In today's fast-paced business environment, connecting with clients and understanding their needs has never been more crucial. As we explore this vital theme in our recent podcast episode with Doug Shapiro, Vice President of Sales at JSI, it becomes evident that fostering genuine relationships is at the heart of modern sales techniques. People have often described sales as a "dark side," but Doug sheds light on how the profession has evolved into something much more profound. Rather than mere persuasion, today's sales approach focuses on meaningful engagement and understanding.

The Trend Report, Episode 151

The conversation starts with Doug sharing his journey into the office furniture industry, a career spanning over two decades. He highlights the significance of connecting with seasoned professionals who remain enthusiastic about their work even after many years. This notion resonates throughout the episode, as Doug emphasizes that success in sales is not solely about numbers but a...

In today’s episode, we delve into the transformative power of habits, focusing on four key practices that can propel you toward success. With the pace of modern life, it’s easy to lose sight of how our daily actions affect our long-term goals. However, cultivating the right habits can significantly impact both your personal and professional lives. We explore the ‘what’ and the ‘how’ of building habits that stick. 

The Trend Report Podcast - Episode 150

The first habit we discussed was exercise. While many understand the importance of physical health, consistent implementation is often lacking. My journey began with simple walks, which evolved into a rewarding daily physical movement practice. Studies show that even modest amounts of exercise can lead to significant improvements in mental well-being and productivity. Finding a routine that fits your lifestyle doesn’t have to be a chore; simplicity often leads to long-term compliance. Especially in times of stress, prioritizing physica...

As I was researching for this blog, I discovered that I’ve written about Networking on three previous occasions.  In 2019 was titled, “Stop Networking,” in 2020 it was “Networking The New Way,” and in 2021 it was “In-Person Events Are Back, Now What?”  

It's interesting that I’ve written about one topic so much, and here I go again, so it must be an important topic.  Back in 2020, I offered a free online training course about “Networking The New Way.”  Now, given I’m writing about this topic again, I’m wondering if I should dust it off, give it an update and do it again.  It's definitely something to think about for this year.  Regardless, hopefully, this blog will help you achieve your networking goals as we move forward in 2025.

At its core, networking is interacting with others to develop new contacts, and maybe, just maybe, we can generate some business.  However, I think it goes much deeper than that.  To me, networking is about meeting people and developing meaningful connectio...

The latest episode of The Trend Report offers an insightful look into the journey of Sid Meadows, the host, as he navigates the ups and downs of the office furniture industry while reflecting on significant life changes. Overcoming obstacles and confronting personal challenges, this episode dives deep into the concept of resilience. Sid starts by highlighting the achievements from Season 5 of the podcast, discussing the learning moments and growth through the 19 episodes shared. From engaging interviews to exploring key industry insights, it becomes clear that even amidst challenges, there was an abundance of wisdom shared with the audience.

The Trend Report, Episode 149

However, what set the stage for this episode is the candid discussion on "podfade"—a phenomenon many creators experience where the enthusiasm for producing content dwindles. Sid openly expresses the overwhelm that led to his temporary hiatus, stressing the importance of mental well-being and self-care. Encouraging li...

Becoming the best version of yourself, both personally and professionally, is a journey that requires continuous growth and development. This was the central theme in a recent episode of the Trend Report Podcast where Sid Meadows, a certified professional coach and a veteran of the office furniture industry, shared his insights on personal, professional, and industry growth.

Sid Meadows embarked on his journey of continuous growth a few years ago when he started a coach certification program. From a humble beginning to now being a certified professional coach and a veteran of the office furniture industry, his journey has been all about growth and development. Sid emphasized that the journey of growth is not about your boss or your company doing it for you. It's about you doing the work necessary to reach your goals. It's about you taking control of your own destiny.

The Trend Report, Episode 128

One of the core areas of growth Sid discussed is personal development. This transcends ...

In our recent podcast episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Dianne Murata, an interior designer and founding principal of Kimiko Designs. Dianne shared her journey almost working in a funeral home to starting Kimio Designs then establishing Kimiko Green, a testament to her determination and innovative approach.

Dianne's mission is to bring sustainability to the furniture industry, a task as inspiring as it is admirable. The conversation highlighted the power of recognizing individual capabilities and the unique culture of the furniture industry. She spoke about how acknowledging the individual strengths of her team members has been a cornerstone in shaping Kimiko Green's success story.

The Trend Report, Episode 129

One of the standout features of Kimiko Green is its thriving remote work culture. Dianne shared insightful details on how she built this culture with intention. Her business partner, Ginger, and she take on the roles of a visionary and an integrator respectively. Their ...

In this compelling episode, we explore the unique journey of Jason Levy, an industry veteran who has made his mark in the office furniture industry. Levy's story is one of resilience and adaptability. From his early days as a culinary student to stepping up to the demands of his family business after his mother's cancer diagnosis, his path is a testament to his ability to evolve and thrive.

One of the critical aspects Levy brings to light is the shifting landscape of the business world. The changes in the industry, especially amidst the pandemic, have forced businesses to innovate and adapt. This shift, however, is not a challenge for Levy. Instead, he views it as an opportunity to get creative with his marketing strategies.

Levy’s marketing approach stands out in its originality and effectiveness. From using cupcakes and donuts to engaging his audience digitally, his strategies are both inventive and refreshing. These unconventional methods reflect Levy's belief in building sincere ...

In our recent podcast episode, #127, we ventured into the fascinating world of nonconformity in both business and personal growth. Host Sid Meadows, a seasoned business strategist, navigated us through thought-provoking conversations about the power of daring to color outside the lines. This article expands on the insights shared in that episode, touching on key aspects that underline the impact of challenging the status quo and embracing uniqueness.

The discussion starts out with a comparison that connects our childhood coloring books with adult conformity. As children, we were taught to color within the lines, which was a silent nudge towards adhering to norms. However, as we transition into adulthood, this lesson inadvertently follows us, shaping our decision-making processes in both our personal and professional lives. Sid encourages us to ponder on a critical question: "What if we decided to break free from these invisible lines?"

This episode highlighted the significance of ste...

In episode 125 of The Trend Report Podcast, my guest Aaron Estabrook and I discuss all things contract furniture, and the possibilities and opportunities that exist in the industry. Aaron is the Director of Digital Marketing at OFS and he shines a light on this vibrant industry in this captivating conversation.

Aaron’s career trajectory is as unique as it is enlightening. His journey, which meandered from the music business to marketing and advertising, eventually led him to the world of contract furniture. He found his role at OFS, which he describes as bringing him immense joy, through this intriguing path. Aaron’s rich experiences, both in New York and Washington DC, have played an instrumental role in honing his skills in personal branding. 

The Trend Report, Episode 125

Aaron offers valuable insights into leveraging digital marketing to create engaging content. He believes that digital marketing can be an efficient tool to provide customers with content that they find interesti...

In episode 124 of The Trend Report Podcast, I had an engaging conversation with Sam Richardson, the President and CEO of the Identity Group. His journey to the top is an intriguing blend of sports, international living, and a deep dive into the paper and print industry. His experiences, from his time on the college sports field to the aroma of paper plants in the southern United States and his international stint in Brussels, Belgium, shaped his approach to the contract interiors industry.

The Trend Report, Episode 124

In this podcast interview, Sam shares valuable insights into the evolution of the Identity Group, honed through years of hard work and strategic decisions. The company has undergone a transformative journey in providing signage services, experiential graphics, and branded environments. These services are a testament to Richardson's belief in seizing opportunities, learning from experiences, and maintaining a delicate balance between personal growth and family commitmen...