The Trend Report
Sid Meadows
1 Creator
1 Creator
Welcome to the Trend Report, your go-to resource for information and insights into the world of contract interiors with a focus on office furniture. Hosted by industry veteran and leader, Sid Meadows, each episode is a thought provoking and informative conversation about the topics and issues that impact the office furniture community. From insightful interviews with renowned industry leaders to in-depth conversations with industry CEO's to those having an impact with emerging technologies and business ideas, the Trend Report delivers an inside look into the ever-changing office furniture industry. Whether you're an architect, interior designer, manufacturer, dealer, or just simply curious about the industry, this podcast is your ultimate guide to staying informed and update on all things contract interiors.
3 Listeners
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 The Trend Report Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Trend Report episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Trend Report for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Trend Report episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Networking In A Hybrid World
The Trend Report
10/11/21 • 28 min
When you hear the word “networking” what goes through your mind? What does networking mean to you? This topic has been on my mind as the networking process changes with the times. Listen in to hear tips and strategies for networking in a hybrid world.
To me, networking is about creating long term professional relationships. When you build them and cultivate them the right way, you’ll see the results in all areas of your professional life. But how can you network in this landscape?
What we’re seeing are three different models, in-person, virtual, and a hybrid version. In-person seems to be unsustainable, virtual is great but harder to follow through, but what about this hybrid model? Having the option of in-person or virtual allows so many more people to attend which means you have the benefit of meeting so many more people.
So what are the best practices for networking in a hybrid world?
First, have a plan. Know what you want to get out of the event and who you’d like to meet. Second, you need to know your business and offers inside and out. Next you’ll need to shift your focus and set your goals.
Listen in to learn more about the Bs of networking and why it’s essential that you shift your views on networking as the world continues to evolve in a post-pandemic world.
In this episode:
[01:41] Welcome to this solo episode on Networking!
[03:19] I want to give some tips and ideas on solving the issue of networking in this changing world.
[05:55] I believe it’s going to be harder to have in-person networking events.
[06:39] Virtual networking has many benefits, even if you are tired of Zoom calls.
[07:41] People are starting to embrace hybrid networking events.
[09:20] Social networking creates an amazing opportunity to connect with people.
[10:02] Listen as I discuss what I call the Bs of networking.
[11:09] I now share the four best practices I believe you need to be thinking about when networking in a hybrid world.
[11:15] #1 Have a plan.
[12:30] #2 Know thyself, your pitch needs to be rehearsed and practiced.
[14:57] #3 Shift your focus.
[16:59] #4 Set goals.
[19:00] Listen as I share some places I believe you should go to for networking.
[19:10] LinkedIn is my favorite tool for networking with people.
[20:38] Clubhouse is where I hang out every day.
[23:56] Eventbrite is another great tool.
[26:23] I share a few others that I’m hearing good things about.
[27:47] I hope you found this episode beneficial.
Links & Resources:
Connect with Sid:
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/
2 Listeners
1 Comment
1
06/19/23 • 33 min
Artificial Intelligence and its impact on how we do business is something I like to talk about any time I’m given the opportunity. With the way AI is integrating into our everyday life, it is inevitable that we start facing the different ways that it will impact our roles in our industries.
When we are faced with a program that interacts and behaves as a human, taking over basic administrative tasks and conversational needs while being very accessible and providing answers and results that feel real and tangible – it opens so many doors in our personal lives and our businesses and changes the way we interact with technology.
Continuously growing in popularity, AI is generating a huge following, and the ultimate reason is that it takes care of the tedious, mundane things that we often find ourselves dreading. Writing that introduction email for a job interview? Creating that budget policy? Need a recipe for chicken teriyaki? Ask an AI platform, and you’ve got an answer at your fingertips within seconds.
The first part of this series is full of so much expertise and information surrounding AI platforms and the role they play in the workplace. If you’re considering incorporating an AI platform into your business to streamline your work processes, you’ll want to tune in to this episode to hear more about the ways that Marc and Nick see AI changing the future of how we do business.
In this episode:
[03:03] Welcome, Marc and Nick.
[03:50] Marc Ronick shares his background and experience.
[06:30] Nick Nalbach shares his background and experience.
[08:53] Marc and Nick share their definitions of AI and what it means in everyday life.
[10:47] How long has AI been used by people regularly?
[12:05] Why did ChatGPT generate so much attention compared to other AI platforms?
[13:34] How does AI actually work?
[16:13] Why is AI growing in popularity?
[18:20] What was the catalyst that caused such an interest in AI?
