Compel Office Furniture http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog Office Furniture Today Mon, 14 May 2012 17:21:05 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 Top 20 Things that Help Design Firms Thrive http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2012/04/top-20-things-that-help-design-firms-thrive/ http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2012/04/top-20-things-that-help-design-firms-thrive/#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2012 05:57:50 +0000 Compel http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/?p=101 1 Love the ones you’re with. Nurture your existing relationships. Expanding your services with current customers will bring new opportunities more easily. 2 Gravitate. Collaborate. Mix it up by having new teams work together to bring new and interesting perspectives to projects and working relationships. 3 Liberate the Librarian. Clean up and out. Free [...]]]> 1 Love the ones you’re with.
Nurture your existing relationships. Expanding your services with current customers will bring new opportunities more easily.
2 Gravitate. Collaborate.
Mix it up by having new teams work together to bring new and interesting perspectives to projects and working relationships.
3 Liberate the Librarian.
Clean up and out. Free yourself from outdated books and products. Streamline your library to make sustainable product specification easier.
4 Leave your comfort zone.
Diversify your business portfolio and aggressively approach your new business strategy. More eggs in new types of baskets is smart management.
5 A little more conversation.
Focus on the personal touch and less Power Point. Begin by developing a personal relationship and save the fancy presentation for the larger audiences that will come later.
6 But can you juggle?
Transition the office from a largely one-dimensional staff to a multi-dimensional staff with interest and aptitude.
7 Get your hands dirty.
Provide more hands-on service to your clients and have everyone, including the Principal, get involved in a project.
8 Greener pastures.
Leverage your green knowledge. Open new doors by becoming green consultants.
9 Say “I do”.
Turn your business from transactional to relationship-driven. Transition from time sheets to journals. Don’t be afraid of a smaller list of quality clients.
10 Rev it up!
Learn how to use the latest innovative technology offerings in all areas of your firm for efficiency and cost savings.
11 Raise your IQ.
Seek intelligence through new approaches. Tap end-user experts to help with design. Treat every project as a research initiative. Stay current on trends through education and social listening.
12 Three marketers.
Open up new revenue streams and build your reputation by helping customers with branding, integrated marketing, and graphic design.
13 Tap your talent.
Allow your team to gain new experience by working with new clients and coworkers.
14 “Hi, My name is…”
Projects are more relationship based than ever. Network online and offline. The new social media is more powerful than you think.
15 Designer to CEO
Run your firm as a business and give every employee the responsibility for marketing and gaining new clients.
16 20/20 design.
Focus on the quality, not the quantity of work. Deliver focused and deliberate design solutions more than ever before.
17 Turn up the volume.
Hire a marketing firm to help market your business in new and innovative ways. Elevate your presence in the industry with a dynamic makeover of your firm!
18 Devil in the details.
Distinguish yourself through attention to details-proposals, personalized presentations, value added services, and even the mix of talent assigned to a given customer.
19 Get to know Gen X, Y, and Z.
Generational differences are influencing design solutions. Get to know the new generation-how they work, learn, and collaborate with others.
20 Reuse, redesign, and real profit.
Reuse of materials and redesign of spaces equals real opportunities and real profits.

Read original printing in Contract magazine.  March 2012  pg. 68

]]> http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2012/04/top-20-things-that-help-design-firms-thrive/feed/ 0 The how-to guide for moving your office http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/11/the-how-to-guide-for-moving-your-office/ http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/11/the-how-to-guide-for-moving-your-office/#comments Sun, 27 Nov 2011 06:39:44 +0000 Compel http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/?p=91 Imagine your boss comes to you one day and says “We’re moving and I need you to take the lead on this for me.  We just signed a new lease and will be moving at the end of the month.  I need you to organize it so that we don’t miss any operational days.  [...]]]> Imagine your boss comes to you one day and says “We’re moving and I need you to take the lead on this for me.  We just signed a new lease and will be moving at the end of the month.  I need you to organize it so that we don’t miss any operational days.  It’s got to go right!”

