As you [may] know, the purpose of the Social Flooring Index Blog is to monitor the social state of the flooring industry. What's fascinating is experiencing firsthand how different segments within the flooring industry have embraced social media, Twitter and the resulting relationship building. Based on Coverings 2012, the Tile Industry remains at the forefront.
I say remains because my first flooring taste of this kind of socially generated connecting and networking took place during another Coverings in 2010 [for details, read Meetups and Tweetups: Building Community] when a Tweetup took place.
Fast forward to 2012 and the setting is greatly enhanced [see Online Marketing Tips from Coverings Central 2012], but the interactions are just as intensely social and educational, and the new relationships are just as intense.
For example, check out Todd Vendituoli's writeup on the Avente TileTalk Blog about tile industry trends from Coverings in Tile from Around the World - Coverings 2012.
In the photo above, Bill Buyok, Paul Anater and I reconnected during the 2012 Coverings Tweetup. Photo courtesy of our bartender who was thrilled to pieces to have had his photo [see Bill's finger pointing to a specific tweet on the large screen] shared on Twitter.
Hats off to my friends Buck and Dana Collins who participated in the Coverings 2012 Installation Showcase and who documented in marvelous detail their intense tile installation of Grant Gribble's design for this bathroom.
From Modenus, check out these stunning visuals of COVERINGS FAVORITE FINDS – MEDITERRA TILE and COLOR ME HAPPY – OUR TRENDS FROM COVERINGS 2012 IN ORLANDO (PART 1)...
TalkContract [thanks, Emily!] shares these wonderful images in Coverings 2012.
If you truly want to experience tile industry trends shared during Coverings 2012, check out the Transcript from #KBTribeChat from Coverings 2012 - you can see us hard at work sharing tile trend insights in the images above.
During that session, the following Pinterest Boards capturing visual highlights from the show were shared:
If you were at Coverings, what did you see that intrigued you? Did you take part in the social interaction? Which were your favorite moments?
Given that the last
Social Flooring Blog Review examined the USGBC Blog, it seems fitting to turn to
RD Weis Companies'
Working Green Blog.
Why? Because RD Weis Companies, as described on its home page is a "NYC-based, full-service commercial flooring contractor offering sustainable and environmentally friendly carpet and floor care, maintenance, installation, and cleaning."
On its blog, it states that it is "committed to providing the highest level of environmentally friendly cleaning and maintenance services in the commercial flooring industry, by using Green materials, methods, and processes, and by helping customers reduce, reuse, and recycle, for the sustainable future of Earth."
Spend time on the RD Weis Working Green Blog and you'll quickly realize that this company is serious about sustainability and well... working green.
The
RD Weis Working Green Blog was launched on February 4, 2009. It has published 230 blog articles. The publication pace has slowed a bit, down to approximately 4 articles per month.
Randy Weis, President and Founder, is very involved in the blog. He's also comfortable discussing his passion for sustainability via video as you can see in
Randy on Sustainability.
The blog's sidebar includes links to the company's
Twitter,
Facebook YouTube and
SlideShare profiles. You'll notice an extensive blog roll listing of green, flooring and facility management related resources, as well as directions on how to reach RD Weis' company offices.
Here's what I wish the RD Weis Working Green Blog would do more of:
- In addition to the RSS subscription option, add email.
- Include in the sidebar a listing of the blog article categories for easy searching.
- Add in the sidebar an option to learn more about the blog authors. Link to the company website profiles, or create a separate blog article to introduce blog authors to your readers. Then link to those articles in the sidebar.
- I love that you use SlideShare. Any chance you might update your Earth Day presentation for 2012? Do a blog article, too!
- Consider doing some spring cleaning with your listing of favorites.
Great job, RD Weis Working Green Blog sharing perspective and insights on sustainability and flooring! Your passion is contagious! I look forward to reading more.
What do you like most about the RD Weis Working Green Blog? Let me know in the comments.
Have you ever wondered what goes into developing the Education Program for Surfaces, the leading floor covering industry event, and StonExpo, the largest natural stone trade event in North America?
