Greetings and Happy Holidays to all. This month I wanted to review and share some valuable lessons learned. The year 2021 is almost in the rearview mirror and one thing is consistent that I hear across the Furniture industry. This has been a year of not only massive disruption but also a consequential year of opportunity. Many industry leaders and owners recognized this and decided to capitalize on this by making strategic changes to their businesses.

Lesson #1

Recruiting - The search for talent has never been more challenging, or more fun and rewarding. Great talent is there, you just have to reach people, listen to their concerns, and help them. Everything got disrupted by COVID and people’s priorities changed. For me, this has just made the talent hunt that much more rewarding and interesting.

Lesson #2

Technology - Our industry has stepped up and Furniture companies have improved their operations. I have spoken to clients that created their e-commerce channel and improved their ERP as a result of the pandemic. This has allowed them to sell more product and also allowed employees to have remote access.

Lesson #3

Companies figured out quickly sometimes on the fly how to remain open and to deliver products safely and under extraordinary circumstances at the height of the pandemic.

Lesson #4

Companies are adjusting their wage, hours, and expectations of the workforce. They understand that people do not leave jobs, they leave their bosses. I have seen a rise in searches to replace toxic managers who cannot retain or coach and develop talent.

Lesson #5

Small business is alive and flourishing. I have volunteered and worked with a number of outstanding small startups here in the local Charlottesville area in 2021. Even during the height of the pandemic, these entrepreneurs showed me with grit and determination you can still get a small business launched even in the most difficult of times. Small businesses are back.

I end this year very encouraged and optimistic, we have all been through so many challenges, and yet I’m always encouraged by our strength and resolve to come out on the other side, better than before. I will always view the glass as half full but know there is much work to be done.

We wish you a very Happy Holiday season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. Thank you for your business and connections made throughout 2021

Look for my WISH LIST FOR 2022 coming to you soon.

SINCERELY,
Bill

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Bill O’Malley is President of Connector Team Recruiting a firm headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia specializing in the Furniture | Appliance and Sleep verticals. Connector Team is an affiliate office of MRINETWORK, Philadelphia, PA. Connector Team is a full service Search Firm offering permanent placement recruiting and interim staffing solutions.

Feel free to contact Bill at bill@connectorteamrecruiting.com.

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LESSONS LEARNED IN 2021