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWant links without cold emails or sketchy deals? We dive into a practical system for earning citations by putting useful work in front of the right people, then letting trust and timing do the heavy lifting. Ed Dawson, founder of Keywords People Use, unpacks why links still drive rankings and why they matter even more as AI search surfaces sources in responses.We start with the reality check: buying links and anchor manipulation can waste money or trigger penalties. From there we map a cleaner path for new sites stuck in the awareness gap. Ed shares how he launched a brand‑new domain and sparked momentum with low‑cost, high‑signal moves: consistent posting on Twitter and LinkedIn, value‑first replies on Reddit and Quora, direct outreach to peers without asking for links, and a modest BrightonSEO sponsorship that put an engaging tool into the hands of the right audience. The result was a flywheel where attention created links, links improved rankings, and rankings created more discovery.You'll hear how to pair long tail content with attention channels to get early wins, then convert that traffic into an email list that compounds every launch. We talk through lead magnets that actually earn signups, what to send to subscribers, and why “ask for feedback” beats “please link me.” Ed explains how reciprocity in communities builds site‑level authority, helping more pages get indexed and climb the SERPs. By the end you'll have a simple checklist: find your audience, show up consistently, ship something genuinely useful, announce it where it belongs, and repeat until the flywheel turns.If this helped you reframe link building, tap follow, share it with a friend who's launching a site, and leave a quick review. Want hands‑on help? Book a free, no‑obligation demo at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo and bring your SEO questions.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWant links people actually want to share? We unpack ego bait link building and show how to turn recognition into rankings, authority, and AI-era citations. Instead of waiting for links, we create reasons for people and brands to amplify our work by featuring their expertise fairly and visibly.We start with the foundations: why links still matter for Google and why they matter even more as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity cite sources. From there, we break down three reliable ego bait formats. First, interviews that spotlight a single expert with thoughtful questions, clean editing, and a transcript that boosts search visibility. Second, expert roundups that gather sharp, concise insights around one focused prompt, multiplying reach across contributors and their audiences. Third, awards designed with clear criteria and honest methodology so companies proudly display badges and link back to your announcement page.You'll hear practical workflows for each tactic, including how to choose guests and categories, how to write prompts that elicit substance not fluff, and how to package the final piece with visuals, pull-quotes, and copy-and-paste snippets. We also cover lighter plays like curated listicles and niche directories, where to set expectations on effort versus yield, and how to avoid common pitfalls such as overstuffed lists or vague award criteria that erode trust.The secret sauce is the follow-up. We walk through polite outreach that secures participation, and post-publication nudges that encourage sharing without strings attached. Make it easy with assets, keep it genuine, and track what formats lead to real links. If you're ready to move beyond cold emails and create content that people are proud to promote, this guide will sharpen your strategy and accelerate results.Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe, leave a quick review, and share it with someone who's planning their next link-building campaign. Got questions or want personalised help? Book a free one-on-one demo at keywordspeopleuse.com/demo and let's level up your content.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textIf your backlink comes with a receipt, it's probably a liability. We break down the crucial difference between buying placements and earning genuine editorial links, tracing the story from PageRank to Penguin to today's AI-driven search where citations and trust decide who gets surfaced. Along the way, we show how to avoid risky shortcuts and build a durable system for attracting links that actually move rankings.We start by unpacking why Google treats paid links as manipulation and how that pollutes the link graph, making results worse for everyone. Then we pivot to what white-hat link building looks like in the real world: story-first digital PR, clear assets that deserve attention, and outreach that invites coverage without dictating anchor text or demanding a link. You'll hear how to vet agencies, why “we guarantee 500 links” is a red flag, and how to separate paying for expertise from paying for links. We also share a lightweight playbook you can run yourself: launch a useful tool or guide, craft a tight angle, take it to the right conversations, and let editors choose you.Expect practical guardrails you can use today: decouple fees from link counts, track outcomes beyond volume, and look for natural placements on relevant sites. We also talk about the compounding effect of genuine mentions and why that matters even more as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Perplexity cite sources in their answers. When publications and niche experts link because your content helps their readers, you build authority that lasts through algorithm shifts and platform changes.Ready to trade risky purchases for resilient growth? Hit play, then subscribe, share this with a teammate who needs it, and leave a quick review to tell us what you'll try first.