I'm here to tell you that determining the focus for educating the flooring, stone and tile industry is an intense, yet exhiliarating, process that takes place once a year at the Hanley Wood offices in Dallas, TX.
The members of the Surfaces and StonExpo Education Advisory Council represent the flooring, stone and tile industry from a range of professional disciplines. We also care passionately about our areas of expertise and bring that perspective to the discussions.
What made this year's session different is that the Surfaces and StonExpo councils remained as one group for the entire meeting. Both sides gained new appreciation for what the other offered.
I invited several fellow council members to share with me perspectives on the meeting. More specifically, Steve Feldman, Publisher/Editorial Director of Floor Covering News, Mark Woodman, owner of mark woodman design & color and president of Color Marketing Group, and Tiffany Aryeh from Amalfi Stone and Masonry Company. Their responses follow.
C.B.: What did you find most interesting about this Surfaces/StonExpo Education Advisory Council experience?
Steve Feldman: What I found most interesting was the diversity of the Council and as such, the diversity of ideas. It was also interesting to witness the broad array of knowledge and passion in that room. Surfaces did a good job of putting together a panel of experts that know their industry inside and out.
Mark Woodman: Hmmm, "invigorating" is the word I would choose. I was reminded of the dynamics of large shows and how much I like the behind the scenes as well as the up front work. Just being able to focus, experience and share make for a great day!
Tiffany Aryeh: The two day council was eye opening, engaging and beyond educational. The members of the council were the most interesting and exciting part of my experience. Industry leaders from around the country representing Nebraska, Virginia, California, Ohio to name a few, gave fresh perspective on the topics and key issues facing their local markets. The council was a representative melting pot of the American stone and floor surfaces industry professional.
C.B.: What was you biggest surprise?
Steve Feldman: My biggest surprise was learning how the stone side supports the education program almost twice as much as the Surfaces side. We all have to work to change that.
Mark Woodman: How in sync the stone industry is. Not that I thought they were disjointed, I just never realized how well they meshed and supported one another.
Tiffany Aryeh: Social media might just might be the answer! I, like most, have been overwhelmed by the buzz of Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn... how will these tools help my business? These platforms are ways to share industry news, network with professionals and give exposure to your business. I agree that there is an overload of cyber information, but when these tools are used correctly it can bring value to your marketing goals.
C.B.: What is the most exciting trend that the flooring, stone and tile industry faces?
Steve Feldman: I actually think the most exciting trend involves social media and the new ways in which companies can market themselves and gain exposure.
Mark Woodman: Rapid customization of product. Especially laminates and manufactured (as opposed to natural) materials.
Tiffany Aryeh: An exciting trend in our industry is to promote and use American products. The US quarries some of the most popular granites, limestones, marbles being used in today's marketplace. To elevate these local products to national and international acclaim is an important trend to follow.
C.B.: What should Surfaces/StonExpo 2013 attendees absolutely not miss doing and why?
Steve Feldman: Honestly, I think attendees should not miss the free medical screening as part of FCIF booth. If you don't have your health, you don't have anything, and in this day and age of time-starved businesspeople who do not get to the doctor anywhere near as much as they should, this is a good way to check the vitals -- blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. The price is right and it could actually save your life.
Mark Woodman: Attendees need to move beyond their comfort zones. Even if you're not an installer or fabricator, it's good to know the breadth of tools involved. It helps to understand the investment by the professionals, the costs involved and can help you explain that to customers/clients. Quality is not cheap but it has endless value!
Tiffany Aryeh: The show is an exciting time to see new products, materials and machinery. A must see are MIA's Pinnacle Awarding winning projects, these projects represent the best use of natural stone in residential and commercial projects domestically and overseas. Attendees must sign up for educational session in topics ranging in social media, color trends and forum discussions by industry leaders. Finally, talk to everyone! Take every opportunity to network and speak with exhibitors and fellow attendees. You will learn so much about the industry.
C.B.: Thank you, Steve, Mark and Tiffany for sharing perspectives on the process of planning for the Surfaces and StonExpo 2013 Education Program.
