Start Up Companies and Office Furniture

 

Yesterday, I found an interesting infographic on twitter. It is a map of the USA with the top 7 locations for start-ups highlighted with costs (taken from Entrepreneur.com - check out the article!):



First - I love seeing Seattle on the map. We have such a great culture and innovative epicenter that the fact we're not number one is a little surprising...except that we're a little pricey. So I get it. I like Austin, too - it's just very, very hot.

Second, I happened to find a Steelcase article in their new 360 magazine called "Small Companies, Big Ideas" that looks at the structure of the small business and the need to create a culture.

Taken from Steelcase 360

Small businesses need to fight harder to get momentum and recognition in the beginning. Being involved in the community and identifying with their company is key to pushing forward from that small struggling start-up to that successful small company. So how does furniture enter into this?

'Space reinforces what makes each firm unique. “You really want your space to reflect who you are,” says Mueller. “You want clients to walk into the space and think, ‘Hey, this is really cool. I’m working with smart, interesting people.’ Everyone wants to feel good about the firm they hired, and your office can reinforce that feeling."' (taken from Steelcase 360)

Choosing pieces that are functional and fit the businesses personality can help achieve success. Your employees want to come to work - giving them the tools to excel will only add up in the log run. Turnstone is a great line for start-up businesses to consider. They love the spirit of the startup entrepreneur and aim to create furniture that fits their work style. Though there is nothing wrong with Ikea...there are better options that you can afford. Do not underestimate the power of pre-owned! You can score great pieces at more than half off that are merely "gently loved".

Post NeoCon Thoughts

Regard by Nurture featured at NeoCon

Hi Everyone!

As the excitement of NeoCon starts to die down and attendees take hours scrolling through notes and photos trying to remember the exhibits and people they met, I wanted to get some quick thoughts from the four B&OI/BD associates we had attend. Two were veterans. Two were newbies. All four had great things to say.

Lauren: A+D Specialist, first timer.
Describe NeoCon in one word: Debut
What was your favorite part of this year's NeoCon: The interesting shapes and ways to reclaim private space. Also, the heat formed felted panels!
What is one tip/words of wisdom you would give someone going on their first trip: Keep your eyes and ears open. Get tours from as many reps as possible. They speak great language giving you the highlights and "meat" up front.

Todd: Contract Sales Manager, veteran.
Describe NeoCon in one word: Interactions
What was your favorite part of this year's NeoCon: Connecting with customers, other dealers, Steelcase, and manufacturer reps.
What is one tip/words of wisdom you would give someone going on their first trip: You won’t be able to see/do everything, so you’ll need to be strategic and plan ahead.

Jack: Sales Representative, first timer
Describe NeoCon in one word: Innovative
What was your favorite part of this year's NeoCon: Of the show, it really was V.I.A. from Steelcase. Of the trip, it was filling an item on my bucket list by attending a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.
What is one tip/words of wisdom you would give someone going on their first trip: Plan, plan, plan. Make sure you talk to someone with a lot of Neocon experience about how to get the most out of it.

Hal: Sales Team, veteran
Describe NeoCon in one word: Inspirational
What was your favorite part of this year's NeoCon: Seeing the various interpretations of the future workplace.
What is one tip/words of wisdom you would give someone going on their first trip: Wear comfortable shoes.

Lauren taking a moment to test out some furniture

NEOCON 2013 - Here We Come!

B&OI/BD are NEOCON veterans...but that doesn't mean it doesn't help to brush up on the do's and don'ts from time to time. I'm pulling out an old blog from the archive to help refresh those attending, both new and old, on how to handle this amazing event!

NEOCON 2013 is being held at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago from June 10th - 12th. This is the premier tradeshow to go to if you're in the interior design / furniture industry for office, healthcare, educational, hospitality, GSA/gov, and retail. With amazing vendors showcasing their latest wares, this is the place to be to see the latest and greatest designs and schmooze with clients and vendors alike.

Check out NEOCON's official website here.
And follow them on twitter: @NeoCon

The bonus, of course, is that this is being held in an amazing city that offers a variety of shows, restaurants, and extra-curricular activities to attend. Besides the parties the vendors are throwing, you can catch an act at The House of Blues. Or, if you're in town for the weekend (10-12th), hit up the FREE Blues Festival.

And don't forget your restaurants!!!

The thing to remember with NEOCON is that it is a 3 day marathon of your senses. You're going to be meeting people, seeing tons of new designs, entertaining clients, being entertained, and you need to do it all in 72 hours (don't forget to sleep!). It sounds like enough time, right? It isn't. B&OI has been going to NEOCON for the past 15 years and every year they schedule as much as humanly possible in...it's an amazing feat.

Newbie tips
1. Research! Don't go in without knowing what you're coming up against. The show is on multiple floors and you're going to want to know where the vendors you're going to see are located
2. Start reserving restaurants now. Really? Yes. I tried to make reservations last year around this time and couldn't get into 2 popular restuarants...you can not just show up with 5 people on Tuesday night.
3. Prepare! There are a lot of parties and special events going on. Know which ones you can get to if they're off site of the Mart. Check with your reps and vendors - they should know!
4. If something falls through, don't stress! A lot can go right at this event, but sometimes, things go a little haywire. Being prepared and knowing back up plans is a great way to avoid stress and frustration.
5. Have fun! This is an amazing event and enjoy it and Chicago while you're there!