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWhat if one small, free tool could earn you more backlinks, leads, and trust than months of blogging? We dive into engineering as marketing, a strategy that turns lightweight, useful tools into link magnets and lead engines, especially powerful as AI search surfaces cited, authoritative resources.I walk through the core idea: build a free tool that solves a real problem right next to your product's value. From HubSpot's Website Grader to Ahrefs' free Backlink Checker, we break down why these tools spread so fast, how they capture qualified interest, and what makes them defensible. You'll learn the principles that matter most: tight product alignment, single-purpose scope, instant output, and honest value that earns shares without heavy gating. We also talk about how this approach fits top-of-funnel intent, attracting people who are problem-aware but not yet shopping, and why that early trust compounds into stronger SEO performance and brand recognition.Then we get practical. I outline how to choose the right idea, avoid feature bloat, and plan a small but focused launch to trigger the first wave of links and usage. We cover lightweight promotion on LinkedIn and Twitter, tapping your network for early feedback, and using supporting content to answer questions and strengthen search visibility. The point is simple: difficulty becomes your moat—if it's genuinely useful and hard to copy, it will keep earning attention over time.If you're ready to stand out from a sea of lookalike content, this is your playbook for building something people can't wait to share. Subscribe for more SEO strategies, share this with a teammate who's stuck on content ideas, and leave a quick review to tell me which tool you'll build next.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWant more high‑quality links without playing whack‑a‑mole with paid placements or low‑value directories? We walk through a strategy that flips the usual script: stop entering awards and start running them. By becoming the awarding body in your niche, you can earn relevant backlinks from major brands, spark press coverage, and build durable authority that search engines and AI assistants recognise.We begin with why links still matter, especially as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity cite trusted sources. Then we compare two paths: paying to enter business awards versus designing your own programme. The first can help E‑E‑A‑T a bit, but links are often generic and pricey. The second lets you set clear categories, publish transparent criteria, and celebrate real winners in your vertical. Think “Best Value Broadband,” “Fastest Fibre,” or for ecommerce, “Best Electric Lawn Mower Under £200.” With a solid methodology and a public winners page, merchants proudly display badges, issue press releases, and link back to your site.We dig into the playbook: how to craft objective scoring, create a badge and media kit, write compelling winner blurbs, and build award pages that naturally attract links. We share examples from comparison sites that use awards to get merchant links that are topically spot‑on and hard to replicate. You'll hear practical tips for scaling from a lightweight launch to full ceremonies, and why physical trophies and livestream announcements dramatically increase participation and coverage. We also cover outreach, PR timing, and ethical guardrails so your awards remain credible and defensible.If you've ever considered spending five figures on link buying, you'll see how reallocating a slice of that budget to an awards programme can produce safer, stronger, and longer‑lasting results. By the end, you'll have a step‑by‑step path to design categories, ship badges, and turn recognition into backlinks, brand searches, and press mentions that compound year after year. Enjoy the episode, and if this helps you rethink your link strategy, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review to tell us what award you'd launch first.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textGuest posting sounds harmless: write for a reputable site, add a link, meet a new audience. But when that link is part of the deal—and it passes PageRank—you could be stepping straight into “unnatural links” territory. We break down a real manual action that cited a guest article as the example, then map a clear path to promote your work without risking your domain.I walk through Google's stance on guest posts, why intent matters more than money changing hands, and how manual actions differ from algorithmic hits. You'll hear what a reviewer looks for, what the warning language means, and why followed links in arranged content are increasingly treated as manipulation. We also dig into the role of AI-driven answer engines, where citations and authority matter more than ever, and how to earn those mentions the right