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Archives for September 2010

Florist Tips: Even YOU Can Use Videos To Increase Holiday Sales

Piquing the interest of potential customers is the key to increasing sales for the holidays. Sure, we send out the usual holiday mailers, set up vibrant displays in our shops, even run ads on the television or radio — but there’s got to be more, right?

Videos are the key to increasing sales this holiday season! With the rising popularity of YouTube, many retailers are turning to videos as a way to increase interest in their products and services.

“But I can’t afford a video camera…

Now, I know what you’re thinking, a video camera is completely out of your budget. Believe it or not, they’re actually pretty inexpensive these days. In the September article, Give A Flip: Videos Made Easy, Floral Management recommends the Flip UltraHD. This is a great buy for it’s HD video, built-in rechargeable battery, easy-to-install software, and much more — all for around $160-180. The camera we use here at FSN is the Cannon FS200. It’s very small and records standard-definition video and photos to an SD card, also for around $200. There are tons of other great, inexpensive options out there, so there are no excuses!

“What in the world would I make a video of?”

Example Of How A Christmas Video Will Look

Flower Arrangement Showcase
Since we are talking holidays, show off your amazing holiday decorating skills! Take before-and-after video of that boring living room you transformed into a winter wonderland. Show off your Christmas centerpieces in the grand dining rooms you create them for.

You’d be surprised how many people don’t realize their florists can decorate their homes for the holidays.

Take close-up video of all of your holiday flowers or just holiday-colored flowers. Even if they have not been arranged, they will put viewers in the mood for Christmas. Show off your holiday centerpieces and flower arrangements. Tease viewers with sneak peeks of your new holiday products and decor!

Design Videos
You know those hit TV shows all about people’s jobs? There are cake designers, chefs, interior designers, fashion designers — do you honestly think a florist’s job is any less entertaining? People love seeing creative designers take ordinary materials and turn them into something magical.

Set up the camera to film yourself in action! Give your viewers a feel of what it’s like to be a floral designer. Explain: Why you choose the flowers and colors you do. What types of design elements and contrasts you are using in your arrangement. Show them fantastic techniques only a florist could do with holiday flowers. It’s all about enticing the viewer to want flowers from YOU! Anyone can bunch some flowers together in a vase, but it takes a true floral professional to come up with the amazing designs from your shop!

Video example courtesy of Belvedere Flowers

Weddings! Take video of your wedding decorations. Show future-brides exactly what your flower shop can do for them! Take your video the night before the wedding to ensure there will be no people, so viewers can focus solely on your wedding decor. Show the beautifully designed reception tables and centerpieces in all their glory!

How-to Videos
Show customers how to use fresh flowers as holiday decorations. It can be as simple or elaborate as you would like… or maybe a mix of both!

How-to give hostess gifts: Sure, WE know flowers are the best hostess gifts, but show it on camera! Write out a little mini-movie: {Scene 1} Have a party with your friends. Set up a few decorations, but nothing too elaborate.. just a small, pot-luck style party with friends. {Scene 2} Have a friend arrive with a beautiful arrangement of holiday flowers for the hostess. Be sure to show the hostess’ surprised/elated face when she realizes they are just for her! {Scene 3} Show a scene of the party afterward with the arrangement decorating the buffet table. What a difference flowers make at a party!

TIP: You don’t have to know a lot about editing movies to create one. At the end of a scene, pause or stop recording, then begin again when it comes time to shoot your next segment. This way there is no need for major editing.

There are unlimited possibilities when it comes to how-to videos! You could do anything from “How to keep flowers fresh in vases” to “How to use fresh flowers to decorate your mantel for the holidays.” Just use your imagination!

Okay, I’ve made my videos, now what??

So, you’ve made your videos, now you’ve got to promote them! (I promise it’s easier than you think!)

First of all, play them in your shop if you can. Pick your favorite videos and play them on repeat in your shop. This will catch your customers’ eye instantly and give them a little insight on the services of your shop. You can either have a computer monitor set up to replay the video. If you are planning to do a lot of videos, you might consider investing in a digital photo frame. These are easy to use and great for setting up in your shop or store front.

YouTube makes it easy to spread your videos around the web. After uploading your videos, YouTube gives you an easy link to share on your website or Facebook. Send the link in your email campaigns. You can even embed the videos into your website. Facebook also allows you to upload videos to your shop’s Business Page!

Be sure to let us know when you post your videos online, we’d love to see them! Just paste a link in the comments below.

This post is brought to you by local Haverton PA florists.
Not in Haverton? Use Flower Shop Network’s handy directory of real local florists to find a florist near you!

Design Inspiration Challenge Winner Announced!

THE WINNER OF THE 2010 DESIGN INSPIRATION CHALLENGE

MARYJANE’S FLOWERS & GIFTS FROM BERLIN, NJ

Flower Shop Network is very proud to bring you the inspiring work of ART by Sandra of MaryJane’s Flowers & Gifts.

THE INSPIRATION:

Sandra interpreted this painting by famous artist, Van Gogh, into a floral masterpiece.