 

Before you panic, think about your own business and the value you bring to your clients.  Most of them come to you because they need professional knowledge and services in your field of expertise.  You can leverage the same type of benefit by contacting a full service office furniture dealer in your area.  Most office furniture dealers can find ways to minimize that panicky feeling you’re having in the pit of your stomach of by helping guide you through the process.  You’ll need to think about things like your furniture, computers, telephones, moving schedules, and more.  Things that are often overlooked in these situations include the lease termination guidelines and what to do with your old furniture, records, and the clutter that has gathered in the nooks and crannys of your office space.  There’s always stuff you probably don’t want to take with you, but you can’t leave it either.  A good office furniture dealer will be able to help you coordinate the moving, disposal, and clean-up of your old space.  They will also be able to help you create the right look for your new space.  If you have lots of cubicles and executive offices, you may find that it makes more sense to try to sell the old stuff and upgrade the look and feel of your new space with new cubicles, desks, and office chairs.  This route will make it much easier to be operational on day 1 in your new space.  It will also be a nice treat for the move-weary workforce and help make the transition a positive one.   If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry, you may find that with some flexibility and creativity, your office furniture dealer can help you look at solutions like used, refurbished, and other value alternatives that will help you look like a hero to the boss and your coworkers.  Go Green and save money.  Your office furniture dealer can also help you find ways to save by blending different products to create a great looking space for less.  They may also be able to help you sell your existing furniture and should be ready to coordinate many of the activities you’ll need to check off your list.  A good office furniture dealer will become an integral part of your project team and you should get as much from them as you can.

 

You can find a list of qualified office furniture dealers in your area by going to www.compeloffice.com and using the dealer locator tool.

 

If you’re in Chicago, check out Evolution Interiors, Office Revolution, or Villa Park Office Equipment.  Each of these full service office furniture dealers can provide you with the resources you need to make your project simple and successful.

In Dallas, contact Office Interiors Group or Cubicle Mart. In Tampa, contact Refurbished Office Furniture.  In Nashville, Tennessee, contact Business Furniture Warehouse.  In Charlotte, North Carolina, contact Carolina Office Solutions.

 

 

]]> http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/11/the-how-to-guide-for-moving-your-office/feed/ 0 Top 5 trends in office furniture http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/10/top-5-trends-in-the-office-furniture-industry-that-a-changing-the-way-people-view-their-workplace-and-how-they-prioritize-their-office-furniture-purchases-2/ http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/10/top-5-trends-in-the-office-furniture-industry-that-a-changing-the-way-people-view-their-workplace-and-how-they-prioritize-their-office-furniture-purchases-2/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:45:07 +0000 Compel http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/?p=72 1. Benching systems are starting to gain traction and are becoming more and more popular with both end-users and designers in office environments where collaboration is highly valued. 2. Focus on the seating. Comfortable and rested workers are productive and creative workers. Proper ergonomics and a chair that provides flexibility, comfort, and support, can [...]]]> 1. Benching systems are starting to gain traction and are becoming more and more popular with both end-users and designers in office environments where collaboration is highly valued.
2. Focus on the seating. Comfortable and rested workers are productive and creative workers. Proper ergonomics and a chair that provides flexibility, comfort, and support, can be the difference between apathy and engagement.
3. Cubicles are evolving into lower-walled environments with more glass between spaces to enhance communications and take advantage of ambient lighting.
4. Hoteling stations are more common with today’s telecommuters, remote staff, and contract employees. Quick connectivity and access to peers helps create a more productive workforce.
5. Increasing costs for space and the decreased need for paper files have enabled many workplaces to use less floor space for each person while still providing adequate personal and organizational spaces.

]]> http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/10/top-5-trends-in-the-office-furniture-industry-that-a-changing-the-way-people-view-their-workplace-and-how-they-prioritize-their-office-furniture-purchases-2/feed/ 0 10 questions to ask when shopping for executive desks and office chairs http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/10-questions-to-ask-when-shopping-for-executive-desks-and-office-chairs/ http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/10-questions-to-ask-when-shopping-for-executive-desks-and-office-chairs/#comments Fri, 26 Aug 2011 22:30:02 +0000 Compel http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/?p=82 Not all desks and chairs are the same.

All cars have an engine, tires, and seats, but not all cars are the same. Office furniture is similar in that the difference in price and reliability is often in the materials that are used to build the product.

A few questions you may want [...]]]> Not all desks and chairs are the same.

All cars have an engine, tires, and seats, but not all cars are the same. Office furniture is similar in that the difference in price and reliability is often in the materials that are used to build the product.

A few questions you may want to ask your local office furniture dealer before you buy your next desk or office chair.

1. What is the difference between ‘contract office furniture’ and ‘office furniture’?
2. If I want to add more pieces to my office later, can I get more of the same product so that everything in my office will match?
3. Can I make it so that i only need one key for all the locks in my desk drawers, lateral files, and storage cabinets?
4. What type of finish is used on this desk? Does it have hard-wood edges?
5. I’ve heard the a UV finish on wood desks will be up to 50% more resistant to scratches and chemicals. Is this true?
6. How much storage do I really need and what are my options for creating a more organized work space?
7. How do I know which office chair is right for me?
8. What is the difference between the $300 chair that feels pretty comfy and the $1000 chair that doesn’t feel $700 better?
9. How long will I have to wait for my office furniture to arrive once I make my final selections?
10. Which of the office furniture companies makes something like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord? Not cheap, not expensive, just great value for the money.