What are you counting on learning about at Surfaces 2013? Which demonstrations will you absolutely make sure to attend at StonExpo?
Previous articles about the Surfaces Education Advisory Process:
In this Social Flooring Index blog review post, I introduce you to the official blog of the U.S. Green Building Council.
You have two means for accessing the USGBC Blog:
Since then, it publishes from 7 to 21 blog articles per month, or approximately 3 articles per week.
Topics focus on green building, energy efficiency, building codes and other topics related to green building.
You'll notice in the blog's sidebar encouragement to follow USGBC on Google+ and Facebook. It highlights a 'what we're reading' section which highlights related blogs and HuffingtonPost references. I like that 'Recent Comments' appear.
What's most wonderful about the USGBC Blog is the wealth of USGBC voices participating. I counted at least 15 different contributors, many of which are directly involved in USGBC, as well as others. What a wonderful way to include breath of perspective!
Here's what I wish the USGBC Blog would do more of:
- Add an email subscription option for those wanting email updates.
- Include in the blog sidebar a listing of the blog labels or categories. You include them in each blog article, but don't offer readers the means to easily explore the rich content published.
- With so many authors involved, why not list the authors in the blog sidebar or offer a page detailing them all?
- I notice comments, but I don't see any responses back from USGBC blog writers or editor. This would contribute depth and perspective.
- Given the wealth of perspectives, I would love to read an 'about us' or mission statement page detailing the overarching purpose of the blog.
Great job, USGBC Blog sharing perspective and insights on green building! I look forward to reading more.
What do you like most about the USGBC Blog? Let me know in the comments.
With
Coverings 2012 just around the corner, it seems timely to introduce you to the
P.A.T.T.I Blog for this
Social Flooring Index Blog Review.
P.A.T.T.I is also synonymous with
Patti Fasan, a dynamic and passionate tile speaker whom I first heard at Coverings 2010 [or possibly at an earlier Surfaces].
I was delighted to come across Patti's blog, which is managed by
Ryan Fasan.
I also applaud the use of rich content tools such as YouTube and Scribd.
I was so pleased to notice that details a blogroll lists with marvelous contributors to conversation about tile and stone [e.g.,
Zoe Voigt] and design [e.g,
Andie Day].
Exploring the P.A.T.T.I. blog made me feel as if I had gone on a marvelous visual adventure. In fact, I want more!
Here's what I wish the P.A.T.T.I Blog would do more of:
- Include an email subscription form so others can keep up via email updates on the wonders shared.
- Include in the blog sidebar a Twitter widget capturing Patti and Ryan's engaging Twitter conversations.
- Publish more frequently! Your last article was in December... and I want to see more!
Congratulations, Ryan and P.A.T.T.I. Blog for sharing so many tile wonders with us! I look forward to reading and experiencing more!
What do you like most about the P.A.T.T.I. Blog? Let me know in the comments.
In this Social Flooring Index blog review, I'd like to introduce you to Bentley Prince Street's blog, the Designing for life Blog.
This blog includes many great touches! For example, six people contribute to the blog and their profiles are all available on the blog's sidebar. More specifically Anthony Minite, Valerie Ottaviano, Cathy Frial, Kimbrely Matsoukas, Rose Tourje and Jessica Ferguson.
Bentley Prince Street's Designing for life blog published its first blog article - Welcome to our Blog - on January 13, 2010.
The publishing schedule ranges from two to 23 articles per month. On average, Designing for life publishes one to two blog articles per week.
You'll find articles introducing blog contributors [e.g., Meet Rose Tourje]. I enjoyed learning about Proud to Support Habitat for Humanity and the Wonderful Families They serve in our community. You'll find other company voices, in addition to the official contributors. They share passion for healthcare design, local events and sustainability. Can you imagine tabulating October Dumpster Dive Results?
Overall, blog articles are intensely human, conversational and real. The photos - of real Bentley Prince Street people - are warm and engaging.
I like the listing of 'related posts' at the end of each article. That's a great way to showcase existing content.
I love that the blog sidebar includes a robust blogroll! And that it includes both RSS and email subscription!