way.From there, we shift into solutions. Learn how to use nofollow and sponsored attributes, structure guest contributions for audience impact, and spark second-order coverage that generates truly editorial links. We contrast press release distribution—where editors decide what to include—with negotiated content that dictates anchor text and follow status. I share a promotion-first playbook: build linkable assets people love to cite, pitch stories with data and tools, and keep a written outreach policy that protects you as your profile grows.If you care about sustainable SEO, this is your roadmap to stay visible and stay safe. Subscribe for more practical, plain-English guidance on link building, digital PR, and earning trust online. If you learned something useful, share this episode with a friend and leave a quick review so others can find it.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWant links that don't vanish with the next algorithm update? We dive into digital PR and show how to earn authoritative coverage that boosts rankings, brand searches, and even AI search citations. Instead of paying for links, we focus on creative stories and credible data that journalists choose to share.We start with why links still move the needle and how AI-driven results increasingly reward sources that get referenced across the web. From there we unpack what makes digital PR “white hat,” tracing the shift after Penguin from paid link schemes to story-led outreach. You'll hear a practical blueprint for campaigns: pick a simple, timely question, back it with trustworthy data, present a clear hook, and pitch concise angles to the right outlets. We also explain why unlinked mentions still matter for awareness and how to ask for attribution without burning relationships.To make it real, we break down proven ideas: a playful analysis estimating real-world salaries for iconic video game characters, and a data-led piece identifying the easiest and hardest UK driving test centres using official pass-rate data. These campaigns worked because they were easy to understand, rooted in credible sources, and adaptable to national, trade, and local press. You'll learn how to source public datasets, shape local angles, craft reporter-friendly emails, and build a lightweight newsroom page that encourages linking.If you're ready to replace link begging with newsworthy work, this guide gives you the steps, examples, and mindset to start fast and scale wisely. Subscribe for more SEO strategy, share this episode with a friend who needs better links, and leave a quick review to tell us which campaign idea you'll try first.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWe're doing things a bit differently today. In an effort to show you practical uses for AI, I've put all of the transcripts from Season 6 in and AI platform called Notebook LM. It then created what it calls "The Deep Dive", a podcast episode with AI voice actors who have a conversation wrapping up this season.I'm interested to know what you thought about the Notebook LM recording. Did you like it? Did you come up with any ideas while listening to the conversation that you could do in your business?Resources: Notebook LM - https://notebooklm.google.com/?original_referer=https:%2F%2Fwww.google.com%23&pli=1 Connect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWant links that arrive without endless cold emails or paid placements? We make the case for building interactive tools that solve real problems, create a defensible moat, and keep earning citations for years. From consumer broadband to B2B keyword research, we unpack why tools outperform blog posts when your goal is authority, rankings, and revenue.We start by reframing “content” as an action: a page that lets users calculate, compare, discover, or decide. Then we get practical with four examples. A broadband postcode checker personalises deals by location and wins links from community and consumer sites because it's useful and hard to replicate. A broadband speed test doubles as a data flywheel, benchmarking connections and generating insights journalists love to cite. Our People Also Ask crawler turns a tedious manual process into a 20‑second map of questions and clusters, which is why marketers keep sharing it across newsletters and Slack groups. Finally, we preview a SERP‑based keyword clustering tool that groups queries by real result overlap for sharper content strategy.We compare this build‑once, earn‑for‑years approach with outreach and link buying, highlighting cost, decay, and scalability. You'll hear how to scope a minimum viable tool, brief developers, and choose tech via trusted freelance marketplaces. We also share monetisation models that align with user success: affiliate integrations for consumer tools, display ads for broad utilities, and freemium upgrades for pro audiences. The throughline is simple: make something people can't quickly copy, help them achieve a valuable outcome, and the web will link to it.If this sparks an idea for your niche, hit play and sketch your MVP while you listen. Subscribe for more practical SEO strategies, share this with a friend who's tired of outreach, and leave a quick review to tell us which tool you want to build next.