]]> http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/10-questions-to-ask-when-shopping-for-executive-desks-and-office-chairs/feed/ 0 10 office furniture companies to watch http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/10-companies-to-watch-in-the-office-furniture-industry/ http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/10-companies-to-watch-in-the-office-furniture-industry/#comments Fri, 26 Aug 2011 21:41:47 +0000 Compel http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/?p=80 1. Davies Office Furniture in Albany, New York 2. Evolution Interiors in Chicago, Illinois 3. Recycled Office Furniture in Tampa, Florida 4. Ethosource in Reading, Pennsylvania 5. Compel Office Furniture in Chicago, Illinois 6. Office Interiors Group in Dallas, Texas 7. Recycled Office Environments in Stevens Point, Wisconsin 8. West Michigan Office Interiors near [...]]]> 1. Davies Office Furniture in Albany, New York
2. Evolution Interiors in Chicago, Illinois
3. Recycled Office Furniture in Tampa, Florida
4. Ethosource in Reading, Pennsylvania
5. Compel Office Furniture in Chicago, Illinois
6. Office Interiors Group in Dallas, Texas
7. Recycled Office Environments in Stevens Point, Wisconsin
8. West Michigan Office Interiors near Grand Rapids, Michigan
9. Business Furniture Warehouse in Nashville, Tennessee
10. Office Expo in Atlanta, Georgia

]]> http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/10-companies-to-watch-in-the-office-furniture-industry/feed/ 0 Top 5 trends in the office furniture industry that a changing the way people view their workplace and how they prioritize their office furniture purchases http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/top-5-trends-in-the-office-furniture-industry-that-a-changing-the-way-people-view-their-workplace-and-how-they-prioritize-their-office-furniture-purchases/ http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/top-5-trends-in-the-office-furniture-industry-that-a-changing-the-way-people-view-their-workplace-and-how-they-prioritize-their-office-furniture-purchases/#comments Fri, 26 Aug 2011 21:36:26 +0000 Compel http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/?p=78 1. Benching systems are starting to gain traction and are becoming more and more popular with both end-users and designers in office environments where collaboration is highly valued. 2. Focus on the seating. Comfortable and rested workers are productive and creative workers. Proper ergonomics and a chair that provides flexibility, comfort, and support, can [...]]]> 1. Benching systems are starting to gain traction and are becoming more and more popular with both end-users and designers in office environments where collaboration is highly valued.
2. Focus on the seating. Comfortable and rested workers are productive and creative workers. Proper ergonomics and a chair that provides flexibility, comfort, and support, can be the difference between apathy and engagement.
3. Cubicles are evolving into lower-walled environments with more glass between spaces to enhance communications and take advantage of ambient lighting.
4. Hoteling stations are more common with today’s telecommuters, remote staff, and contract employees. Quick connectivity and access to peers helps create a more productive workforce.
5. Increasing costs for space and the decreased need for paper files have enabled many workplaces to use less floor space for each person while still providing adequate personal and organizational spaces.

]]> http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/top-5-trends-in-the-office-furniture-industry-that-a-changing-the-way-people-view-their-workplace-and-how-they-prioritize-their-office-furniture-purchases/feed/ 0 Office Furniture shopping in Dallas and North Texas http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/office-furniture-shopping-in-dallas-and-north-texas/ http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/office-furniture-shopping-in-dallas-and-north-texas/#comments Fri, 05 Aug 2011 02:57:29 +0000 Compel http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/?p=70 When shopping for office furniture in Dallas, you’ll save time by starting on Midway road in Carrollton. There are at least 5 showrooms within blocks of each other. You’ll find a great selection of office chairs, desks, cubicles, conference tables, and more. You’ll be able to shop till you find the best deal and [...]]]> When shopping for office furniture in Dallas, you’ll save time by starting on Midway road in Carrollton. There are at least 5 showrooms within blocks of each other. You’ll find a great selection of office chairs, desks, cubicles, conference tables, and more. You’ll be able to shop till you find the best deal and probably get it done in a matter of hours. You can also find a few showrooms in an area just north of downtown in the design district. Whether you are looking for an entire office or an upgrade to your existing conference room and reception area, you’ll find a great selection of office furniture along Midway road in Carrollton.

If you need a new desk, workstation, office chair, or conference table and you need it soon, check out the selection of Compel Office Furniture at one of our Dallas area dealers.