Check out the About Us section which touches on what motivates Bentley Prince Street's Designing for life blog. More specifically,
Beauty. Service. Quality. Partnership.
These tenets inspire every product we make and every service we deliver. Guiding each of these principles is Mission Zero™, our commitment to eliminate any negative impact our company may have on the environment by the year 2020. Our beacon for the future, Mission Zero is our fervent journey of examining, improving and innovating for the sake of the economic, natural and social systems we touch.
These are marvelous BHAG goals!
Notice, too, the News & Events tab which links to Bentley Prince Street website newsroom.
Here's what I wish Bentley Prince Street's Designing for life blog would do:
1. Include in the sidebar a list of labels or categories used for blog articles. Doing so would invite visitors to go explore your content.
2. Add a way for easily finding each individual blog contributor's articles [perhaps labels or categories for blog authors might address this].
3. Include more links within blog articles - to add dimension to your articles
4. In addition to listing your Facebook fan page and your Twitter account, consider adding a Twitter stream widget so visitors can experience your Twitter stream, too.
Great job, Bentley Prince Street Designing for life blog, sharing your passion for your category, your industry. Yours is a vibrant organization and blog! I look forward to reading more.
What do you like most about the Designing for life blog? Let me know if the comments.
Coverings 2012 takes place April 17 through 20 in Orlando, Florida, and will embrace social media marketing in a major way via Coverings Central, a 1500 square foot area located at Booth #3728.
It's the first I've heard of a flooring trade show demonstrating commitment to social media marketing and I can't wait to experience it.
Here's what to look forward to with Coverings Central:
Social Media Marketing 15-minute education sessions
15 minute social media marketing focused educational sessions given by several of my favorite social media marketing friends. I'm delighted to be joining Todd Vendituoli, Mark Johnson FAIA, Arpi Nalbandian, Bill Buyok [read my interview with Bill Buyok], and Paul Anater who has been instrumental in catapulting Coverings into the digital world.
Coverings 2012 Tweetup!
On Tuesday, April 17 at 4:00 pm. This is your opportunity to meet in person those tile and stone people you have been conversing with over Twitter.
You can follow Coverings on Twitter and Coverings related happenings using #Coverings.
Coverings Central Happy Hour
On Wednesday, April 18 at 4:00 pm.
Coverings Blog
Be sure, too, to check out the new Coverings Blog!
For more information, here is the release which details Coverings to put social media front-and-center of show.
If you plan on attending Coverings 2012, let's connect at Coverings Central!
At our Surfaces 2012 workshop - Social Media: How To For Business - Sarah Johnson and I used FloForm Countertops as an example. Here follows a Social Flooring Index review of their blog, the FloForm Countertops Blog: This Just In.
FloForm, which merged with Fine Line Pacific in August, 2011, launched its blog on March 19, 2010 [see Sunshine & Spring].
Blog articles are filled with delicious images that will leave you pining for [and pinning on Pinterest] new countertops! Check out 10 Kitchen Remodeling Trends, Our New Showroom In Winnipeg and Desert Theme Decorating For Your Home. What do you think?
I particularly enjoyed the glimpses blog articles offer of the FloForm organization and its people. Behind the scenes looks such as Nothing Is Impossible or the Regina Habitat For Humanity Fundraiser and The 2011 Kitchen Bath And Renovation Show Wrap Up based on a recent trade show event. No wonder they've been named to Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies of 2011! These are cool people!
The blog's sidebar includes, at the top, quick links to all of FloForm's social profiles, from Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, YouTube and Pinterest. Do check those out. The Facebook Fan page is unlike those I've encountered thus far -- with a section about Featured Designers, one on Inspiration, and plenty of interaction with fans on the wall.
The blog sidebar also features FloForm's Twitter stream.
Here's what I wish the FloForm Countertops Blog would do more of:
- Create a robust 'About Us' section on the blog that describes the company and its passion for countertops. Explain the connection between FloForm and Fine Line Pacific since references to Fine Line Pacific abound throughout the blog.
- Include a photo of the blog writer and/or editor in the blog sidebar.
- Add an email subscription option.