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textEver wondered why PBNs still tempt smart SEOs? We pull back the curtain on private blog networks—how they're built on expired domains, why they deliver short bursts of rankings, and where the true costs and risks hide. From anchor text control and link velocity to detection patterns, manual actions, and painful clean-ups, we map the full lifecycle of a PBN so you can make informed choices about your link strategy.I share a straight-talking breakdown of link economics in 2025, including why links drive not just rankings but citations across AI search experiences. You'll hear the most common PBN footprints—off-topic content mixes, templated layouts, suspicious publishing cadence, and outbound link density—and get a practical process to vet any seller with a single test buy. If you're already entangled, we cover a triage plan: request removals, consolidate a precise disavow, refresh content to regain trust, and rebalance your efforts toward durable assets that earn mentions without violating guidelines.We also explore safer, compounding alternatives: data-led digital PR, niche expert features, resource page outreach, unlinked mention reclamation, and building tools or templates worth sharing. The goal is a credible link profile that stands up to updates and sets you up for long-term growth. If you care about resilience, reputation, and real authority, this guide will help you avoid fragile shortcuts and invest where it counts.If you find this useful, subscribe, share with a friend who's wrestling with link building, and leave a quick review—your support helps more marketers find the show.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWant search visibility that survives the next update and shows up in AI answers? We dive straight into the real calculus of link building: what still works, what crumbles under scrutiny, and how to build a backlink profile that compounds rather than collapses. Drawing on two decades of building, buying, and selling sites, Ed breaks down backlinks into three buckets—good, bad, and ugly—and explains the risks behind each, from short‑term bumps to long, painful recoveries.We start with first principles: why links remain a core ranking signal and why AI assistants increasingly rely on citations to choose which sources to show. From there, we revisit the wild‑west years of easy link spam and the moment Penguin flipped the table, turning yesterday's playbook into a liability. No moralising here—just pragmatic risk management. If you're considering paid placements, niche edits, or PBNs, you'll hear the pattern risks that can flag manipulation: lumpy velocity, repeating footprints, irrelevant anchors and networks built on expired domains.Then we turn to the durable path. Ed outlines what makes a link “good” in practice—editorial, relevant, earned because the page genuinely helps someone else's audience—and how to create assets that attract those links without cold outreach. Think original data, simple tools, clear frameworks, and opinionated guides packaged for easy citation. You'll get a blueprint for seeding discovery through newsletters, communities, and journalists so that value finds the people who need it.If you want rankings that last, less time worrying about link spam updates, and a brand that others cite because it helps their readers, this conversation gives you the strategy and the mindset to get there. Enjoy the episode, then subscribe, share with a friend who obsesses over DR, and leave a quick review to help more people find the show.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWhat if your site could be read like a map of meaning instead of a pile of keywords? Edd walks through a complete reframe of SEO around entities — the people, organisations, products, places, and ideas that define your niche — and shows how to turn that model into durable authority across search and AI.We start with how modern search reads the web: extracting entities, resolving ambiguity, and linking to public knowledge bases that feed Google's Knowledge Graph. From there, we break down why entities power rich SERP features like knowledge panels, featured snippets, and AI Overviews, and how consistency across your site, social profiles, and trusted publications raises Google's confidence in your facts. You'll also learn how large language models actually represent meaning with vectors, why hallucinations happen, and how grounding with retrieval augmented generation changes the authority game.Then we get practical. Run a four-pillar entity audit (brand/products, people, services/concepts, audience interests), perform entity-based competitor analysis to surface gaps, and build topic clusters that deliver information gain through research, case studies, and expert commentary. Implement schema.org with JSON-LD using @id and sameAs to connect Organisation, Person, Product, and Service entities into a clean graph. Optimise writing for AI citations with clear headings, concise lists, factual claims with sources, and FAQs that mirror People Also Ask. Finally, project authority off-site with digital PR, consistent identities across key platforms, partnerships that create co-occurrence with respected brands, and expert sourcing on journalist platforms.Subscribe, share with a colleague who's still chasing keywords, and leave a review telling us which entity gap you'll tackle first.