[21:50] What is the relationship between OpenAI and ChatGPT?
[22:33] Why should businesses consider taking advantage of an AI tool?
[26:35] Real-life use cases for AI platforms such as ChatGPT.
[27:23] How can AI automate your workflows?
[28:56] A workflow automation example for the contract interiors industry.
[31:44] How to train ChatGPT on your specific processes to gain more specific responses.
[33:05] Thanks for joining us today! Stay tuned for Part 2.
Links & Resources:
Join us at NeoCon
Connect with Marc:
Connect with Nick:
Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/
1 Listener
07/03/23 • 36 min
One thing that we didn’t really dive into in our last episode is the topic of how to use these technologies in the most effective way to benefit our business.
For instance, if we have real-time metrics integrated into our website, we provide our consumers with the convenience of checking our lead times in a time frame that is convenient for them.
We also talked about the way that AI platforms like ChatGPT can carry the load of some of the day-to-day mundane tasks, such as writing emails or social media captions. While ChatGPT is useful in this way, it is not perfect. Marc and Nick advise you to take the material generated by ChatGPT and make it your own. Put your own words and voice into what it gives you to make sure that your message maintains your personal flair.
AI also, has the ability to take business performance metrics and compile them into a comprehensive report to show you where you were successful, where growth occurred, and what is possible for the future based on historical performance.
Marc and Nick are full of so much useful information on how to leverage these technologies and how they can make us more efficient in the work that we do. You won’t want to miss this episode to hear more about how you can apply AI in your business.
In this episode:
[01:39] What is the customer experience of artificial intelligence?
[03:29] AI provides ease of access and ease of use for our clients as well as an ability to upsell.
[05:16] Different ways you can use AI to increase your revenue.
[08:15] How to use AI to understand how your products solve the business problems of your clients.
[12:46] How many different AI tools are available for us to use?
[16:11] The implications of AI and Social Media.
[18:30] A word of caution from Marc and Nick while using ChatGPT.
[19:35] Legal, ethical, and moral considerations to take into account when using AI for business.
[22:17] Using ChatGPT to jog your memory for personal stories to generate more effective captions.
[24:30] The 80/20 rule and how ChatGPT can save 80% of your time.
[25:52] ChatGPT is an effective tool that can rewrite emotional responses into professional responses.
[27:03] AI integrations and plug-ins and how they impact your business.
[30:20] Main takeaways for using AI in your business.
Links & Resources:
Episode 58: Creating A Great Customer Experience with Stacy Sherman
Connect with Marc:
iRonick Media
NextGen Podcaster
Facebook | Instagram
Connect with Nick:
NextGen Podcaster
Instagram | YouTube | Twitter
Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/
1 Listener
Digital Sales Strategy - Part I
The Trend Report
11/15/21 • 19 min
We are living in a digital world and our sales strategies must shift to comply. I recently did a training session for INDEAL University talking all about digital sales strategies and how to elevate your brand and your business. Listen in as I share more about digital sales and why you need to incorporate it now.
Do you know what constitutes digital marketing and sales?
Have you ever looked up a product on Google and then moments later you see ads in Facebook and Instagram from that business? That’s digital marketing. It’s a way to show you potential customers information they are actually searching for.
Additionally, digital marketing and sales allows you to become more intimately connected with your ideal clients and customers. For instance, if your digital strategy included LinkedIn posts, your future customers are likely on LinkedIn. They comment, you comment back, a conversation starts and before you know it, they’re purchasing from you.
LinkedIn is only one platform that you can do this on. There are many!
Digital sales and marketing allows you to build brand trust and loyalty in a unique way. You can put together a true content strategy by asking your audience what they want to know more about. There are so many ways to build deeper relationships and more meaningful connections.
Listen in to this first part of my Digital Sales Strategy class and then stay tuned for part 2 next week.
In this episode:
[01:57] Welcome to part 1 of this two part series.
[02:41] A digital strategy makes your brand readily available and easy to find.
[03:26] Listen as I share some powerful forms of digital marketing content.
[04:55] Three areas that you need to focus on when building a digital platform.
[06:51] Why digital marketing is important now.
[08:32] 60% of Instagram users say they discover and buy products they’ve seen on the app.
[10:33] Which questions should you ask yourself when building brand trust?
[12:30] 78% of consumers prefer to be engaged with you and your brand on multiple platforms.
[13:54] I agree with anyone who believes that cold calling is dead. It’s time to switch your mindset.
[16:40] Learn what I call the fifteen minutes of fame.
