In this episode of the "Utterly Indispensable Podcast," host Rob Graves sits down with Ellie Tildesley, the founder of The Hub Property Staging. Ellie brings her extensive background in merchandising, interior design, and set design to discuss the ins and outs of property staging. She shares her journey, insights into the staging industry, and valuable advice on how staging can significantly enhance the marketability of properties. Key Topics Discussed: Ellie Tildesley's Background and Journey into Property Staging (00.30 - 01:30) Ellie’s career spans over 20 years in styling and staging, starting with merchandising in commercial and retail spaces. Transitioned into interior design and set design, eventually focusing on residential clients. The pandemic shifted her focus toward residential design, leading to the birth of her business, The Hub Property Staging. The transition from Commercial to Residential and Set Design (01:30 - 03:20) Challenges and rewards of working in commercial spaces versus residential clients. Differences in creative freedom and client expectations in various sectors. The impact of COVID-19 on her work and how it led her to concentrate on residential staging. Establishing The Hub Property Staging (03:20 - 06:30) The decision to focus exclusively on property staging and setting up the business in 2023. Rapid growth and unexpected demand from estate agents. Building a network and educating clients about the benefits of professional staging. Benefits of Property Staging and Working with Estate Agents (06:30 - 08:00) The advantages of staging for speeding up property sales and achieving higher prices. Challenges in convincing estate agents and vendors of staging’s value. The role of estate agents in facilitating property staging for their clients. Educational Role and Market Comparisons ( 08:00 - 10:30) Comparison with property staging industries in the US and Australia. The emerging awareness and acceptance of staging in the UK market, particularly outside London. Ellie's efforts to educate both estate agents and vendors about the importance and benefits of staging. Staging Vacant Properties and Working with Developers (10:30 - 11:30) Specifics of staging vacant homes and show homes. The fast-paced nature of working with developers and holiday let owners. The financial and operational benefits of professional staging for investors. Challenges in Educating and Convincing Clients (11:30 - 15:30) Overcoming client resistance to staging and the importance of first impressions. The return on investment from staging and its impact on property appeal. Addressing common misconceptions and providing clear, actionable recommendations to clients. Consultation Process and Tailoring Solutions (15:30 - 18:30) Detailed walk-through of Ellie’s consultation process with clients. Creating tailored recommendations based on the property’s specific needs and client’s budget. Examples of how small changes can significantly impact the marketability of a home. Role of Estate Agents in the Staging Process (18:30 - 22:20) The importance of estate agents in facilitating and promoting staging services. Building strong relationships with agents to create a steady flow of staging projects. The mutual benefits for agents and clients when properties are professionally staged. Future Outlook and Mission (22:20 - 27:30) Ellie’s vision for the future of The Hub Property Staging. Her mission to make professional staging a standard part of the property selling process. Encouraging estate agents to adopt staging as part of their core services. Educating the Market and Overcoming Challenges (27:30 - 31:00) The necessity of educating both estate agents and vendors about the value of staging. Ellie discusses how she works with estate agents to help them understand the benefits and integrate staging into their offerings. The challenge of breaking through misconceptions and the importance of clear communication. Importance of First Impressions and Visual Appeal (31:00 - 34:00) Emphasizing the crucial role of first impressions in the real estate market. How visual appeal and professional staging can create an emotional connection with potential buyers. Examples of successful staging projects that led to quicker sales and higher offers. Top Tips for DIY Staging (34:00 - 37:00) Ellie shares her top tips for homeowners who want to stage their properties themselves. Focus on decluttering, optimizing lighting, and neutralizing color palettes. Simple yet effective changes that can make a big difference in how a property is perceived. Final Thoughts and Takeaways ( 37:00 - 40:20) Ellie’s final thoughts on the importance of property staging in the current market. Encouragement for estate agents and homeowners to consider professional staging to maximize property value and appeal. Rob’s reflections on the insightful conversation and the practical advice shared by Ellie. Notable Quotes: "Staging can make a property sell three times faster and for up to 8% more." "It's all about first impressions; you have about 30 seconds when someone walks through the door." "By presenting a home well, you're appealing to a wider market and creating more demand." Listener Takeaways: The importance of professional property staging in today’s competitive real estate market. How small changes and professional advice can make a significant difference in selling a property. The role of estate agents in advocating for and facilitating staging services for their clients. Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about the transformative power of property staging and how it can help you sell homes faster and for a better price.   Connect with Ellie Tildesley and The Hub Property Staging: Website: The Hub Property Staging Instagram: @thehubpropertystaging LinkedIn: Ellie Tildesley   Connect with Rob Graves: Linkedin: Key Coaching Ltd  Twitter: @robgraves Website:  www.keycoaching.co.uk 