THE DESIGN:

Sandra did a fabulous job of matching the textures of Van Gogh’s work with various types of flowers. The tiny rose petal path really shows her attention to details.

THE WINNER:

When paired together, the works of Van Gogh and the inspired floral arrangement really take on a new life. Amazing work and very inspiring to floral designers everywhere.


Sandra is receiving the beautiful, personalized Design Inspiration Challenge trophy plaque and FSN prize pack!
CONGRATULATIONS SANDRA~!!

For more inspiration from our Design Inspiration Challenge, visit these links:

View All Entries For Round 1
View All Entries For Round 2

View All Entries For Round 3

View All Entries For Round 4
View All Entries For Round 5

View All Entries For Round 6

FSN would like to thank everyone who participated. We had a lot of fun with this contest this summer and plan on next summer’s challenge to be EVEN BIGGER!


Saving A Peace Lily

Ask the Expert: How do I save my peace lily?

Spathiphyllum

My peace lily’s leaves are soft and limp. Someone told m I overwatered it. I let it dry out, it did not improve. Can this plant be saved or is it too late? Debbie

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:
The plant can be saved.
Check the roots. Make sure they have not rotted and that the container has drain holes that will allows excess water to drain away from the roots.

The soil looks a little dry right now. Moisten the soil and keep it evenly moist but not soggy. You want the soil to hold water, but you should not be able to squeeze water from it. Also create a humid environment around the plant by misting the air around it with lukewarm water every day or every other day. Remove any of the yellow or brown leaves.

Make sure the plant is receiving light. However, the light source should not be beaming directly on to the plant.

Once you get the plant settle with the right conditions it should make a full recovery.

This post is brought to you by local Nashville TN florists.
Not in Nashville? Use Flower Shop Network’s handy directory of real local florists to find a florist near you!

Just One More Day

I know everyone is excited to find out who the overall winner of the Summer Design Challenge is, but you will have to wait one more day.

Our design challenge coordinator (Mandy Maxwell) is out of the office. Since she worked so hard on the challenge (coming up with fantastic inspirational photos), we couldn’t make the announcement without her.

So sleep tight tonight and look for the announcement tomorrow.

Marketing Ideas From The Top At Tennessee State Florists Convention

At the Tennessee State Florist Convention, FSN had the great chance to interview two great marketers in the floral industry, Rick Rivers and Ryan Freeman. They give us ideas on how to expand our ‘ponds’ or online customer base. Also ideas on promoting your shop both on and offline.

Rick encourages florists to build a pond around their customer pool and keep those customers for yourself. You can’t let your competitors fish your pond out! To build this pond, florists can use a multitude of service platforms like social networks, reminder services, great customer service, and staying in touch all year long.

Ryan recommends having your own website, and promote this through other platforms. You can’t put all of your resources into a third party site, like Facebook, because you never know how things are going to change. Use services on and offline to promote your website.

Ask The Expert: How Do I Condition Veggies For Floral Design

Ask the Expert: I want to use eggplant, asparagus, radishes, and purple cabbage in a floral design that must stay fresh for 3 days.  Any suggestions? Linda S.

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: This question was a bit tough, but we have your answer, Linda! Thanks to the help of two fantastic florists, here is what you need to know about conditioning your vegetables for floral design.

Scott Darhower from Apple Blossoms Florist in Tampa FL says, “They are not much different than a flower. Eggplant are good on their own. Radishes with their tops, I suggest removing the tops. Asparagus and cabbage need to be hydrated just as any flower. Hit heavily with crowning glory.

Regina Berryman, a freelance florist from Memphis TN says, “I would use them with no problem as long as no cutting is involved. Whole eggplant as well radishes. Cutting may attract flies and change color. I feel ok with purple cabbage.

For the most part, you will use vegetables in floral arrangements the same way you do with flowers. Larger veggies like eggplant will do fine on its own for several days. Be sure your more delicate vegetables like asparagus and cabbage are hydrated. Hope this helps, Linda!

(Also note, don’t eat the veggies after being used in your floral designs. Many times the water used to hydrate them has ‘flower food’ in it.)

This post is brought to you by local Memphis TN florists.
Not in Memphis? Use Flower Shop Network’s handy directory of real local florists to find a florist near you!

Send Football Themed Flowers For A Winning Husband

I don’t know about you, but my guy’s big into football. NFL, College… even the world of fantasy football has taken him over.

Sending a man flowers is almost taboo for some guys, but sending a man football themed flowers… suddenly he’s the hit of the office! Don’t ask me why, but there is a certain passion a man reserves for his team. You could buy him a dress in his favorite team’s colors and he’d probably wear it to the next big game, haha.

So for wives looking to send a little something special to their hubby’s office, football themed flowers are an obvious choice! Not only will they loveee the idea, but will show it off to all of their friends and co-workers.

If your hubby is in a fantasy league, send him flowers when he wins a big game, like the playoffs or the league championship Superbowl.  He will be thrilled you are taking an interest in his favorite hobby.

