The Trend Report - Insights on Office Furniture, Contract Interiors & Workplace Design

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I think we can all agree that this year has been one for the record books. For so many in our industry, layoffs have become a reality rather than a fear. The good news is that there are still people hiring who need amazing candidates in their applicant pool.

This is why I wanted to take a minute and chat with two of our own who were laid off at the beginning of this year, but who have now found amazing positions at new companies. They were persistent and had a strategy for utilizing LinkedIn and their resumes which led to their success. 

But they also didn’t take this time off for granted. Was it the easiest thing in the world to have no job for five to six months? No. But both Michael and Michelle spent the time working on themselves, their mindset, their families and their knowledge base. 

Listen as we chat about everything from their day to day activities and scheduling their days for success to what they did outside of their job search. They both used fantastic strategies to approach potential employers as prepared as possible for their questions and their requests. 

If you have found yourself out of a job this year and are wondering how to get your foot back in the door, then you won’t want to miss this episode. Get out your notebook and take notes as Michael Ackelbein and Michelle Barton share all their job search strategies.

In this episode:

[01:23] Welcome to the show, Michelle and Michael!

[02:08] Michelle shares where she is now employed and what she will do in the position.

[02:47] Michael discusses where he is working and what he will be doing.

[04:48] Micheal speaks about his challenges were during the pandemic and how he overcame it.

[06:26] Michelle shares her biggest challenges and how she moved passed them.

[09:19] Listen as Michelle speaks about her job search.

[10:16] Michael details how he went about job search.

[12:12] Michelle shares how she planned her day while job searching.

[14:26] Listen as Michael discusses how he set up his days for success.

[15:50] Michael, what role did LinkedIn and social media play in your job search?

[18:25] Michelle speaks about what role LinkedIn and social media had in her search for a job.

[19:49] Michael shares how he made himself stand out during job interviews.

[21:40] Michelle discusses what she did during job interviews to differentiate her from others that were interviewed.

[27:10] Listen as Michelle shares what the game changer was for her.

[28:50] Michael speaks about what made the difference for him.

[30:41] Michelle, what advice do you have for job seekers in today’s environment?

[33:54] Michael shares his advice for job seekers today.

[36:52] Michelle shares some final thoughts for people looking for a new career.

[37:40] Michael discusses his final thoughts for anyone searching for a new career.

[41:47] Michael, Thank you for being on the show!

[42:50] Thank you for being on the show today, Michelle!

Links and Resources: 

Applicant Tracking System Information - https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/what-is-an-ats-resume

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com

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Connect with Michael:

Michael on LinkedIn

Michael on Twitter

Email: [email protected] 

Connect with Michelle:

Michelle on LinkedIn

Email: [email protected] 

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/

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.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid 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/

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No matter what area of a company you work for, you are intrinsically tied to the sales team. Every single customer facing position is selling the company as a whole. So how do you hire the right team to represent your company and the right leaders to inspire them?

Andrew Vawter of MPS has focused his efforts on building cohesive teams with dedicated leaders. Through various personality and aptitude tests he’s learned which types of people excel in which roles and how they prefer to be managed. His focus on the individual has led to a team that is dedicated, focused, and high-achieving.

For leaders one of the most important things to realize is that you cannot manage everyone in the same way. Not every person needs the same type of feedback at the same times. Every person reacts to compliments differently. Each person needs to be managed in a way that makes them feel confident while still addressing how they can be better.

It’s also important to note that there is no such thing as failure. As a leader it is imperative that you realize that a missed goal is not a failure but instead a learning opportunity.

Listen as Andy and I dig deep into creating healthy, well-rounded teams and building a business in the middle of a huge market disruption. It is possible to be successful and grow despite market volatility. Andy and MPS have done it. Listen in to learn more.

In this episode:

[01:08] Welcome to the show, Andy!

[01:18] Andy shares his background with the company Making Privacy Simple.

[02:39] What it’s like to do a complete brand overhaul in the middle of a huge market disruption.

[04:21] How to build a cohesive team.

[07:00] “One of the single most important people in the entire sales process is the installer.”

[08:53] Why a high level of sales support allows the sales team to focus on closing deals.

[10:18] What is the Culture Index?

[16:09] “You can’t manage everyone the same way because everyone is different.”

[18:41] Why there is no such thing as failure.

[19:24] The four questions Sid uses to evaluate the results of a project or launch.

[21:17] How you can praise your team during the pandemic.

[25:46] Andy’s advice to leaders while navigating business during the pandemic.

[27:29] Thank you so much for being on the show!

Links and Resources:

Connect with Andy:

MPS

Email

LinkedIn

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com

Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn

Sid on Instagram

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/

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.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid 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/

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The climate of sales has changed dramatically in the past several years and even more so this year. Buyers are more savvy to the typical sales tactics, and while no one has ever liked to be sold to, people now are much more likely to realize they’re being sold. How does this affect your sales strategy?

