24 Social Media Predictions That’ll Make or Break Your 2026

 

After 70 countries, thousands of salespeople trained, and far too many airport sandwiches, here’s what I can tell you with certainty:

Social media isn’t evolving. It’s mutating.

 LinkedIn: The New Money Machine

1. Predictive Buyer Intent
   LinkedIn’s becoming part sales platform, part mind reader.
   It’s learning who’s likely to buy before you know. Creepy? Yes. Useful? Absolutely.
2. Video Takes the Crown
   If you’re camera-shy, 2026 is your nightmare.
   LinkedIn is now mobile-first (≈70%) and video-obsessed.
   Think “mini-masterclass,” not “corporate hostage tape.”
3. Newsletters That Actually Get Read
   While emails gasp for air, LinkedIn newsletters still average 50% opens.
   Mine bring in new clients almost every time I hit publish.
   Coincidence? I doubt it.
4. Collaborative Articles for Visibility
   Comment intelligently and your profile views will spike.
   Think of it as networking for introverts — minus the canapés.

Instagram & Threads: The Good-Looking Platforms

5. Stories Become Shops
   If it’s pretty, it sells.
   If it’s not, fix it — because Stories are the new storefronts.
6. Threads Overtakes X (For Sanity)
   It’s calmer, friendlier, and the trolls haven’t moved in yet.
   Get your tone right now, before the marketers ruin it.
7. AI Faces? Disclose Them.
   Meta’s flagging AI-generated images.
   Be transparent — fake never ages well.
8. Reels: Shorter, Sharper, Stronger
   You still have about 1.5 seconds to stop the scroll.
   No pressure.

TikTok: Where Chaos Becomes Commerce

9. TikTok Shop Takes Over
   More than 30% of users will buy something without leaving the app.
   That’s not a trend; that’s a revolution.
10. AI Hosts on Night Shift
    Virtual presenters, multilingual, tireless, terrifyingly effective.
    They don’t blink, but your bank account might.
11. Mini-Apps Take Over
    TikTok wants to be your booking engine, food app and dating site.
    Choose what helps your business — and ignore the rest.
12. Transparency… Sort Of
    They’ll show you some of the algorithm, but not the secret sauce.

 

Meta: From Midlife Crisis to Comeback Tour

13. Chronological Feeds (In Europe)
    EU users can now ditch algorithmic feeds thanks to new laws.
    Translation: your organic reach just went on holiday.
14. AI Shopping Bots Get Smart
    WhatsApp and Messenger will sell for you — 24/7, no overtime pay.
15. Ray-Bans That Record
    They’re brilliant for authentic POV storytelling.
    Just don’t believe the myth that Meta boosts the posts.
16. Group Commerce = Gold Rush
    If you’ve built a community, you’ve also built a customer base.

 

YouTube: Where Serious Players Play

17. Shorts Start Paying
    Revenue-sharing improves, but competition’s fierce.
    Out-teach, out-talk, out-title.
18. Podcasting Finds Its Home
    YouTube’s finally embracing audio-first creators.
    Your voice deserves better than Spotify’s algorithmic shrug.

 

X: Clinging On by Its Fingernails

19. X Money Appears (Partially)
    Payments are live in some states.
    Will it matter? Only if your crowd’s still hanging around.
20. Community Notes Chaos
    When fact-checking depends on volunteers, results vary.
    Brands, think before you repost.

 

The AI Avalanche

21. AI Labeling Becomes Standard
    TikTok, Meta and YouTube now flag synthetic media.
    Get ahead of it — honesty beats mystery every time.
22. AI Handles the First “Hello”
    Bots will take 70% of first-line service, but the best brands use them to accelerate humanity, not replace it.
23. Virtual Influencers Go Mainstream
    They never age, never argue about contracts, and never eat the catering.
    Expect them everywhere.
24. AI Ads Beat Human Ones (Sometimes)
    But when AI meets human insight? That’s where the magic prints money.