[18:08] We find new customers today by allowing them to find us.
[19:19] Thanks for listening to part I, stay tuned for part II next week.
Links & Resources:
Connect with Sid:
Embark CCTon Facebook
Sidon LinkedIn
Sidon Instagram
Sidon YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
The Trend Report is proudly sponsored by INDEAL U. Partners in progress in the commercial interiors industry. To learn more about INDEAL U, please visit their website at
Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/
1 Listener
The Silent Partner with Dominic Lawson
The Trend Report
06/10/24 • 14 min
Have you ever considered the silent tales an office chair might tell if given a voice? This episode welcomes the incomparable Dominic Lawson, a maestro of the podcasting world, to spin an extraordinary yarn where our protagonist is none other than an office chair.
He's taking us on a journey through time with the Anderson family, as their business flourishes from the post-war era to the present day, while an unassuming chair bears witness to every triumph, trial, and transition. As Dominic unveils this narrative, he deftly illustrates the profound impact of leadership, adaptability, and the resilience of the human spirit in business.
As the tale unfolds, the chair emerges as a character imbued with the legacy of the Andersons—a testament to the family's grit and values. With every generation it supports, the chair forges an emotional bond, symbolizing not just a tool of the trade but a cherished partner in the company's saga.
Ultimately, this episode transcends the mere discussion of office furniture, as we pay homage to "The Silent Partner," an exhibit that encapsulates endurance, continuity, and the silent stories of servitude. Dominic Lawson's storytelling prowess illuminates the powerful connections we forge with the objects that populate our daily lives, leaving us with a renewed appreciation for the mundane yet meaningful companions of our workspaces.
Connect with Dominic Lawson:
Black is America Podcast - https://www.blackisamericapodcast.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiclawson/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/therealdominiclawson/
Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/
Avoiding Burnout
The Trend Report
08/05/20 • 19 min
Burnout is something that all of us can experience, especially now. In today's episode, I share with you the 5 types of burnout and 5 ways, but a bonus way, you can move through this and thrive!
As a reminder, we're hosting another virtual networking event on August 4th at 4:00 PM Central. We'd love to have you join us. Register at https://www.sidmeadows.com/networking
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/
Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/
New Sales Strategy Part III
The Trend Report
10/12/20 • 19 min
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:
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/
Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/
CEO Chat with Phil Polishook of DeskMakers
The Trend Report
12/14/20 • 38 min
After spending years in sales and managing digital products, Phil Polishook decided it was time to get involved with manufacturing physical products. He had the opportunity to take over DeskMakers and started in on manufacturing office products and furniture. Listen as he shares his story, what it’s like to be a small manufacturer in L.A., and his advice to the leaders of today.
There’s a surprisingly large number of manufacturers in California and it’s very well positioned for a strong local market. However with new changes in the laws, the cost of operations continues to skyrocket. Changing circumstances has had Phil looking to expand into other markets such as Texas.
Phil has also recently acquired Scale 1:1 and shares how that acquisition has fit in beautifully with DeskMakers. He’s continued to make strategic growth decisions that have helped him to better meet customer needs without outgrowing his market or his operations.
Most important to today is how he has led his company during this massive time of change and transition. He has learned so much about leadership in general and has taken his own skills to the next level. Listen as he shares his advice for leaders everywhere.
This was a fantastic conversation with a dear friend and client and I can’t wait for you to hear it.
In this episode:
[01:13] Welcome to the show, Phil!
[01:35] Phil shares his background and his company DeskMakers.
[02:41] Phil speaks about why he bought into the industry.
[05:26] Listen as Phil discusses what it’s like to be a U.S. manufacturer in California.
[09:07] Phil chats about being a small manufacturing company in L.A.
[15:07] Phil shares the acquisition of Scale 1:1 and how it has merged with DeskMakers.
[18:32] How industrial designers make the products tie together.
[22:53] Phil discusses the challenges he has with working through a dealer channel.
[27:46] How his small business stands out in the sea of large manufacturers.
[33:06] Phil gives some advice to leaders who are leading through transition.
[36:20] Thank you for being on the show!
Links and Resources:
Connect with Phil:
Connect with Sid:
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/
Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/
Innovations In Leather with Simone and Keith of Green Hides
The Trend Report
02/14/22 • 43 min
When you hear the word leather, what’s your first thought? For so many, the belief is that leather is a dying textile because it’s environmentally unsustainable and contributes to cruelty to animals. Simone and Keith of Green Hides join me to share about the innovative products they create and to clear up some misconceptions about the industry as a whole.