Enjoy!

~ Kendal

B&OI / BarclayDean 4th Floor Installation

With the merger and continued growth of our company, B&OI/BD had to expand. We chose a space in the Seattle Design Center one floor down from our current location. This new space holds our design team, coordinators, and accountants. Check out some fun pictures and great products!

This is a great collaboration space featuring Coalesse

Our "phone booth" space - privacy with room for flexibility

 

The artwork we received from Ghana fully framed!

 

Look at this fun space! Modern industrial at its finest!

 

Designer's station



Coordinator's Space

 

Not the best shot of the furniture, but look at that view! Hello Seattle!!!

Better, more professional photos are in the works. But I am so excited about how great this space has come together!

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The New IIDA VP of Campus Centers

CONGRATULATIONS JAYNE LEIGHTY!

B&OI/BarclayDean associate Jayne Leighty has received this prestigious honor: the VP of Campus Centers. According to the IIDA website, "Campus Centers provide an environment for the development and exchange of knowledge among students, educators, administration and design professionals. Participation in a Campus Center adds further value to your student membership because it involves working closely with your local IIDA Chapter or City Center to develop programs and events." Bella, a coworker of Jayne's, noted "Jayne is 1 of 2 design students chosen in four years to be honored in the Art Institutes Hall of Fame (graduating with honors). Past honorees include the guy who designed the Iron Man costumes, a culinary student who won Iron Chef, and a fashion student who was on Project Runway."

We completely agree with that statement. Congrats again!!!

Giving Back to Your Community

When B&OI and BarclayDean merged last year, one of the things that the B&OI associates were looking forward to was the philanthropic nature of our new counterparts. BD was known throughout the Bellevue and Seattle region as a very giving organization and devoted to the programs they were a part of. From Junior Achievement to Youth Eastside, Swedish to Providence Hospitals - we have maintained that level of dedication to continue our effort to support our community.

As a company, a locally owned and operated company at that, we feel we have a duty and our proud to give back. However, each company is different in what they can provide (a start-up versus an established 20+ year company may not have the resources to attend a dinner gala where tables start at $3000). But getting your company behind a few causes or local events is a great way to not only help out, but also promote team building. Here are just a few examples of things you can incorporate into your company culture.

1. Charity races and walkathons. These usually take place on the weekends and can be a great way to promote bonding and fundraising. Maybe the company can pay half entrance fee for each runner. Maybe you do internal fundraising for a select team. There are so many different races that benefit research and non-profits, you can reach out to employees and ask which organizations they want to donate to and plan accordingly.

2. YWCA / YMCA donations - Our local YWCA does an amazing job collecting donations around the holidays for children and families. From Valentine's baskets to Thanksgiving baskets, you can have you office adopt a family to help out. Donate 1 basket or donate 20. There are many charity organizations that do this and doing a google/bing/yahoo search of the area can bring you in contact with one.

3. Bowlathons/Golf Tournaments - currently, B&OI/BD has partnered with Junior Achievement (www.jawashington/bowling.org) to raise money for their educational programs (and their organization is international, so there may be a branch in your area). But I also know that Sleep Country USA partners with the local foster care program -another worthy and great cause (http://www.pajamabowl.com/)! Each individual raises money to meet the team goal and bonds over brews and bowling. Or why not check out which local charities are holding a golf tournament? We know of quite a few in our region that hosts for a specific cause and are also a great time!

4. Habitat for Humanity - I know if seems obvious, but this could be a great way for your company to give back. Why not offer a paid day off for your office to go build a house for a local family in need. It offers your workers a way to get away from the daily grind and work together for a great cause - almost like a retreat without the scavenger hunt.

There may already be organizations/non-profits that you're thinking about supporting - this is a great way to give back to your community and tie it in to your company culture. Make that 12K race an annual tradition! Know that every year around the holidays, you will hold a coat drive. Simple things make big differences and giving back to your community makes you feel good.

Event Alert! IIDA on March 28th!

 

 

B&OI / BarclayDean is a proud member and sponsor of IIDA and we are excited for next week's great event on Corporate Responsibility.

 

The event includes breakfast, networking, and of course, a great speaker:

 

"Speaker Vincent Stanley, co-author of The Responsible Company, is Patagonia’s vice president of marketing and has been with the company on and off since its inception in 1973. For the past eight years he has focused on the intersection of the company’s brand, sport and environmental stories. He has helped initiate and produce the Footprint Chronicles, the Common Threads Partnership; and Patagonia Books".

 

Event Date: March 28, 2013

Event Time: 8 am – 11 am

Location: Hyatt Olive 8

 

Tickets are still available for this great event (click on the picture) and we will definitely be there to learn and interact. Will you?