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textAuthority doesn't live on your site alone—it's earned in public, where other trusted names choose to cite, invite, and stand beside you. We wrap our entities series by moving beyond links-as-votes and into the richer world of entity association: the patterns of mentions, partnerships, and consistent identity signals that teach search engines and LLMs who you are and why you matter.We start by reframing off-page SEO for the semantic era. Links still help, but the deeper win is co-occurrence with respected brands, experts, and publications in your niche. That's why digital PR and linkable assets remain essential. We share how to craft research, data-led case studies, and definitive guides that journalists and industry bloggers want to reference—and how to pitch them with clear, timely hooks that generate both backlinks and valuable unlinked mentions.From there, we get practical about your identity footprint. Think NAP for digital-first companies: one canonical name, URL, logo, and positioning statement, aligned everywhere from LinkedIn and X to Crunchbase, G2, and Trustpilot. This “digital foundational consistency” removes ambiguity in knowledge graphs and consolidates your signals into a single, trusted entity.Partnerships are your next force multiplier. Co-authored reports, joint webinars, and product integrations with credible, non-competing peers create repeated, contextual appearances of your brand alongside category leaders. Those patterns tell Google and AI systems that you belong in the same conversation—and they compound over time.Finally, we show how to become a quotable expert where journalists actually request sources today. With HARO fragmented, mapping platforms like Qwoted, Featured, and niche reporter communities is critical. Respond fast, offer tight, useful quotes, and keep bylines consistent to strengthen both your personal and organisational entities across high-authority sites.If you're ready to stop chasing hacks and start building a reputation that algorithms can verify, this guide gives you the playbook. Subscribe, share with a teammate who owns off-page strategy, and leave a review telling us which tactic you'll deploy first.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textSearch is quietly rewiring how people find answers, and the biggest shift isn't on the results page—it's inside the models that compose those answers. We dig into a practical playbook for turning your content into the source that ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity cite, so your brand earns authority even when no click happens.First, we map the path from traditional rankings to AI citations and explain why “position zero” is now the reference text behind generative answers. Then we get tactical. You'll learn how to build a heading hierarchy that machines can parse instantly, write short paragraphs that summarise cleanly, and use lists that act as ready-made snippets. We show how to replace fluffy claims with measurable statements, cite credible sources, and link to original research so your pages pass retrieval checks that power modern LLMs.We also cover framing content as answers using an FAQ strategy guided by real user questions. By mining People also ask or a dedicated question research tool, you can align sections to specific intents and produce Q&A pairs that models can lift verbatim. To make sure all of this effort is discoverable, we finish with essential technical checks: confirm robots.txt welcomes major AI crawlers, review CDN and firewall rules that might block them, and keep a clean XML sitemap to speed up discovery. You'll leave with a simple, repeatable audit to run on a high-value page this week: fix structure, rewrite for facts, and add focused FAQs.If this helped, follow the show, share it with a teammate who owns your content pipeline, and leave a quick review telling us which page you'll optimise first. Your feedback shapes what we tackle next.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWe explore how design moves beyond aesthetics into systems, platforms, and policies, and how iF Design advances that mission through a global award, a new academy, and a rising sustainability standard. Lisa shares practical examples, from packaging tweaks to AI workflows, that turn intent into measurable impact.Lisa chats about:• Her values-led career path linking business and design• How living abroad shaped her curiosity and critical thinking• Design as problem-solving across products and systems• Origins and scale of the iF Design Award• Why iF is less known in the United States• How and when to apply for the next award• What the iF Design Academy teaches leaders• Business fluency and keeping design in the C-suite• Practical sustainability across environmental and social impact• Certifications, category-specific questions, and scoringVisit ifdesign.com, explore the website, explore it's a great resource. We've indexed all winners since 1954. Even if you're not even thinking about participating or anything else, the content inspiration is exceptional.Connect with Lisa Gralnek:Lisa's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagralnekiF Design - https://ifdesign.com/en/iF Design Academy - https://ifdesign-academy.com/Future of XYZ Podcast - https://ifdesign.com/en/podcast-future-of-xyz-by-if-designiF LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/organization-guest/company/ifdesignConnect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textTool mentioned