To send sports-themed flowers, contact your local florist and give them the team colors and mascot information. Although your florist may not have specific team items to use in the arrangement, they will have your colors in fresh flowers. For instance, the Cowboys themed flower arrangement (right) uses the colors blue and white and has a blue ribbon to set it off. (Silver ribbon would’ve been great on this one too!)

If you really want to surprise him, find out about his fantasy team. He would’ve picked a team name, colors and even a mascot — send him flowers based on that and maybe you’ll get some attention tonight instead of his roster!

Related Articles You Might Enjoy:

Add Flower Power To Your Tailgate Party

What Hostess Gift Should I Bring To A Super Bowl Party?

Kick Off The Party With Game-Day Football Flowers

This post is brought to you by local Dallas TX florists.
Not in Dallas? Use Flower Shop Network to find a real local florist in your city today!

Matching Flowers To Purse: The Easiest Way To Send The Wife Flowers

One of the biggest excuses I hear from guys about why they don’t send their wife or girlfriend flowers more often is, “I just don’t know what she likes…” Sorry guys, this is a pretty lame excuse!

Here is the solution: Match the flowers to her purse!

If she has a purple purse, it’s obvious she likes the color purple. Red? Send her red roses! Hot pink? Pink Gerber daisies are your answer! It’s that easy!

If her purse is a little more wild, like leopard print, that will be a fun challenge for the florist! I bet your local florist has leopard ribbon to use and a great selection of fall flowers would go perfect with those earthy tones!

An even better idea is to email a photo of the purse to your florist. And guys, don’t make it harder than it sounds, with all the new-fangled, high-tech phones out there now, you can snap a quick pic and email it to your florist in no time!

This is a great way to be romantic and pick out something special JUST FOR HER!

There is a lot you can learn about a woman based on the style of purse she has — whether she likes more of a contemporary or vintage style. Maybe its a designer purse? She’d probably like a floral design with a little more high-fashion. Your florist may know absolutely nothing about purses, but they do know a LOT about style. They will at least be able to read your wife’s style and favorite colors. Give it a try by sending flowers today!

Florists: If you get a guy who gives the “I just don’t know what she likes…” excuse, try recommending this idea!

This post is brought to you by local Grand Rapids MI florists.
Not in Grand Rapids? No worries, Flower Shop Network makes it easy to find a real local florist near you!

Design Inspiration Challenge: Grand Finale — Who Inspires You?

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For the Grand Prize Winner, we want to know,

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Flower Shop Network recently did a series of contests all about inspiration. We gave florists a specific, inspiring photo — from a Van Gogh painting to an undersea coral reef — they designed something fabulous based on that inspiration. Now is the final round and your chance to vote on the winners of each earlier round! (Scroll to the bottom to vote!)

Design Inspiration Challenge: Round 1 Winner
Sandra from MaryJane’s Flowers & Gifts, Berlin NJ
View All Entries For Round 1

Design Inspiration Challenge: Round 2 Winner
Rebecca from Forget Me Not Florist, Northampton MA
View All Entries For Round 2

Design Inspiration Challenge: Round 3 Winner
Bitsy from Hope Floral, Hope AR
View All Entries For Round 3

Design Inspiration Challenge: Round 4 Winner
Earl from Shirley’s Florist Inc., Birmingham AL
View All Entries For Round 4

Design Inspiration Challenge: Round 5 Winner
Keith from Buds ‘N Bows, Crawford GA
View All Entries For Round 5

Design Inspiration Challenge: Round 6 Co-Winner
Shirley of Shirley’s Florist Inc., Birmingham AL
View All Entries For Round 6

NOW ITS TIME FOR YOU TO VOTE!!

We think everyone did a FANTASTIC job on their arrangements. It was so close, and a very tough decision!
FSN would like to thank everyone who was a part of this contest!

We will announce the winner next Monday! Good luck everyone!!


Flora Tashia, “The Artistry of Flowers” At The Alabama State Florist’s Convention

Flora Tashia or “The Art of Flowers” was the theme for this years 2010 Alabama State Florists Association‘s annual convention, and what a great show it was! Tons of great presentations, amazing hands-on workshops by industry stars, floral design competitions — all in the most beautiful little place in Alabama, Guntersville State Park. Here are a few pictures and winners from the event:

Congratulations to Emily Pruett — Winner of the Designer Of the Year competition at Alabama State Florist Association.

Shirley Carmack Alabama Florist Flowers On Canvas

Amazing work by one of our great members, Shirley Carmack of Shirley’s Florist Inc. This was a design for the Alabama Cup Competition. The theme was “Paint Me A Picture.” Incredible artistry!

Modern Funeral Spray Unique Funeral Tribute

New ideas for heart-shaped funeral sprays from the Alabama State Florists Convention.

Unique Bridal Bouquet

Unique bouquet using wool.

If you missed it this year, be sure to follow our Floral Shows & Conventions page to see when next year’s event will be!

This post was brought to you by local Guntersville AL florists.
Not in Guntersville? No worries, use Flower Shop Network’s directory of real local florists to find a florist near YOU!