3 Steps To Optimize Your Online Reputation – Network Smarter Part 1 of 3

Networking Smarter 1 - Social Media

Welcome to the first in a series of three articles written to help you network smarter, not harder. This week’s topic: getting started with social media.

While face-to-face interactions remain the best form of networking, social networking sites can help you connect with other professionals easier than ever. And, in our increasingly hyper-connected world, it’s now essential to have an online presence you’re proud of.

Step 1 – Assess the situation

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Photo Gallery: Environmental Affairs Kicks Off First Annual Green Fling

It may have been pouring outside, but rain didn’t stop our Environmental Affairs team from kicking off the first annual Green Fling at the Corporate Office. On May 29, our Conference Center transformed into a party with games, prizes, music, giveaways, and a photo booth. Recycling vendors collected employees’ recyclable household materials such as cardboard, aluminum, and even electronic waste. Check out a few of our favorite photos from the day!

Beginner’s Guide to Investing: A Guide to Index Mutual Funds

Beginner's Guide to Investing - Index Fund LogoNote: Make sure you check out the rest of the series on personal investing.

Picking individual stocks may be fun and exciting, but it usually generates a much lower return than simply investing in low-cost, index mutual funds.

Four Options

If you’re going to invest in stocks, you basically have 4 options:

  1. Pick Stocks Yourself. You can decide, for yourself, in which individual stocks you’ll invest.
  2. Use a Broker. You can pay your stock broker a fee (i.e. commission) to pick stocks for you.
  3. Invest in Mutual Funds. You can pay a mutual fund manager a fee to actively select stocks for you. The annual fee is typically 1% – 2% of your investment.
  4. Use Index Mutual Funds. Index mutual funds simply invest in most or all stocks in their respective market index. They don’t pick stocks, so fees are much lower, typically 0.05% – 0.50% each year.

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Employee Spotlight: National ADDY Gold Winner Offers L&P Some Creative Inspiration

Matt Heflin drinks tea from a bright red, bulbous teapot. He doesn’t sit at his desk; he stands. Occasionally he perches on a tall metallic stool. His office lights are off but a tiny bit of sunlight peeks through his window.

He’s in his creative zone.

As a Graphic Designer for Leggett & Platt’s Creative Services, Matt partners with a team of artists and designers who form our internal advertising agency.

Hired in April 2014, Matt is still relatively new in his role, but his creative nature goes back many years. His longtime devotion to music, passion for ceramics, and love for painting led him to study Fine Art at Pittsburg State University, where he earned a degree in Commercial Graphics and Graphic Design. In college, he also received national recognition, winning the Student Gold Award from the American Advertising Association.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

In a word: projects. I design pieces of art for customers who are trying to build their brand, promote an event, or sell a product. I usually have about seven projects going at once, all of which vary in urgency. I constantly coordinate with the clients – asking them for more direction on the materials, trying to get artwork narrowed down, or seeking approval on finished items.

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Company Spotlight: It’s All About Location at Switzerland’s Spühl

Situated in the picturesque village of Wittenbach, Switzerland, Spühl benefits from both a great physical location and its location within the structure of Leggett & Platt. As part of the Residential Furnishings segment, Spühl provides the machines necessary to create many of Leggett’s own bedding components.

Spühl resides in Wittenbach, Switzerland.

The countryside around Spühl in Wittenbach, Switzerland.

Like a Swiss watch

When asked about the culture at Spühl, Roger Straessle, Vice President of International Sales, said, “Our employees are very precise and reliable, like a Swiss watch. They’re encouraged to make decisions within their work responsibilities, creating a sense of trust and motivation.”

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Four Questions to Ask Before Relocating & Six Things I Love About Joplin, MO

Relocation Services Icon

Relocating for your career can be a stressful time. We get it. You have to consider selling your home, finding a new one, and moving your family and belongings to a new location, maybe across the country. Not to mention all the time, energy, and money it takes to do it. That’s why in January 2015 Leggett & Platt approved new company guidelines for our domestic relocations. These guidelines help our hiring managers make informed decisions on relocation packages that work for both the new employee and the company.

Relocation is just one of the many benefits you could enjoy if you choose a job with Leggett & Platt. However, please know that relocation may not be offered for every position in every location.

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Employee Spotlight: Introducing Gustavo Lemos from Sorocaba, Brazil

Although Brazil is considered one of the world’s most promising markets, its volatile economy has proven frustrating for many businesses. According to Eric Rhea, President of Leggett’s Bedding Group, “Establishing a business in Brazil can be risky, but managing a successful business there can be even more challenging. After years of fighting unfavorable conditions, we’ve recently turned a corner and want to seize the opportunities we’ve developed.”

Gustavo comes to Leggett with an engineering background, an MBA, and years of experience as an Operational Director with 3M.

Gustavo Lemos (center) comes to Leggett with an engineering background, an MBA, and many years of experience as an Operational Director for 3M.

“We found the kind of leader who confronts such difficulties head on with Gustavo Lemos,” said Eric. Gustavo joined Leggett in November 2014 as the South America President over Leggett & Platt de Brasil, a facility in Sorocaba with 305 employees that manufactures residential furniture and components. Continue reading

Look Inside: First Quarter Record EPS

“For the full year, we expect to achieve similar results: record sales from continuing operations, our highest EBIT margin since 2000, and record EPS.” — Dave Haffner, Board Chair & CEO, from the first quarter press release.

Look Inside - 1st Quarter Record EPS