in the podcast: https://validator.schema.org/Machines don't reward guesses; they reward clarity. We walk through a practical, four‑step framework to make search engines and LLMs understand your brand, your people, and your offers without ambiguity. The focus is on schema markup that scales: JSON‑LD for clean implementation, @id for stable references, and a connected entity graph that links Organisation, Website, Person, Product, and Service into one coherent map of your business.We start by establishing a sitewide identity with Organisation and Website markup, then strengthen it with authoritative sameAs profiles so your name is matched to the right entity in the knowledge graph. From there, we embed authorship into Article schema and connect each writer back to the brand via affiliation, with optional knowsAbout fields to highlight topical expertise and support EEAT. Next, we mark up Products and Services with properties that mirror visible content, reinforcing trust and unlocking eligibility for rich results. Finally, we tie it all together using @id URLs as canonical anchors so every reference points to a single, durable source of truth.Along the way, we share common pitfalls to avoid, why isolated page labels leave performance on the table, and how a connected schema strategy helps search engines attribute content, surface it confidently, and reduce confusion with lookalike brands. We also cover essential tooling: the Schema Markup Validator for structure and the Rich Results Test for feature eligibility, plus pointers to research resources for deeper implementation.If you want your authority recognised by both users and machines, this is your blueprint to ship. Subscribe for more hands‑on SEO strategy, share this with a teammate who owns structured data, and leave a review telling us which schema type you'll implement first.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textReady to stop sprinkling keywords and start building authority that lasts? We take one neglected concept in your niche and turn it into a structured topic cluster that both readers and search engines recognise as a trusted resource. From mapping entities to designing a pillar page and the right cluster coverage, we show how to move beyond thin posts and build a small, focused library that stands up to scrutiny.We break down the hub-and-spoke model in plain terms: what belongs on a pillar, how to choose cluster pages, and why reciprocal internal links matter for both navigation and crawl clarity. Then we go deeper into information gain, the critical difference between echoing the web and advancing it. Expect practical ways to add unique value: original surveys, product or platform data, detailed case studies, and timely expert commentary that clarifies what news means for your audience. We also explain how a comprehensive “skyscraper” update can win when you can't run new research right away.To tie it together, we map the work to EEAT. You'll hear how author entities, credentials, citations, and update discipline signal expertise and trust, while linkable assets and comprehensive coverage build authority. You'll leave with a clear action plan: outline a pillar for your chosen entity gap, select three to four cluster pages, and pick one to elevate with real information gain. Stick around for a quick teaser of what's next as we prepare to express your structure to machines with schema markup.If you're serious about topical authority and sustainable rankings, this is your blueprint. Subscribe, share with a colleague who writes content, and leave a review telling us which entity you'll build a cluster around next.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textThe prompt mentioned in the episode is:You are an expert SEO analyst specializing in Natural Language Processing and entity-based optimization. I will provide you with the text from a competitor's webpage. Your task is to perform a Named Entity Recognition (NER) analysis on this text.Please identify all the significant entities mentioned in the text. For each entity, classify it into one of the following categories: Person, Organization, Location, Product, Event, or Concept (for abstract ideas, theories, or topics).Please present your findings in a simple list or table format, with one column for the entity and one for its category.Please sort the entities in order of importanceHere is the text:[Paste the competitor's text here]Every rival looks unbeatable until you see what Google actually sees: the network of entities that frames their authority. We pull back the curtain on a simple, repeatable method to map competitor concepts, spot gaps, and build content hubs that earn durable rankings.We start by recapping the four-pillar entity audit that anchors your strategy: brand and products, people, core concepts, and audience topics. Then we turn that blueprint outward. Instead of chasing keyword lists, we show how to identify true SERP competitors for your core ideas, pick a representative high-ranking page, and extract its entities using a clean, copy-paste prompt with your favourite LLM. No specialist software, no guesswork — just a structured list of people, organisations, products, locations, events, and concepts that shape the page's topical focus.From there, we translate data into decisions. You'll learn to compare entity saturation against your own audit, find the missing concepts