Well, the most important thing is to create a sales enablement strategy. What does that mean? Essentially, your sales and marketing teams need to work together to build a solid foundation to best appeal to the customer and build buyer engagement.

Listen in to learn how sales enablement works and why you need to embrace this new process in the post-Covid future.

The sales conversation needs to be just that. A conversation. A give and take where the buyer knows that your goal is to take care of their needs. It’s time to stop starting with the sale and to start getting to the bottom of your client and customer’s primary concern.

In this episode:

[01:30] Sid discusses the third element that will allow you to create the most effective sales team.

[02:00] Listen, as Sid defines sales enablement.

[03:50] Sales enablement allows many salespeople to achieve quota in a scalable, predictable, and repeatable fashion.

[05:20] Sid shares the five basic principles on how to enable your sales team.

[07:38] Who owns the sales enablement process?

[08:51] How sales enablement works.

[12:52] Why you need to use social media .

[14:34] Stop going straight for the sale. Learn why.

[16:03] A three-prong strategy for posting on social media.

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com

Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn

Sid on Instagram

New Sales Strategy Part l Episode 23 |  Part ll Episode 25

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/

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.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid 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/

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We’re moving into part two of creating a post-Covid sales strategy. In many ways, now is the time to be more invested in customer service and relationships, but also to invest in your learning!

Think about interior designers. They’re constantly learning and growing because they’re required to take continuing education classes to keep their licenses. We may not be licensed, but why shouldn’t we continue to invest in our knowledge of the industry overall.

Your sales team likely knows all about the products, but do they understand the psychology of sales?

So now is the time to establish yourself and your team as an expert in the industry. People want to work with the best and there’s no better time to invest in learning and spend time understanding the industry in a new way.

You also need to encourage yourself and your teams to look at problem-solving differently. The problems have changed. Have your methods changed as well? I know we’ve only been in this place for a few months, but our industry has truly been forever changed.

Become known as an expert who thrives on solving problems and people will be tripping over themselves to work with you.

Listen in to hear more about the two other elements of this new sales strategy and don’t forget to come back in a couple weeks for part three!

In this episode:

[01:36] At the end of the day, what we sell is change.

[02:48] Let's dive into two of the four core elements that need to be part of your sales strategy and plan going forward.

[03:41] Learn more about the first element, being an expert.

[07:12] One of the best ways to become an expert in our industry is by becoming a student of our industry.

[12:13] The second element is problem-solving.

[17:18] How to incorporate the customer's problem as part of your sales strategy.

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com

Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn

Sid on Instagram

Deloitte Report - Thinking Big with Business Transformation

Gap Selling by Keenan

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/

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.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid 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/

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Your workforce is the number one expense in your business. It doesn’t matter if you’re an entrepreneur, a CEO, or a manager, the most money you’ll spend in your business will be on the people who work for you. Why aren’t more business owners talking about workforce management?

That is the question that Regan Donoghue has been asking herself for years. After working for a variety of companies in ergonomics and workforce management, she has realized the power of asking poignant questions.

As the conditions of our workforce change due Covid-19 and the increasing ability of employees to work remotely, what does this mean for our management best practices? According to Regan, it means that finding the right amount of flexibility will result in the strongest of teams.

The concept of the workplace has only existed for about the last 140 years and human beings have been rebelling against it almost that entire time. Sure you’ve got several employees who relish the ability to go to work and come home with complete separation between the two facets of their lives.

But what about everyone else?

Listen as we chat about the concept of workforce management and how you can begin to better understand your employee preferences… and more importantly, why their preferences matter.

In this episode:

[01:24] Welcome to the show, Regan!

[02:09] Learn about Regan and what she is doing today in the community that she serves.

[05:56] She chats about the new business she and her father just started focusing on workforce strategy.

[08:20] Why the workforce is where we need to focus.

[12:24] What is workforce strategy?

[18:16] How you can better impact your workforce.

[23:53] Culture does not exist without the people.

[25:21] Ways to check in with your employees around their mental health.

[30:56] Learn more about workforce strategy.

[32:20] Regan highlights the services they offer at SIMCONSULTS.

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com

Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn

Sid on Instagram

Connect with Regan:

Regan Donoghue

LinkedIn

Email

ThinkLab Article

SIMCONSULTS

Put Purpose at the Core of Your Strategy

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/

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.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid 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/

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When someone asks you what you sell, what do you say? For many of us, we immediately think of the actual products that we provide to our customers. However, have you ever stopped to think about the reason behind the products you sell?

