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Archives for April 2015

Instagram For Florists

April 29, 2015 by Leave a Comment

It’s no secret that flowers are visual and that customers are now looking for your business on social media. This is why you should consider extending your marketing through a solely visual marketing platform: Instagram.

You may be wondering  “what the heck is Instagram?”  and how you can market yourself through this platform when you aren’t much of a photographer? We have the answers and more!

Instagram + You

Instagram is all about the visual. It’s a platform of picture based posts that many businesses have taken as their main platform for sales. Why? Because customers are visual and when they see something they love, they want to buy. This works especially well for florists because flowers are visual, and customers want to see your designs before they make a purchase.

Strike A Pose

What makes Instagram so popular is its easy-to-use platform that allows anyone to be a photographer. There are many easy editing tools that can make your pictures look great, even if you aren’t trained in photography.

Making It Work For The Flower Shop

Here are 5 ways that you can implement Instagram into your business’ marketing strategy:

Show Off
Proud of your design? Show your great work to your followers and tell them how to order the same design at your shop.

Contests
Let your followers win a pretty bouquet. Have them like your post or comment and choose the winner randomly (do inform them ahead of time that the winner has to be in your area or has to visit the shop to pick up the arrangement).

Holiday Coupons
Give your followers a discount during the holidays. Post a graphic of a coupon for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day or any holiday and have them show you the coupon on their phone when they make their purchase.

Delivery Confirmation
Have customers upload a picture of their blooms on Instagram and tag you in the post. You can then repost it and show all your followers a happy customer.

Behind-the-Scenes
Designing for an event or putting together a photoshoot? Share it with your fans! They love seeing their favorite shops in action and may hire you for their next event!

Take advantage of this great social media platform that can benefit your business! For more great marketing tips, visit the Bloomin’ Blog!

Filed Under: Marketing Tips Tagged With: , ,

FSN April 2015 Newsletter

April 27, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Celebrations are making their way into the following month. With last minute proms, graduation parties, and of course one of the biggest floral holidays of the year–Mother’s Day–it’s no surprise that the following articles have made the top reads this month in the Bloomin’ Blog. Check out these posts for April 2015!

Mother’s Day Floral Trends 2015

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and these great floral gifts will make that special lady smile!
Read More

Phone Etiquette

Answering the phone is one of the most important aspects of running a flower shop business. Here are some great tips on staying professional via phone.
Read More

Wedding Trends: Reception Tablescape Arrangements 2015

The tablescape centerpieces are what guests remember the most because it’s what they see the whole time they are at a wedding.
Here are some trending reception tablescape arrangements for 2015:

Bloom Bunch– short, full arrangements.

Color Pairs– matching colors with both florals and accents.

Exquisite Heights– tall blooms that don’t block the view.

Chic Mix– cluster of jar florals.

Read More

Shop Talk: A Flower Shop Promposal

A local flower shop participated in a romantic promposal that involved a fun scavenger hunt that had a big surprise!
Read More

Flower Spotlight: English Rose

Roses are classic, beautiful and perfect for any occasion, but what really stands out is the English Rose. Here is a brief history of this astonishing bloom.
Read More

WE’RE SOCIAL!

Flower Shop Network on Pinterest!

Love flowers? Follow us on the above Social Networks! We are always sharing the latest articles from our Bloomin’ Blog, as well as the most fascinating news on the net!

Help make Flower Shop Network‘s monthly newsletter even better! Got questions? Have an idea for a story? With your help, we can make the FSN newsletter just what you want and need. You can drop us a note in the comment section on the blog or email us at social@flowershopnetwork.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

 

Filed Under: Newsletters Tagged With: ,

MFA and WUMFA Winners 2015

April 24, 2015 by Leave a Comment

The Michigan Floral Association and the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Florists Association has announced the winners of the 2015 awards. From various areas in the floral industry, these winners have excelled in talent and leadership. We wanted to offer a congratulations to all the winners.

We wanted to especially congratulate two of our members. First, congrats to Pamela Prough of My Lady’s Florist in Westland, Michigan who received the MFA Retail Employee of the Year Award at the 2015 Great Lakes Floral Expo held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Second, congrats to Smith Floral and Greenhouses of Lansing, Michigan who received the MFA Retailer of the Year 2015 Award.

         

Here are the other winners:

Michigan Floral Association (MFA)

Past President’s Floriology Scholarship
Shelley Adair

Certified Florist of the Year
Arlon Slagn

National Service Award
Jack Howard

Lifetime Award
Bob Friese

Special Recognition Award
James Lutke

MFA Supplier of the Year
Kennicott Brothers

Young Person of the Year
Angela Christi

2015 MFA Wholesale Employee of the Year Award
Ric Gaunt

Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Florist Association (WUMFA)

Lifetime Achievement Award
Dan Grogan

WUMFA National Service Award
Lee Sorenson

WUMFA Special Services Award
Kathleen Johnson

WUMFA Wholesaler of the Year
Rojahn and Malaney

WUMFA Young Person of the Year
Melissa Maas

It’s always a great day to celebrate the floral industry! Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more floral industry news!