and influential names you should reference, and read structural clues in URLs, headings, and internal links that reveal how competitors build content hubs. We also touch on brand signals and knowledge panels to understand how well Google recognises a site as an entity. The result is a pragmatic roadmap: pick one high-value gap, create a cornerstone guide and supporting pieces, interlink with consistent anchors, and align metadata and naming to signal clear relevance.SEO Is Not That Hard is hosted by Edd Dawson and brought to you by KeywordsPeopleUse.com Help feed the algorithm and leave a review at ratethispodcast.com/seo You can get your free copy of my 101 Quick SEO Tips at: https://seotips.edddawson.com/101-quick-seo-tipsTo get a personal no-obligation demo of how KeywordsPeopleUse could help you boost your SEO and get a 7 day FREE trial of our Standard Plan book a demo with me nowSee Edd's personal site at edddawson.comAsk me a question and get on the show Click here to record a questionFind Edd on Linkedin, Bluesky & TwitterFind KeywordsPeopleUse on Twitter @kwds_ppl_use"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textWe sit down with Heartwork founder Karen John to explore how travel, Italian design culture, and a love of craft shaped a U.S. manufacturing brand that treats storage as a culture-building tool.We chat about:• curiosity, travel, and multidisciplinary Italian design• why Heartwork chose storage and makes it in the U.S.• color strategy with Laura Guido-Clark and moving past gray• quality, customization at scale, and installation simplicity• enterprise clients, culture through design, and durability• AI to reduce rework and protect furniture quality• practical career advice, mentorship, and following energyEmail: Karen at heartwork.com (htwrk.com). Connect on LinkedIn. “If you reach out, mention you heard me on the Trend Report podcast.”Connect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textAdrian Leal returns to discuss practical steps for starting or improving your content strategy and focusing on authenticity and impact rather than perfection.Resources:Episode 163 - Content + Thought Leadership with Adrian Leal - https://www.sidmeadows.com/episode163Jay Shetty Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayshetty/?hl=enLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shettyjay/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jayshetty?lang=enVinh GiangInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/askvinh/?hl=enLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinhgiang/?originalSubdomain=auTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@steven/video/7480090733970607382Tony RobbinsInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/tonyrobbins/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/officialtonyrobbins/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tonyrobbins?lang=enJefferson FisherInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisher/?hl=enLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffersonfisher/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@justaskjefferson?lang=enTyler Gardner Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/socialcapofficial/?hl=enLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-gardner-68a713200/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@socialcap?lang=enNiraj KapoorInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/nirajkapur/?hl=enLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkapur/?originalSubdomain=ukFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/NirajKapurSalesCoach/Connect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Jake previews all of the North American Football action on a Feisty Friday! First up it's Week 3 of the NFL, headlined by clashes between the Rams and Eagles and the Lions and Ravens. Then it's Week 4 of College Football with the Battle For The Iron Skillet between TCU and SMU, and ranked matchups between Illinois and Indiana and Auburn and Oklahoma. Finally it's Week 16 of the CFL season with a crucial East Division brawl between Montreal and Toronto! Rate, review, subscribe!"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Surf Shimmy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textProfessional development is your responsibility, not your employer's. People who take ownership of their personal growth receive salary increases 2.5 times higher than those who don't actively invest in themselves.• Professional growth requires personal investment - no one is more invested in your career than you• Mastery is never "one and done" - continuous improvement requires ongoing learning and application• Beware of "overconsumption" where you take in too much information without acting on it• Use a simple 5-step framework to generate forward progress: capture key takeaways, prioritize what matters, break into action steps, schedule time, and find accountability• What gets scheduled gets done - treat your development time as seriously as client meetings• "The best investment you'll ever make is in yourself." - Warren BuffettWhat's one skill you've been putting off learning? What resource could help you develop it? Most importantly, what action will you take this week to move forward?Connect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Jake previews all of the North American Football action from NFL Week 2, College Football Week 3, and CFL Week 15! Tons of great matchups to sink your teeth into - get listening!"Werq" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"Surf Shimmy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textPublic sector sales represent a third of the furniture industry's market at approximately $4-6 billion annually, offering recession-proof opportunities with transparent purchasing processes and accessible information for strategic selling approaches.