First, let’s clear up some misconceptions.
Leather honors the life of an animal whose hide would otherwise be discarded. Collectively, the leather industry reduces landfill waste by 2.9 billion pounds annually by diverting a natural byproduct of the meat industry.
More importantly, Green Hides has created leather products that are able to be disinfected with chemical cleaners and retain their look.
Listen in to hear the story behind Green Hides and why they work directly with the dealer community.
In this episode:
[02:38] Welcome to the show, Keith and Simone!
[02:58] Keith shares what Green Hides is all about.
[03:47] Simone speaks about starting Green Hides and moving to the US from Italy.
[07:02] Keith talks about his background before working with Simone.
[09:58] They discuss the benefits of being in shared ownership with a tannery.
[13:30] Simone speaks about the trends in leather and how Green Hides is usually ahead of the design community.
[15:21] Keith discusses the types of leather they offer.
[17:43] They talk about aggressively getting involved with the dealer community.
[19:22] They discuss the top-secret bleach cleanable leathers they offer.
[24:38] Keith shares how many bleach-cleanable leathers they provide.
[30:04] Listen as they discuss the dealer community’s benefits by dealing directly with Green Hides.
[34:00] They talk about what they see coming in the future for textiles.
[38:01] 2.9 billion pounds of waste by-product is generated by the furniture industry.
[41:18] Thank you both for being on the show!
Links & Resources:
INDEAL University
REACH Regulations
Support The Trend Report Podcast
Connect with Keith & Simone
Simone Lagnerini LinkedIn
Keith Hill LinkedIn
Green Hides Leather Studio
Bleach Cleanable Leathers
Chicago Merchandise Mart Showroom 11-114
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid
Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/
01/11/21 • 34 min
Jeff and Jennifer have spent their entire lives watching the changes in the furniture industry. Their father founded DARRAN Furniture and now they have stepped up to continue his work. Listen as they share their background, their passion for the industry, and what it’s like running a company together as siblings.
It wasn’t just a love of furniture that pushed their father to create DARRAN Furniture. He knew that there was more to offer the industry when it came to casegoods and he was driven to show it. He offered his customers more options and mass customization and created a wealth of jobs for his local area.
Now Jeff and Jennifer manage the business and they’ve started to change the furniture offerings that DARRAN presents. Listen as they share more about why they shifted their products lines and how that shift has helped them.
They are also dedicated to maintaining U.S. based manufacturing to continue to help support their local economy. Their loyalty to the people in their community is the backbone of the company and fits perfectly with their core values.
Jeff and Jennifer are truly a dynamic duo in the industry and you won’t want to miss out on their perspective and their banter. This brother and sister team have made working together work for them and the industry as a whole has been elevated because of it.
Listen in to learn all about DARRAN Furniture and the family that has kept it afloat through some tough economic times!
In this episode:
[01:39] Welcome to the show, Jeff and Jennifer!
[02:48] Jeff discusses the history of the company.
[04:32] How the type of furniture they make has evolved over the years.
[06:47] Jennifer and Jeff share some of the biggest milestones the company has had over the last eleven years.
[11:39] Listen as Jennifer and Jeff discuss why they have kept the company in North Carolina.
[14:41] Jeff speaks about selling to the U.S. only and why they have never gotten into the import business.
[17:25] Jennifer shares some challenges they are facing now through the pandemic.
[22:07] Listen as Jeff and Jennifer discuss their new screen division.
[26:05] Jeff and Jennifer speak about their new product line called Honey.
[30:58] Listen as they share what it’s like to be a dynamic brother sister due and how they work together.
[33:52] Thank you both for being on the show!
Links and Resources:
Connect with Jeff & Jennifer:
Dutch Invertuals - Room Screens
Connect with Sid:
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
The Trend Report introduction music is provided by:
Connect with Sid:
www.sidmeadows.com
Embark CCT on Facebook
Sid on LinkedIn
Sid on Instagram
Sid on YouTube
Sid on Clubhouse - @sidmeadows
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/
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does The Trend Report have?
The Trend Report currently has 149 episodes available.
What topics does The Trend Report cover?
The podcast is about Podcasts, Interior Design, Sales, Business, Coaching and Coach.
What is the most popular episode on The Trend Report?
The episode title 'Networking In A Hybrid World' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Trend Report?
The average episode length on The Trend Report is 35 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Trend Report released?
Episodes of The Trend Report are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Trend Report?
The first episode of The Trend Report was released on Mar 19, 2020.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