 

Frank’s Action Plan for 2026

If you only do five things:

1. Post 3 quick teaching videos weekly on LinkedIn
2. Start a LinkedIn newsletter
3. Experiment with TikTok Shop
4. Learn and love AI tools — they’re not replacing you, they’re multiplying you
5. Batch content on Sundays so you stop winging it

Stop doing this:

• Posting without purpose
• Avoiding video
• Hoping reach will come back
• Waiting for “the right time” (that was last year)

 

The Final Word

Social media now rewards bravery and consistency, not perfection.
Pick your platform, master your tools, show up daily.

And for heaven’s sake, don’t let AI out-human you.

Need help turning this into sales?
📧 frank@frankfurness.com | 🌐 frankfurness.com

 

P.S. Remember my British Airways post that hit 230,000 views?
No filters, no fluff — just raw truth.
Do that this week.
Authenticity beats algorithms, every time.

The 10 Essentials for Sales Teams That Sell Smarter

The Sales Wake-Up Call: Why 73% of Sales Teams Are Already Behind (And How Yours Can Lead the Pack)

Here's a sobering statistic that should make every sales leader pause: 73% of sales teams are still using methods that worked five years ago. Meanwhile, their prospects have evolved light years ahead.

Just recently, I was working with a client in Manchester when one of their prospects corrected them about their own product features – the buyer had done more research than the seller!

Sound familiar? If this scenario makes you uncomfortable, good.

It should. Because in today's hyper-informed marketplace, being "pretty good" at sales is the same as being spectacularly average.

After training sales teams in 69 countries and watching billions in revenue transformation,

I've identified the ten non-negotiable activities that separate the sharp teams from the struggling ones. These aren't suggestions – they're survival skills.

1.    Master AI-Powered Sales Intelligence (Not Just ChatGPT)

 

Here's what's happening while your competition is still manually researching prospects: smart teams are using AI to do in minutes what used to take hours.

The Sharp Team Approach:

• ChatGPT for personalized outreach: I watched a client generate £180,000 in new business from a single LinkedIn campaign powered by AI-crafted messages
• Crystal Knows for personality insights: Know whether your prospect is detail-oriented or big-picture focused before you dial
• Tutorai.me for rapid onboarding: New team members are productive in days, not months

The key? AI is like salt in cooking – too little and your results are bland, too much and you've ruined everything. Master the balance.

2.    Become LinkedIn Legends (Not LinkedIn Lurkers)

 

LinkedIn isn't social media anymore – it's a sales weapon. With over 32,000 followers, I've seen teams transform their pipeline using strategies most sellers never discover.

What Sharp Teams Do:

• Post valuable industry insights 3-4 times weekly
• Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator like a precision instrument, not a blunt tool
• Engage meaningfully in comments before making any sales approach
• Share knowledge freely without expecting immediate returns

Remember: in 2025, buyers expect you to be visible, credible, and valuable before they'll even take your call.

3.    Sell to Both the Head AND the Heart

This is where most teams fail spectacularly. They either go full analytical (boring the emotional decision-maker) or full emotional (frustrating the logical buyer).

Head Buyers Need:

• Detailed ROI calculations and comparative analysis
• Risk mitigation strategies and implementation timelines
• Industry benchmarks and peer references

Heart Buyers Need:

• Vision of the transformation and personal impact stories
• Emotional connection to the outcome and recognition of their concerns

Sharp teams identify which type they're dealing with in the first five minutes and adapt accordingly. The best? They speak to both in every presentation.

4.    Prospect with Precision, Not Prayer

Gone are the days of "smile and dial." Today's sharp teams prospect like scientists, not gamblers.

The Modern Prospecting Formula:

• Research first: LinkedIn, company news, industry challenges
• Personalize ruthlessly: generic outreach gets deleted instantly
• Multi-channel approach: email, LinkedIn, video, phone – but strategically sequenced
• Track everything: what works, what doesn't, what converts

I recently worked with a team that increased their response rates from 2% to 34% simply by changing their prospecting approach from quantity to quality.

5.    Understand Marketing Like a Marketer

 

Sharp sales teams don't wait for marketing to hand them leads – they understand the entire customer journey and contribute to it.