I firmly believe that what we’re actually selling is change. When companies want to improve the quality of work and environment for their employees, they’re making a change. When they want to uplevel their outward appearance for clients and customers, they’re making a change.

Change is what makes our industry so profitable, and change is what 2020 has been full of. How will that impact sales for this year and beyond? Listen in as I share the first of a four-part series on ways to update your sales strategy in this new remote climate.

This Covid era will end, but the workforce and the workplace will likely forever be changed. I’m sharing my tips, tricks, and strategies to be an agent of change during this time and in the years ahead. So keep an eye out for Part II coming out in two weeks!

In this episode:

[01:13] Welcome to the show!

[01:25] This is the first installment of a four-part series to spotlight what your sales strategy will look like in 2021.

[03:07] What do you actually sell?

[04:41] Statistics that have a direct impact on our industry.

[06:33] Unofficial statistics that impact our industry.

[09:43] The six keys to unlocking breakthrough value while discovering how to transform your business.

[12:47] Coming up next...

[13:35] Thank you for joining me today!

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com

Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn

Sid on Instagram

Deloitte Report - Thinking Big with Business Transformation

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/

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.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid 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/

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There isn’t an industry on the planet that hasn’t been hit by the pandemic, but there are many businesses that are now thriving despite the turn in the economy. Why is that? Why have some businesses flourished while others have floundered?

Frank Bucher joins me to discuss how Formaspace has transitioned their business to have better reaction times and amazing customer service allowing them to thrive in this time.

Formaspace is a manufacturer of lab workbenches and industrial furniture. They design and manufacture custom furniture for offices, hospitality businesses, and other markets. What sets them apart from other companies just like them?

Their focus on creating strong, dynamic partnerships with their clients, employees, and vendors.

Listen as we chat about their experience during the pandemic, how they were able to shift and still deliver quality products at lightning fast speeds, and why they’re proud to be a small business. Every big business started as a small business. What Formaspace has done is what makes a small business, big.

In this episode:

[01:07] Welcome to the show, Frank!

[01:29] Frank shares his background and journey to COO at Formaspace.

[03:30] Listen, as Frank discusses how Formaspace got into the custom office furniture space.

[04:39] Learn more about how the pandemic has affected Formaspace.

[06:22] How Formaspace is set up in a way that allows them to grow when the market is down.

[10:11] Frank shares how his company was able to ship products to GM within days of getting the order, keeping their employees working during the pandemic.

[13:54] Why Formaspace has grown while other companies are laying people off.

[18:18] Frank speaks about lining up resources to increase the speed to market.

[20:05] Listen as Frank shares what it's been like leading a small business during these turbulent times.

[25:30] Frank shares what they are working on and what the future looks like.

[28:20] Formaspace is seeing more people using their outside space as an extension of their living room and the same with businesses.

[30:03] Frank gives some tips to leaders trying to lead their organizations through the pandemic.

[33:12] A new way to think of the word PIVOT.

Connect with Frank:

Formaspace
Email 

Connect with Sid:

www.sidmeadows.com

Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram

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/

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.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid 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/

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There is one thing all the experts can agree on and it's the fact that the workplace is changing and changing rapidly.  It was my pleasure to welcome Kay Sargent, Director of Workplace at HOK to today's podcast!  Kay shares some really insightful information during our conversation and I'd encourage your to listen to it carefully and take notes - this is a great episode!  Hope you enjoy!

Thanks for joining us today and if you have any questions, comments or show ideas, please email me at [email protected] or visit my website at www.sidmeadows.com.

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/

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.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid 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/

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Today's episode is another installment of our CEO Chat Series!  I'm excited to welcome Rick Arnold, the CEO of Broadview Product Development to the podcast!  During our conversation, Rick shares his perspective of being in our industry, but behind the curtin, as well as thoughts on innovation, leading a company during this time and how to creating diversity is allowing them grow and thrive.  Hope you enjoy!

Thanks for joining us today and if you have any questions, comments or show ideas, please email me at [email protected] or visit my website at www.sidmeadows.com. 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/

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.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid 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/

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Connecting our community in a powerful way, by creating an organization that allows us to give back - that's INDEAL Cares!  In today's episode, Dave Bloch, the founder of INDEAL Cares shares who they are, what they are doing and why this is an important initiative for our industry to get behind!  I hope you enjoy this informative and powerful conversation!  

Be sure to follow INDEAL Cares on Instagram @indealcares and on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/indeal-cares and to learn more about INDEAL Cares, please visit their website at https://www.indealcares.com/!  Join in and become part of this important mission!

Thanks for joining us today and if you have any questions, comments or show ideas, please email me at [email protected] or visit my website at www.sidmeadows.com.

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/

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.com
Podcast Website:  https://www.sidmeadows.com/podcast

Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid 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/