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CEO adds. In this social media/online shopping age, be sure that your site has a review capabil- ity. Then pay attention and be sure to read and respond promptly. "Too many industry manufac- turers have built sites that are trade-driven. Make sure the user interface is consumer-friendly." Trade show participation should be consid- ered part of a fully integrated plan, Qualls says. "Leveraging a trade show as part of a launch is an efective way to generate excitement from a large audience," she notes, but suggests doing it as part of an integrated strategy. "Choosing to in- vest in a trade show without connecting all of the marketing dots can be expensive. "Maximizing the investment is key." Some best practices she ofers exhibitors include cross-promotion with complementary exhibitors, presentation and award opportunities and efective press relations. Qualls sees experiential showrooms as one of the key industry trends that manufacturers need to be watching. (This also, of course, impacts showroom owners and retailers!) "Consumers want to touch and feel, and, if possible, 'test drive' products before making a purchase. Creating an environment where customers can experience how a product performs, preferably in a fun, collaborative environment, is keeping the brick and mortar showroom relevant and important. Brands need to fnd ways to encour- age and allow showrooms to use their products accordingly," she advises. FOR JOB SEEKERS Maybe your resolution is fnding a new job in 2016 or fnding new employees to grow your company. Lynn Kirchgatter, president of industry recruitment from the Saint Ansgar, IA-based Keercutter & Associates, has some best practice trends to share with individuals at both ends of the hiring spectrum. While recruiting tools have changed in the Internet age and some newer skills can make you more marketable in certain jobs, there are some fundamental best practice trends to consider. Kirchgatter says, "We wade through hundreds of resumes a week. Many are well-written, in an easy-to-read and under- standable format, but many of them need work. Job seekers will have a better chance of success if they modify the resume to ft the job applied for. For example, if you are applying for a sales position, make sure that your resume refects sales accomplishments translated in percentages or dollars. The best skill a kitchen designer can hone is how to ask for the sale and close." Kirchgatter also ofers these best practice in- sights: "Learning to network can add signifcant value. Make sure you have a LinkedIn profle. Learn to blog and publish on LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media. Join professional groups and trade associations in your specialty." The one fundamental best practice that has not changed is the need for research; the Internet and social media just make it a ton easier. "The hiring manager will want to under- stand why you think you are that perfect match," Kirchgatter says about a job opening. "Make sure that you have an overall understanding of this company before you step through the front door. Is the culture collaborative or competitive? Where can you make a diference? Where do you match? Weave what you learned into your interview. You will be surprised how much more at ease your conversation will be when you are not in 'wing-it' mode," the recruiter shares. She has some best practice trends to share with hiring frms, too: "Job seekers tell us that employment ads are boring. They realize that eventually they need to read a detailed job Maximize trade show investments by seeking out award opportunities. Treat your body with high-performance habits to meet high-performance goals. Photo: National Kitchen & Bath Association Photo: Gareth Gardener for Humanscale 44 Kitchen & Bath Design News • January 2016 TREND SPOTTING At last. A trend-driven cabinetry line that brings countless custom capabilities together with time-honored craftsmanship and high-end construction. From the makers of the venerable Habersham furniture and cabinetry brand, StyleAvant ofers fabulously f lexible design features to create stunning spaces that are perfectly in sync with your clients' unique style sensibilities. Because style is personal. w w w . s t y l e a v a n t . c o m | 8 O O . H A B E R S H A M S t y l e I s P e r s o n a l . W e G e t T h a t . K i t c h e n d e s i g n b y B r y a n R e i s s , C M K B D , D i s t i n c t i v e D e s i g n I n t r o d u c i n g Circle No. 26 on Product Card