• Federal government alone spends about $1.4-1.5 billion annually on furniture• Public sector provides stability during economic downturns and recessions• Government purchases involve public information that allows strategic preparation• Current federal trends include agency decentralization and return-to-work mandates• Federal spending on furniture is up 13% compared to previous year• Purchase card spending continues to increase with limits potentially rising to $35,000• New Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) eliminates commercial pricing restrictions• Federal sales opportunities exist in every market across the country• State, local, and education markets are roughly three times the size of the federal marketReady to explore how public sector sales could transform your business? Connect with Michelle Warren on LinkedIn or join Catalyst Consulting's free monthly webinars to learn more about capitalizing on this significant but often overlooked market segment.Resources:Link to Webinar - https://youtu.be/2LjWgxAc_OQConnect with Michelle Warren:Catalyst Consulting Group - https://strategic-catalyst.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-warren-47a6888/Email - Michelle@strategic-catalyst.comConnect with Ryan Hay:Catalyst Consulting Group - https://strategic-catalyst.com/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hay-52506874/?originalSubdomain=caConnect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textJoin Sid as he and Adrian Leal explore how creating authentic content and establishing thought leadership can transform sales success in the office furniture industry. They discuss how content creation builds lasting professional relationships and personal credibility. • Building relationships matters more than product knowledge in our commoditized industry• Take the product away from the sale to focus on authentic human connections• How digital "social proof" influences purchasing decisions before meetings occur• Creating content establishes you as a subject matter expert in your field• Use passion topics rather than product features to differentiate yourself• Why connecting sales strategy with mental health resonates with younger professionals• The importance of consistency in content creation despite initial fears• How thought leadership creates opportunities for connecting with the A&D community• How the confidence gap holds back industry professionals from sharing their expertise• Build a content "time capsule" that serves both professional goals and personal legacyConnect with Adrian Leal on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and see his thought leadership content in action.Resources: The Courage to Be Disliked: The Japanese Phenomenon That Shows You How to Change Your Life and Achieve Real Happiness by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga - https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Be-Disliked-Phenomenon-Happiness/dp/1501197274Connect with Adrian Leal:Clarus - https://www.clarus.com/Adrian & Co. - https://adrian-co.salesreach.io/main-pageLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-leal-7a025862/Email - info@clarus.comConnect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Send us a textKari Anderson, of the Techbox Creative, joins Sid to dive into the complex world of technology in the office furniture industry, exploring challenges, solutions, and future trends that impact every aspect of the business.• Technology should make our work easier, but disconnected systems in the industry force duplicated efforts• Over 3,000 manufacturers use different software that doesn't "talk" to each other throughout the design-to-install process• The "Data Collective" initiative brings industry leaders together to create data standards for seamless integration• A "source of truth" (usually an ERP system) should feed accurate data to all platforms used across the industry• AI is being increasingly utilized for tasks from chatbots to documentation, but always needs "a human in the middle"• Every dealership and manufacturer should consider having a dedicated technology specialist on their team• Successful technology adoption requires not just the right tools but proper training and change managementConnect with Kari:The Techbox Collective - https://techboxcollective.com/UX&Kari - https://uxandkari.com/Email - kari@uxandkari.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/uxandkari/Connect with Sid: www.sidmeadows.comEmbark CCT on FacebookSid on LinkedInSid on InstagramSid on YouTubeSid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadowsSubscribe to my LinkedIn Newsletter. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/inside-contract-interiors-7298489501159460865/ The Trend Report introduction music is provided by Werq by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4616-werq License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/