Photos courtesy of MFA and WUMFA.

Filed Under: Floral Industry News Tagged With: , , , , ,

Wedding Trends: Reception Tablescape Arrangements ’15

April 22, 2015 by 1 Comment

It’s no surprise that when it comes to weddings, flowers stand out the most at the reception. The tablescape centerpieces are what guests remember the most because it’s what they see the whole time they are at a wedding. Here are some trending reception tablescape arrangements for 2015!

Wedding Trends: Reception Tablescape Arrangements ’15Bloom Bunch

A big arrangement is always a head-turner, but keeping it short also keeps guests happy because their view is unobstructed when mingling.

Color Pairs

A tall simple arrangement with fruit or vegetable accents in one main color give any reception table a modern flair.

Exquisite Heights

Tall arrangements can be tricky, but are definitely eye-catching in high ceiling venues. Consider skinny vases that don’t obstruct guests view.

Chic Mix

The popular cluster of mason jars with ‘just-picked’ flowers gives any table a rustic look and is a very versatile decoration.

Reception tablescape arrangements can be as dramatic or as simple as one desires. Just remember to consider the guest’s view and don’t be afraid to try other colors! For more great ideas and tips, visit the Blooming Blog!

Bloom Bunch photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/10296

Color Pairs photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/9233

Exquisite Heights photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/8826

Chic Mix photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/10113

Filed Under: Wedding Flowers Tagged With: , ,

Mother’s Day Floral Trends ’15

April 20, 2015 by 1 Comment

Your mother is a special lady and her gift on Mother’s Day should be just as special. Many flower-gifters opt for a rose bouquet, which is a beautiful and classic choice, but there are many other options that will also bring a radiant smile to a loved one’s face. Here are this year’s options for a Mother’s Day floral gift!

Lilies

Give your mom the symbol of life this Mother’s Day. Lilies come in a plethora of colors, so choose her favorite and combine the flowers with other spring and summer blooms.

Tulips

Whether potted or in a bouquet, tulips are a Mom favorite because they are colorful and long-lasting. They, like lilies, are available in just about every color!

Potted Rosebush

Does Mom have a green thumb? Then instead of a cut flower bouquet, consider this everlasting tribute to her. These small blooming plants can be enjoyed inside for a long time before being replanted in her garden.

Succulents

Succulents and air plants have grown in popularity and make an excellent gift this season. If your Mom isn’t much of a gardener, no worries! Succulents don’t require much water and stay indoors!

Extras

You can add a gift along with your arrangement as well! Talk to your florist about incorporating a keepsake to your floral gift. Jewellery, chocolate and even photos are viable add-ons to make a unique gift.

Mother’s Day is for honoring the special woman who raised you and what better way to say “I love you” than with flowers! Head to your local florist to make this Mother’s Day truly special!

Filed Under: Gift Ideas, Holiday Info Tagged With: , ,

Flower Shop Phone Etiquette

April 17, 2015 by 1 Comment

Answering the phone is one of the most important aspects of running a flower shop business. It’s usually how you get your orders and solve problems with customers. Sometimes one can forget the etiquette. Whether it’s stress or a split second response while the boss is busy, phone etiquette can often be forgotten and sometimes a simple “Hello, how can I help you?” can make or break a sale.

Here are our top five rules of phone etiquette:

1. Always Answer Clearly and Cheerfully

First impressions are important, especially when talking to customers on the phone. Answer in a clear and cheerful tone, ready to help the customer.

2. Never Say “I Don’t Know”

Saying “I don’t know” doesn’t solve the problem. If you don’t know how to answer the customer’s questions say “Let me find out for you.” This way you are still offering a solution rather than stopping  the communication.

3. Make Sure To Ask Questions

While customers are usually the ones asking questions, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask some too! If you are confused about something said or the spelling of the name, it’s better to double check than to get it wrong because you didn’t ask.

4. Never Be Rushed

While it’s hard not to feel the pressure on busy floral holidays, it’s important to make your customer feel like they have your undivided attention. This also causes less mistakes in the long run.

5. End With A Cheerful Goodbye

Let your customer know how appreciative you are of their business. How you end the phone conversation is what sticks with them and what decides whether they will be calling again.

Whether you learned something new or used it as a refresher, we hope this post will help your phone etiquette. Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great tips!