]]> http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/office-furniture-shopping-in-dallas-and-north-texas/feed/ 0 Office furniture solutions in Nashville, Tennessee http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/office-furniture-solutions-in-nashville-tennessee/ http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/office-furniture-solutions-in-nashville-tennessee/#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:05:47 +0000 Compel http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/?p=67 Compel office furniture is moving into the Nashville, Tennessee office furniture marketplace. With the addition of Business Furniture Warehouse to our dealer network, we’ve added a dealer that showcases a variety of our executive desks and office chairs in their Nashville showroom. If you’re looking for a new desk, chair, or workstation and you [...]]]> Compel office furniture is moving into the Nashville, Tennessee office furniture marketplace. With the addition of Business Furniture Warehouse to our dealer network, we’ve added a dealer that showcases a variety of our executive desks and office chairs in their Nashville showroom. If you’re looking for a new desk, chair, or workstation and you live in Nashville, check out their showroom. Look for great deals and service whether you need a few new office chairs, a new conference room, or a complete office transformation.
You’ll be able to get your new Compel desk or chair from Business Furniture Warehouse in Nashville, Tennessee and pick up many of the products the same day. Browse at www.compel-furniture.com and find the right fit for you, then stop in and see Scott or Tommy to get the best deal. Great people selling great furniture for great prices….that’s Business Furniture Warehouse in Nashville.

]]> http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/08/office-furniture-solutions-in-nashville-tennessee/feed/ 0 Office Furniture in Chicago http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/06/office-furniture-in-chicago/ http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/06/office-furniture-in-chicago/#comments Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:46:32 +0000 Compel http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/?p=65 Contract office furniture in Chicago has a new twist these days. Compel Office Furniture offers a comprehensive line of contemporary office furniture at moderate prices and can deliver in 48 hours.

The real estate market in Chicago has continued to evolve throughout the economic downturn and it seems that one of the trends is [...]]]> Contract office furniture in Chicago has a new twist these days. Compel Office Furniture offers a comprehensive line of contemporary office furniture at moderate prices and can deliver in 48 hours.

The real estate market in Chicago has continued to evolve throughout the economic downturn and it seems that one of the trends is that leases are getting shorter. There was a time when it made more sense to invest in office furniture that would last for twenty or more years, but these days, does it make sense to buy 20 year furniture for a 7 year lease? Most companies update their look when they move. Why not save a little more and use the money for other things that contribute to the bottom line?

If you’re in Chicago, Illinois or the greater Chicago area, you have several options for office furniture dealers that can help you get the right furniture for your specific needs. Check out Evolution Interiors, Office Revolution, and Villa Park Office Equipment for great values in office furniture. You can find the contact information for these dealers at www.compeloffice.com

]]> http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/06/office-furniture-in-chicago/feed/ 0 Office Furniture, the EcoSmart way! http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/05/office-furniture-the-ecosmart-way/ http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/2011/05/office-furniture-the-ecosmart-way/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 14:56:50 +0000 Compel http://www.compel-furniture.com/blog/?p=63 The OFfice Furniture Recyclers meeting was held again this spring in Orlando and once again, Compel Office Furniture took part in the meeting as a sponsor and supporter of this very worthy event. In case you missed my last post on this event, the OFR is a group of companies in the green office [...]]]> The OFfice Furniture Recyclers meeting was held again this spring in Orlando and once again, Compel Office Furniture took part in the meeting as a sponsor and supporter of this very worthy event. In case you missed my last post on this event, the OFR is a group of companies in the green office furniture industry that meet a couple times a year to discuss the latest trends in the office furniture industry as well as share ideas and best practices. The group usually also includes fabric, transportation, and other suppliers to the industry. Compel showed the zDesk benching system as well as our new Jupiter and Scooby seating products. We also introduced our latest addition to the line, Crescendo laminate case goods. We’re proud to introduce Crescendo Series as it continues to put space between us and the competition. The innovations in the Crescendo Series include pull options, hinged modesty panels, key-alike options, and recyclable packaging. These are all firsts in the RTA office furniture industry. The Crescendo Series is available in a stunning Mocha Cherry finish and features a unique edge detail that is sure to please. See more at www.compeloffice.com

This group of re-manufacturers and wholesalers is a dynamic part of the industry and is full of knowledgeable professionals that are worth knowing. If you are in the office furniture industry or provide goods and services to the office furniture industry, you should take a look at attending our next gathering. It’s a mix of informative seminars, social events, and a fun golf outing. It’s usually held the the first part of April in Orlando. For more information, email Paul at pauls@compeloffice.com or Bill at bill@roofing.com

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