Site Selectors Are People, Too

(Ep 108) The Life of a Site Selector

In today's episode, Devin explores the realities of being a site selector. What does it take to get the job done? What does a day in the life look like? Let's dig beyond the tip of the iceberg of being a site selector, including what it takes to manage a corporate site selection project.
Note: winning clients and getting paid will be discussed in future episodes.
Here's some resources for those interested in learning more (see Site Selectors Are People, Too | Devin Hillsdon-Smith (podbean.com) if your app doesn't show links):
20 Key Factors and Bonus Insights for Site Selection
What Is a Site Selection Consultant and How to Hire the Right One
The Power Of Informed Decisions: Site Selection Principles And Best Practices
What Site Selectors REALLY Want
The Complete Guide to Site Selection
Seven Signs of a New Site Selection Reality

(Ep 107) Trust Matters

Devin tackles a fundamental aspect of human interaction - trust. In this episode, we explore the definition of trust, how to build it, how to ruin it, and its role in economic development and site selection. Economic developers and site selectors serve as a bridge between communities and companies, requiring a focus on being trusted advisors and representatives.
Here's some resources for those interested in learning more (see Site Selectors Are People, Too | Devin Hillsdon-Smith (podbean.com) if your app doesn't show links):
10 Ways to Build Trust in a Relationship
The Importance of Client Selection and Relationship Management
Trust is the glue of a healthy society. Here's how to bring it back.
Building Stronger Communities: Understanding The Power Of Community Economic Development
Five Straightforward Ways to Engage with Site Selectors
How Business Can Build and Maintain Trust
What is trust, why does it matter for development, and how do we measure it?
Eight Tips for Building, Maintaining, and Leveraging Your Professional Relationships
How To Build And Maintain Professional Relationships

(Ep 106) The Impact of AI

In this episode, Devin explores the role and impact of artificial intelligence on economic development and site selection. We discuss how AI is currently being deployed, its limitations, and the future for our professions. Is AI going to replace us all?
Here's some resources for those interested in learning more:
AI 101 for Site Selection
AI: These are the biggest risks and how to manage them
Artificial Intelligence and Economic Development: An Evolutionary Investigation and Systematic Review
Maximizing AI’s economic, social, and trade opportunities
Maintaining American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence
The Failure Of Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing
The impact of artificial intelligence on economic development
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Future of Workforces
The Potential and Limitations of AI in the Site Selection Industry
The Power of AI in Economic Development
Understanding the Impact of AI on Skills Development
Why AI Projects Fail and How to Overcome Failure 

(Ep 105) Empowering Each Other

Let's tackle some small steps we can take to empower each other in a big way in this episode of Site Selectors Are People, Too. Can it really be as simple as acknowledging receipt of a RFI response? I think so, and I think you do, too.

(Ep 104) My Story

In this episode, Devin responds to some listener questions before providing an account of his story transitioning from economic development to site selection. We explore the factors and considerations that drive the two sides of the industry and dig deeper into the differences and similarities between them. How can we serve as community advocates and data analysts while still remembering the human factor behind it all?

(Ep 103) Bridging the Gap

In this episode, we explore the disparities between economic developers and site selectors and how they impact end results in corporate investment decisions. What are some of the issues, and how do we go about addressing them to ensure better outcomes? What can site selectors do better, and what traps do economic developers typically fall into?

(Ep 102) Navigating the Relationship

In this episode, Devin explores the personal side of site selectors and economic developers, including the pressures each profession faces day in and day out. Yes, those quick RFI turnaround times seem punitive in nature, and man does it suck when you can't get a site selector to pick up the phone, but what's really going on in that person's life? What does it truly take for an economic developer to be successful in their daily tasks and long-term strategies? Let's give each other some grace, folks, we're in a tough profession with some high stakes pressure.

(Ep 101) An Introduction to the People Behind the Profession

In this first episode, Devin sets the stage for the rest of the podcast by introducing general concepts and the people behind the profession. Who are site selectors? Who are economic developers? How do they work together to successfully match communities and corporate investment decisions? Dive into the world of economic development and site selection with a candid assessment of the people on the front line.

(Trailer) Inside the Industry: The Human Side of Site Selection

Join Devin Hillsdon-Smith, a seasoned professional with a decade of experience in economic development, as he embarks on a new journey in the world of industrial site selection. In “Site Selectors Are People, Too” Devin flips the script and takes you behind the scenes of corporate investment decisions, exploring the intricate dance between economic developers and site selectors. From the impact of real estate on economic growth to the truth about incentives, this podcast series promises to shed light on the industry’s best-kept secrets. Get ready to humanize the figures beyond the RFI and unravel the mysteries of site selection. Tune in for candid conversations, expert insights, and a touch of fun because, at the end of the day, it’s all about the people who make it happen. It’s time to get to work and have some fun!