In this episode of the "Utterly Indispensable Podcast," host Rob Graves sits down with Matt Beard, the manager of Liverpool Women's Football Club. Matt shares his unique journey from being an estate agent to becoming a renowned football manager. The conversation delves into the parallels between managing a football team and running a successful estate agency, highlighting the importance of fundamentals, training, and data-driven decision-making. Key Topics Discussed: Introduction and Matt's Background (00:00 -  01:20) Introduction to Matt Beard, his current role as Liverpool Women's Football Club manager. Matt's background as one of the first full-time professional managers in women's football. Brief mention of his decade-long career as an estate agent. Transition from Football to Estate Agency and Back (01:20 - 03:07) Matt's early days in football, including playing for Millwall and Brentford. His decision to become an estate agent after realizing football wouldn't be his career path. Enjoyment of the competitive and result-driven nature of estate agency work. Similarities Between Estate Agency and Football (03:07 - 04:46) The parallels between achieving sales targets in estate agency and winning games in football. The adrenaline and satisfaction derived from both professions. Matt's Journey Back to Football (04:46 - 06:12) Re-entry into football through coaching roles, including his tenure at Chelsea Women's team. Balancing estate agency work with part-time coaching roles. Achieving coaching qualifications and transitioning to full-time football management. Taking on Full-Time Football Management (06:12 -  08:03) Matt's appointment as Liverpool Women's manager in 2012. Moving to Liverpool and his early successes, including winning back-to-back league titles and the FA Cup. Challenges and Learning Experiences in the US (08:03 -  11:11) Moving to the US to manage Boston Breakers in the NWSL. Differences in football culture and the emphasis on winning in the US. Learning from mistakes and adapting to a new football environment. Importance of Setting Realistic Goals (11:11 -  13:18) The significance of setting achievable targets for maintaining motivation and progress. Examples of setting interim goals to build confidence and momentum. Focusing on Fundamentals (13:18 -  15:21) The importance of getting the basics right in both football and estate agency. Avoiding distractions and focusing on core activities that drive success. Embracing Data and Analytics (15:21 -  16:01) The role of data in football, including tracking performance and setting benchmarks. Simplifying data to focus on key performance indicators. Team Performance and Preparation (16:01 -  17:15) Preparing players to perform at their best by focusing on specific metrics. Using training to replicate game conditions and improve performance. Communication and Listening (17:15 -  24:15) The critical role of communication in both football and estate agency. Understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of team members and clients. Creating the Right Environment (24:15 -  27:15) Establishing a supportive and inclusive culture where team members can thrive. The importance of valuing each team member's contributions. Lessons for Estate Agency from Football (27:15 -  30:47) Setting realistic and achievable targets. Providing regular training and development opportunities. Listening to and understanding team members and clients. Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts (30:47 -  35:17) Matt's reflections on the importance of authenticity and being genuine. The value of getting to know team members and building strong relationships. Encouragement for estate agents to focus on fundamentals and continuous improvement. Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways (35:17 -  49:12) Rob's reflections on the conversation and the key lessons learned. The importance of focusing on the basics, setting realistic targets, and leveraging data. The value of creating a supportive and inclusive team environment. Notable Quotes: "Scoring a goal and closing a sale both give you that adrenaline rush and sense of achievement." "Setting realistic targets is crucial; otherwise, you're just setting yourself up for failure." "If you focus on getting the basics right, everything else falls into place." Listener Takeaways: The importance of setting realistic, achievable targets in both football and estate agency. The value of continuous training and development for maintaining high performance. Building strong relationships and understanding team members' needs is crucial for success. Tune in to this fascinating episode to learn more about the parallels between estate agency and elite football management and how you can apply these lessons to your own career. Connect with Matt Beard  Website: https://www.liverpoolfc.com/team/womens/staff/matt-beard  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-beard-6b2a6089/  Connect with Rob Graves: Linkedin: Key Coaching Ltd  Twitter: @robgraves  Website:  www.keycoaching.co.uk