What This Looks Like:

• Know your buyer personas better than marketing does
• Contribute to content creation based on real customer conversations
• Understand SEO basics and help optimize company content
• Use marketing automation tools to nurture their own prospects

When sales and marketing truly align (not just say they do), companies see 38% higher win rates.

6.    Develop Razor-Sharp Questioning Skills

Average salespeople talk. Sharp salespeople ask questions that make prospects think differently about their situation.

The Question Hierarchy:

• Surface Level: "What's your budget?"
• Strategic Level: "What happens if you don't solve this problem this year?"
• Transformational Level: "What would success look like for you personally?"

Master the art of asking questions that your competitors would never think to ask.

7.    Become Industry Authorities (Not Generic Sellers)

Your prospects don't need another salesperson – they need an industry expert who happens to sell solutions.

Authority Building Actions:

• Read industry publications religiously and share insights
• Attend (and speak at) industry events
• Build relationships with industry analysts and journalists
• Become the person prospects call for advice, not just quotes

8.    Master the Art of Social Selling

This goes beyond LinkedIn posts. Sharp teams integrate social selling into every touchpoint.

Advanced Social Selling:

• Monitor prospect companies' social activity for conversation starters
• Share relevant content that helps prospects solve problems
• Build relationships with prospects' connections
• Use social listening tools to identify buying signals

9. Embrace Video Communication

While your competition is still sending text emails, sharp teams are building relationships through video.

Video Applications:

• Personalized video prospecting messages
• Product demonstrations tailored to specific use cases
• Thank you videos after meetings
• Problem-solving videos that add value

My YouTube channel has over 4 million views because video builds trust faster than any other medium.

10. Continuously Upgrade Your Skills

The moment you think you've "arrived" as a salesperson is the moment you start falling behind. Sharp teams are learning machines.

Continuous Learning Strategy:

• Read one sales/business book monthly
• Attend at least two professional development events yearly
• Practice new techniques with low-risk prospects first
• Regularly role-play challenging scenarios with teammates

Companies with robust training programs experience 53% lower employee turnover and 34% higher win rates.

The Bottom Line: Sharp or Obsolete

The sales profession has evolved more in the last five years than in the previous fifty. Teams that embrace these ten practices don't just survive – they dominate their markets.

But here's the challenge: knowing what to do isn't the same as doing it consistently and correctly. Implementation is where most teams fail.

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Ready to Transform Your Sales Team's Performance?

If your team is ready to stop being average and start being exceptional, let's have a conversation. I work with organizations in 69 countries who are committed to staying ahead in today's competitive landscape.

I can help your team through:

• High-impact keynote presentations that inspire and educate your entire organization
• Intensive sales training workshops that deliver immediately applicable skills
• Conference speaking that positions your event as cutting-edge and valuable
• Custom coaching programs tailored to your industry and challenges

Don't let your competition leave you behind while they master these essential skills.

Contact me today:

• Email: frank@frankfurness.com
• Phone: +44 7711 672888
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/frankfurness
• Website: www.frankfurness.com

Remember: in today's rapidly evolving sales environment, standing still means falling behind. Your competitors are already adapting – are you?

Frank Furness is an internationally recognized sales expert, keynote speaker, and author who has trained teams in 69 countries. He's helped organizations generate over £1 billion in additional revenue through modern sales methodologies.

 

10 AI and LinkedIn Breakthroughs Every Sales Leader Must Know in 2025

 

Last week a friend asked me: “Frank, is AI really going to take over sales?”

I smiled and said, “Only if you’re still selling like it’s 1999.”

The truth is, sales isn’t disappearing—it’s evolving. AI isn’t here to steal your job; it’s here to steal your excuses. And LinkedIn? Well, it’s no longer just a place to park your CV—it’s the world’s biggest sales stage.

So, what’s new? Here are 10 advances in AI and LinkedIn that dropped just this past month. They’re practical, powerful, and (if you actually use them) they might just help you book more meetings, close more deals, and even get home early enough to watch Netflix without your laptop glowing in the background.

