"Lost in Louisiana" - The Business of Furniture 1/27/16 - Stephen Says




Stephen Says


Note: Thank you for your overwhelming response to the Stephen Says column. We're getting a large number of questions from employees at Architectural & Design Firms, salespeople at dealers and manufacturers, and even HR people.

We're doing our best to answer as many questions as we can, so please be patient for your answers, and thank you for your many, many questions! - Stephen
 

Dear Stephen,

Lost in Louisiana:

I've been in contract furniture sales for the last 25 years. I've worked at both a dealer and a manufacturer. I'm feeling burnt out. I love the industry and my original degree is in interior design, but I've gone between dealers and manufacturers and I'm not sure what's left for me. I feel like I'm coming up on a dead end, yet I feel like it's time for me to make a move. How can I stay in the industry, but be excited about something new?


Stephen:

I have a lot of ideas for you. I always recommend that those people who have been on the contract side of the industry and get a little burnt out selling office furniture but still have an affinity for the industry, consider taking their skillset to the residential or home-furnishings side of the industry. There are both trade showrooms and high-end retail opportunities that always have great jobs. They pay far better than you think, and they allow you to stay in the fun world of design, while just moving to another end of the business. Many of the high-end residential companies are also looking for that commercial or hospitality business, and they need strong Outside Salespeople to do it. Likely companies to send your resume to would be companies like Donghia, Holly Hunt, J. Robert Scott, Baker, just to name a few. There's also great opportunities with companies that just manufacture outdoor furniture, carpeting, lighting, and accessories. And while we're on it, the kitchen, bath, and tile industries are very hot. All of these industries have great companies who would appreciate your knowledge of a similar customer base, and in many cases you'll be bringing a more disciplined sales approach to their industry. It can't hurt for you to at least start going on some interviews in those industries. It will feel close to home, but also brand new!
 

Soon to be Starving Artist:

I've been with my big design firm for about a year and half now. I am in a low-level position and have generally had a good experience with the firm. I've been treated well and I like the people that I've had the chance to work with. Recently though, I realized that I don't want to be in a big firm and want to begin working on my own small-scale design projects. I want to quit relatively soon so as to start my own work, but I also understand that I'll need as much money as possible to get going so I was thinking of waiting until after I received my bonus to quit. Is this poor etiquette? Is it okay to give notice right after you receive your bonus?


Stephen:

Let me first commend you on a bold decision. I typically recommend that you be at a firm five years before going out on your own, but if you feel like you can or need to do this now, have at it! Etiquette smithdicake. Take the bonus you have earned it! It's often very difficult to make career decisions that put us in uncertain situations, but often it is those decisions that make us happiest. You should know that your dilemma is a common one, especially since bonus time almost universally overlaps with the New Year. Most firms and bosses give bonuses as signs of good faith or an opportunity to reward employees further for good work, not as a political ploy—no matter what you might see on The Good Wife. With this in mind, I think you are well within your right, so long as you're not under contract, to leave on your terms and when you would like. Now, I can't guarantee that your boss will be happy with your decision, and it seems like keeping a strong stable of contacts will be vital to your success going forward, but there is certainly a way to quit after receiving your bonus without burning bridges.
 

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Stephen Viscusi is a bestselling author, television personality,
and CEO of The Viscusi Group, global executive recruiters located in New York.
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