From the left, Natalie Phipps; Margo Locust, Editor-in Chief; Ann Seay, Director of Special Projects; and Lisbeth Calandrino, Associate Publisher/Social Media Strategy from Fabulous Floors Magazine at a ribbon cutting at the Dalton Chamber of Commerce.
This year Fabulous Floors Magazine will be at Coverings 2012. Copies of Fabulous Floors Magazine will be readily available in a publication bin in the South Lobby of the Orange County Convention Center, so be sure to pick up a copy.
I’m the Associate Publisher of the magazine and we’re really excited to be part of the show. We love being part of the industry and this is another way we can participate. Since our launch in 2005, we have looked for ways to support our advertisers and add value to the industry. In fact, this year the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and Fabulous Floors Magazine released ‘Tile for Your Lifestyle’, a resource guide for consumers, designers, and architects that showcases tile as a design element.
One of my favorite aspects of Coverings is its educational program. This year there are nearly 70 sessions presented by industry leaders who will be sharing their ideas to help improve the success of your business. In addition, Coverings is an approved AIA/CES Approved Provider and a NKBA CEU Provider Partner. The conference has also recently been approved for over 20 hours by IDCEC and over 50 hours by AIA. That’s right – attendees can earn FREE CEUs at Coverings!
Change is Not in the Rear View Mirror is the title for my educational session at Coverings. The past few years have been challenging for all businesses; there aren’t many solid answers. Most would say it’s still tough out there. We know we should do something but it’s not easy to make changes particularly when there’s no guarantee the changes will work. It’s only human to look to the past for solutions that we think will work.
Unfortunately there are many reasons why the past doesn’t always work. The past is the past; a different time, different technologies and different social norms. Using the same solutions is like trying to put that proverbial square peg in a round hole. This doesn’t mean that the past doesn’t have value, but the value is more in the understanding of how one arrives at solutions rather than the solution itself.
If one has the right problem solving skills and the right understanding of the problem, solutions will come easier and will be more relevant. In my session we will look at problem solving skills that will help business navigate the present business climate and come up with viable solutions.
Simon Senek wrote a book called ‘Start with the Why:’ his premise – if you know your ‘why’ then the rest makes sense. Knowing your ‘why’ will inspire your and those around you to take action. Simon is somewhat unconventional in his thinking but explains why some people are always more successful and what you have to do to move forward.
The seminar will be fun and thought-provoking as you discover what you need to stop looking backward to move forward.
Join me on Tuesday, April 17, 2:45 to 3:45 PM at S230GH to discover what you will need to move forward in your business. Register for the show today – and remember it’s all free!

Lisbeth Calandrino helps businesses build long lasting and profitable relationships with their customers through social media and outstanding customer service. She is author of the book, Red Hot Customer Service and associate publisher and social media manager for Fabulous Floors Magazine.