Todd Bookspan and Deborah Byrd break down five marketing shifts mortgage pros, Realtors, and entrepreneurs need in 2026 to stay visible, trusted, and top of mind. Learn how to build proof assets AI can verify, strengthen local credibility, and create content that drives real conversations, not random reach.

Welcome back to Season 3 of the WINNOW Podcast with Todd Bookspan and Deborah Byrd.

In this episode, we reset what it means to "win now" in 2026, with five shifts that are changing how buyers choose who to trust, who to call, and who gets remembered.

You'll learn:

1. Google became a "no-click" engine, and AI now answers the question before the website gets the visit.

2. Why your strategy must shift from "more posts" to a library of brand assets that humans and AI can understand.

3. How buyers still choose humans, but they decide faster because they can verify you across ChatGPT, Gemini, social platforms, and reviews.

4. Why trust is emotional, not informational, and how compassion and clarity create influence.

5. How constant notifications are crushing focus, productivity, and recall, and what to do about it.

6. If you sell for a living, lead a team, or rely on referrals, this episode is your new baseline for visibility, communication, and focus.

Key topics and phrases covered:

AI Overviews, no-click Google, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), Search Everywhere Optimization, trust-based selling, referrals, social proof, Google reviews, productivity, deep work, distractions, and communication clarity.

Todd Bookspan, CEO and Founder of Win By Noon, and Deborah Byrd, CEO of Plug and Play SM are joined by Melanie Deziel, the renowned Founder of StoryFuel. Melanie shares her insights and experiences. As an expert in the field of storytelling and content marketing, Deziel dives into the importance of effective storytelling for businesses and brands. She emphasizes the need to craft narratives that resonate with audiences and create meaningful connections. Deziel also discusses her journey as an entrepreneur, highlighting the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way. This engaging conversation offers valuable advice and inspiration for anyone looking to harness the power of storytelling in their professional endeavors.