1. Sales Navigator's New Assistant (Your Digital Wingman)

Think of this as your personal sales butler. Every morning it politely serves up the best leads, insights, and conversation starters—without you lifting a finger. No silver trays, but plenty of golden opportunities.

What this means: You'll spend less time hunting and more time selling.

2. Account IQ & Lead IQ (Because Homework Sucks)

Remember those awkward moments when you hop on a sales call and have no idea what the company  does? LinkedIn fixed that embarrassment for you.

These tools pull together everything you need to know about a prospect or company. It's like having the world's most thorough stalker working for you—but in a completely legal and helpful way.

The bottom line: No more starting calls with "So... tell me about your business."

3. Message Assist (For Those Who Hate Writing)

If crafting personalized outreach messages makes you want to fake your own death, this is your lifeline. LinkedIn's AI writes InMail’s that sound like they came from a human who actually did their research—not a desperate robot.

Before: "Dear Sir/Madam, I hope this message finds you in good health..."

Now: "Hi Sarah, Sarah, I saw your post on renewable energy—let’s connect!”. Quick question about your Q4 initiatives..."

 

 

4. Smarter Notifications (The Noise Filter)

LinkedIn quietly became less annoying. They upgraded what they show you, which means you'll see more relevant prospects and fewer updates about someone's lunch.

Translation: More signal, less noise. Finally.

5. LiDDA Attribution (Know What Actually Works)

This sounds technical, but it's pure gold. LinkedIn can now track what actually leads to closed deals. Was it that blog post? Your webinar? That comment you left on someone's update?

Why you care: Stop wasting time on activities that feel productive but don't move deals forward.

6. SalesRLAgent (Your Deal Whisperer)

Imagine having a co-pilot who whispers: "This prospect is 94% likely to buy—don't screw this up."

Early tests show this can boost conversion rates by over 40%. It's like having a crystal ball, but one that actually works.

Reality check: This isn't magic. It's pattern recognition on steroids.

7. Lumio AI (The Tool Buffet)

Not LinkedIn, but worth mentioning. This platform lets you test multiple AI tools side by side. Think ChatGPT for brainstorming, Claude for research, Gemini for data analysis.

The benefit: Stop guessing which AI tool to use and start using the right one for each task.

8. LinkedIn's Knowledge Graph Upgrade (The Behind-the-Scenes Magic)

LinkedIn improved how it connects people, companies, and industries. You won't see this directly, but you'll feel it through better targeting and richer prospect insights.

What you'll notice: Your search results will be more accurate, and your content will reach the right eyeballs more often.

9. The 2025 AI Sales Stack (What Everyone's Using)

The latest roundup of must-have tools includes everything from Gong to HubSpot to Clari. If you’re not experimenting with at least one or two of these, you’re basically showing up to a Formula 1 race on a bicycle.

Frank's take: You don't need every tool. You need the right tools. Start with one, master it, then expand. (Let me help you and your team to find the right solutions for your business)

 

10. The Uncomfortable Truth About Job Security

Microsoft saved $500 million by using AI in their call centers. Some traditional sales roles are disappearing faster than free donuts at a Monday morning meeting.

But here's the flip side: Solution-focused, tech-savvy sellers are more valuable than ever. The "I'll just build relationships over golf" approach is becoming as outdated as fax machines.

Don't panic. Adapt. The fastest way to become irrelevant is pretending this isn't happening.

My Challenge to You

Pick one new AI or LinkedIn feature this week. Test it. See what happens. Don't wait for your competition to figure it out first.

Sales have always been about connecting with people and solving their problems. AI just gives us sharper tools to do it better and faster.

The game is changing whether you like it or not. The only question is: are you changing with it, or are you the person still insisting that email will never replace phone calls?

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Ready to get serious about AI in sales? Check out my workshops and strategy sessions at frankfurness.com. Let's make sure you're ahead of this curve, not buried under it.

Let me speak at your next conference or train your team on the latest tools or strategies.

 

#Innovation #Technology #Futurism #linkedin #business