- Include a blogroll of admired designer, kitchen and bath blogs.
- Finally, the FloForm Facebook Fan Page is intensely interactive and alive. Why not add a Facebook Fan Widget to the blog sidebar to share some of that engagement on the blog?
Added 2/23/12: do check out FloForm's Heritage page with details on its rich history!
Great job, FloForm Countertops Blog, promoting your love for countertops, brilliant kitchen and bath design and your community! I look forward to reading more.
What do you like most about the FloForm Countertops Blog? Let me know in the comments.
This Social Flooring Index review focuses on the Burgin Construction Blog.
I first heard about Burgin Construction about 2 years ago at Surfaces during a presentation given by Marty Gould from Focalize Consulting. Not only was Burgin Construction doing good marketing and effectively connecting with customers, but their name 'Burgin' sounded a lot like 'Bergin', my maiden name.
Several months back I got to 'meet' Rhonda Burgin via Twitter during #KBTribeChat [see Bathroom Blogfest Twitter Chat: #kbtribechat]. She is the voice you hear when you interact with Burgin Construction online...
Let me then introduce you to the Burgin Construction Blog.
The first article on the Burgin Construction Blog was written on January 26, 2009. Articles are published once per week and cover a variety of topics ranging from news about the Burgin team [We're welcoming our newest Burgin team member and It's a boy! Welcome to the World Eddy Jr.!] to articles about remodeling and Brad Burgin's Top 10 Products of 2011. You'll notice seasonal articles - e.g., What do you love about your home? for Valentine's Day - and ones that are locally relevant to Orange County, California.
I love that the blog includes a customer testimonial: A Rave Review for Burgin Construction.
Regardless of the topic, these blog articles are engaging, informative and alive with passion. No surprise, the blog has created a vibrant community [see Family, Hawaii and a Surprise].
In the Burgin Construction Blog sidebar you will notice a Facebook fan box, a link to a before/after home remodel slideshow and other projects, recent blog posts and.... an email subscription form, something many blogs forget to include.
You'll also notice in the site footer, a photo of Rhonda and Brad Burgin, company owners, and information about how the company got started.
Here's what I wish the Burgin Construction Blog would do more of:
- List blog article categories in the blog sidebar so readers can filter through articles and discover your rich content.
- Move the email subscription form above the fold and to the top of the sidebar for easy subscribing to your content.
Congratulations Rhonda and the Burgin Construction Blog for creating such an engaging environment! I look forward to reading more.
What do you like most about the Burgin Construction Blog? Let me know in the comments!
--
By the way, here is how to connect with Burgin Construction:
The Lumber Liquidators Blog was launched on 6/18/2010 with Hardwood Cleaning Tips.
The blog focuses primarily on flooring products with emphasis on hardwood flooring [bamboo, cork, engineered, handscraped, Janka, laminate...]. It does a tremendous job adressing
How-To and
Installation topics, using visuals and images to demonstrate tips and best practices.
Although it published more frequently when it first launched, the
Lumber Liquidators Blog has settled into a monthly publishing schedule. Blog articles focus on Lumber Liquidators links. However, they do include links to favorite sites as listed in the July 14, 2010 post titled
What WOOD You Like to Hear About?, the first article to highlight the blog editor's voice.
The blog's
About Us page focuses on the Lumber Liquidators History.
Popular posts detail articles from June and July 2010. In the blog sidebar, you'll find invitations to become a Fan, subscribe by RSS and follow the blog via Typepad.
Here's what I wish Lumber Liquidators would do:
1. Identify who's writing! I know there's personality there. Please let me know whose voice we are hearing!
2. About Facebook. Go check out Lumber Liquidators' Facebook Fan Page. There's a lot of activity and engagement taking place on a frequent basis. I'd love to see in the blog sidebar a Facebook Fan Page widget that captures some of that interaction.
3. Add an email subscription form to the blog sidebar.
Great job, Lumber Liquidators Blog, sharing wood flooring How-To and Installation tips with readers! I look forward to reading more.
What do you like most about the Lumber Liquidators Blog? Let me know in the comments.