Filed Under: Marketing Tips Tagged With: , ,

Shop Talk: A Flower Shop Promposal

April 13, 2015 by 1 Comment

Shop Talk: A Flower Shop Promposal

With prom season upon us, we wanted to share this great story with you about a unique promposal! Our friends at Heather’s Way Flowers and Plants in Jonesboro, Arkansas, participated in a super romantic promposal that involved a fun scavenger hunt that had a big surprise!
1. How did you assist in this promposal?
We assisted in the scavenger hunt of the promposal and it ended up with a very special young man asking a lovely girl to prom.
2. Have you done this before?
No. It was a lot of fun and so sweet! We love helping out our community in these neat ways.
3. Why did you decide to assist in the promposal? Did you benefit marketing-wise from this?
We were just lending a hand to the community and any sort of marketing that occurred from that was purely by accident. It was a great way however to kick off the prom flower season.
4. What ways do you market your shop for prom?
I do radio. It’s worked very well. I target the kids and their moms.
5. What tips can you give teens when it comes to ordering their floral pieces for prom?
Bring the girl and the dress to match colors and to try on the wristlet to make sure it fits.
6. Any tips for florists during prom season?
Always up-sell. Show all the add ons like lights, stones, more ribbons, etc.
.
For more great tips on prom and other floral events, check back with the Bloomin’ Blog!
Filed Under: Seasonal Flowers Tagged With: , ,

Flower Spotlight: English Rose

April 10, 2015 by Leave a Comment

 

Roses are classic, beautiful and perfect for any occasion, but what really stands out is the English Rose. Perfect for gardeners that like to think outside the box! Here is a brief history of this astonishing bloom.

Origins and Symbolism

Introduced in 1969 to England by David Austin Rose (another name for the rose), the English Rose combines elements from both old and modern roses. David Austin wanted cupped, rosette-shaped flowers with many petals and a wide variety of colors, including yellow–which is not very common among old roses. In order to create what is no known as the English Rose, David Austin crossed Gallicas, Damasks, Portlands, and Bourbons with Floribundas, Hybrid Teas, and Mordern Climbers.

To Consider

The David Austin Roses are classified as shrub roses and make great landscape plants. These roses can be grown in warm climates (southern parts of the United States), but some varieties, such as the ‘Graham Thomas’ need cooler climates. Roses are non-toxic and safe to grow for pet owners.

Availability

English Roses bloom several times a year depending on the variety and climate. These roses come in different soft pastel colors, such as pinks, peaches and apricots. There are also yellow, white and dark red varieties. Some of the fragrances are damask, tea scents and citrus. The Constance Spry, which is the first English Rose, has an unusual scent described as “myrrh.”

English Roses can make beautiful cut flowers with just a few disadvantages. Most have very short stems and the petals can be very delicate, not lasting very long when cut. The ‘Evelyn’ and ‘Abraham Darby’ varieties, however have many petals and make great cut flower arrangements.

This rose is perfect if you are looking for something unique and romantic. Head to you local florist and have them create a beautiful arrangement with the exquisite English Rose.

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: , ,

Trending Graduation Arrangements

April 6, 2015 by Leave a Comment

 Graduation is a special time. It marks the completion of a stage of life and the beginning of a new chapter. What better gift to congratulate the graduate than flowers–a symbol of thriving and growth. Here are some ideas for great graduation arrangements for an amazing student!

School Colors

Graduation is the perfect time to show off school pride! Consider an arrangement with the recipient’s school colors. Your florist can help you find the best bunch of blooms for your loved one. Whether it’s dyed flowers or even colorful ribbon, surprise your student with some school spirit.

Plants

Ferns, succulents and bamboo plants make great graduation gifts. These sorts of plants require minimal care, which is ideal for a graduate’s new desk. In addition, green plants tend to last longer than cut flowers, allowing the recipient to have a reminder of their special day for a long time to come.

Roses

Always popular for many occasions, roses are a universal sign of love. They are a reminder that the recipient is very special to the giver and graduation is an ideal time to express that. Roses come in a large variety of hues, so consider a bouquet of mixed colors to symbolize the many choices your graduate can make in the near future.

Personalization

Talk to your florist about incorporating some gifts within an arrangement. Maybe new school supplies or something useful for their new job–your local florist can personalize their arrangement for an extra special graduation gift.

Whatever you choose, your graduate will feel special with their own arrangement. You are reminding them not only of your pride in them, but also that they are going out into the world to grow and prosper–just like a flower. For more great ideas, check back with the Bloomin’ Blog.

 

Filed Under: Gift Ideas Tagged With: ,

Card Messages: April 2015

April 3, 2015 by Leave a Comment

We’ve all been in that situation where we want to write something for a loved one and nothing comes to mind. There is so much to say, yet the right words evade us. We know how frustrating this can be, so we’ve got you covered! Here are a few messages that are perfect for the most important occasions in April.

Easter Thoughts

Wishing you an Easter filled with happiness and many egg-cellent memories!

Prom Wishes

You have the outfit, you have the date, and now all you need is to have some fun! Have a memorable prom!

Graduation for a Friend

Congratulations! This is just the beginning of a new chapter and new friends, but don’t forget about the friend you’ll always have in me.

Graduation for a Sibling

Congrats, you did it! Now, go and conquer the world!

Graduation for a Child

We are beyond proud of you! Graduation closes a chapter in your life and opens up a new one. A world full of opportunity awaits, but know that we’ll always be here for you.

We hope this helps your writer’s block! Contact your local florist for flowers to go with your perfect message and check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great ideas and tips!

 

Filed Under: Card Messages, Gift Ideas Tagged With: , ,
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