Flower Shop Network Appearing on Lifetime Television to promote Real Local Florists on October 9th at 7:00am (6:00am cst).

Flower Shop Network will be featured on the Lifetime Television series, The Balancing Act on Thursday October 9th at 7:00am (6:00am cst). The Balancing Act is a half-hour, magazine-formatted television series that empowers women seeking personal and professional growth while maintaining a career, family and home on a daily basis.

Flower Shop Network president Brock Atwill will sit down with Danielle Knox, The Balancing Act host, to inform consumers of the advantages of sending flowers online through a real local florist. During the interview Brock will outline ways consumers can verify that an online florist is a real local flower shop and not an order-gather.

This is just one more way FlowerShopNetwork.com is ensuring that our retail florist members have the best visibilty possible on the Internet and offline as well.  It is, also, one more way we give consumers the floral information they need to make their lives easier.

Flower Shop Network would like to join the nation in recognizing October as the official Breast Cancer Awareness month. Many here at Flower Shop Network have been affected very deeply by breast cancer. Having known both the pain of loss and the joy of survival, we are very aware of the sympathies that mean the most during the troubled times of dealing with the disease.

Often it is the simplest expressions of support that mean the most to those battling cancer. Sending flowers is just one way to let your special lady know that you are thinking of her, want to support her, are praying for her, appreciate and love her. The same is true for all women that during our down times nothing can be closer to our hearts than the warm sentiments and kind words of those that mean the most to us. When you cannot join her to hold her hand, send flowers as the pretty package that holds your sweetest sentiments.

Many florists honor Breast Cancer Awareness month by creating special arrangements. While pink ribbons are typically associated with breast cancer awareness, pink flowers also send the same message of support. Schaefer Greenhouses Inc. is one of the talented florists in Montgomery, Illinois aware of the affects of breast cancer. Schaefer Greenhouses Inc. honors Breast Cancer Awareness month each October with a selection of flower arrangements that honor the memory of those lost to breast cancer and show support to those still battling the illness.

Many florists also allot a percentage of the proceeds from Breast Cancer Awareness arrangements to a foundation dedicated to breast cancer research. The Susan G. Komen Foundation is a well-known foundation dedicated to the research, cure, early detection, and prevention of breast cancer. The Race For The Cure campaign is a vital effort in breast cancer research. Visit the Susan G. Komen Foundation website for more information about breast cancer and how you can help support victims of the disease.

Are you a florist or floral designer who thrives on the thrill of a deadline? Do you enjoy the opportunity to challenge your creativity? If you answered yes to these questions, you may enjoy the live floral design competition at the Society of American Florists annual convention in Palm Beach. Florida florists aren't the only participants in the fast-paced and exciting competition. Whether you are a small-town florist in Laurel, Delaware or acquired your skills as a big city florist in Redondo Beach, California, the contagious excitement is perfect for you.

The 2008 Sylvia Cup Design Competition was held on September 18^th in Palm Beach but there is still plenty of time to prepare for next year's competition. The annual Sylvia Cup Design Competition begins with 25 contestants eager to show off their skills for the judges and live audience. The contestants are given their task and materials only moments before the buzzer sounds to begin the competition. With no time to prepare, these creative floral designers create an arrangement from a variety of materials and ranging from sympathy pieces to corsages. When finished, the judges score the contestants and narrow the field of competition until only one of these florists goes home with the prize. Sound familiar? The rules are similar to the popular series "Iron Chef" on the Food Network channel but the fun of the moment, creative designs, and thrill of victory are completely original.

There is nothing quite as exciting as watching two masters battle it out except for participating. A contest like this that focuses on creativity and originality is a wonderful way for florists everywhere to enjoy their craft while sharpening their skills. Planning a floral convention for 2009? Floral design contests are excellent ways to get local florists excited about attending while showcasing the creativity of florists in your area. Want to stimulate your customers' interest in sending flowers? The joy of floral design and a job well done is contagious. Once your customers have watched you create flower arrangements with the spirit and tenacity of a sensei, that bright spirit will catch on so that your flower shop is the first on their minds when sending flowers for a special occasion. Let the games begin!

At Fuqua and Sheffield Florist in Richmond, Virginia,  we strive to have the best flowers, arrangements and customer service around. All of my associates are happy when they come to work, and it reflects that when they speak with customers. I try to keep a light and humorous atmosphere and let people be who they are.

Every customer has a unique story or reason for sending flowers. We need to capture that moment and emotion.  My Staff and I feel privileged knowing that our customers are trusting us to send their expressions of love, sympathy, celebration and many other occasions through our shop. From the moment we answer the phone until we deliver the flower arrangement, it should be a wonderful experience for both us and the customer.

Personal selling and customer service has become a lost art. However, I believe that personal selling and customer service should be our number one priority. Trying to get new customers can be difficult, but keeping them can be so easy. Keep the focus on the customer.  Remember customers are how we keep the doors are open. Be true and honest when dealing with customers, they will appreciate it!

How do we accomplish personal selling and excellent customer service?  We follow these handy customer service tips:

1. The customer is always right! (yes they are)
2. When dealing with a complaint, do not offer anything! Simply ask the customer "…what can I do to  make you happy…" and mean it!!!!
3. Offer suggestions when they are trying to make selections. They will or will not take your opinion, but don't be upset! It is nothing personal.
4. Relax…everything in the world is so fast and out of control, slow down and give the customer a moment to breath.
5. Being calm or relaxed will help with sales and make the customer feel more welcome and give a family like atmosphere.

Most of all have fun!!!! Telling "grandma approved" jokes to customers or sharing something personal about yourself with the customer can also make for a better and closer relationship.  Try this one "Why didn't God make another Yogi Bear?  When he tried to make another, he made a BooBoo!"

Though many have been tragically affected by the hurricane, florists are looking to flowers as a reminder of the power and beauty of nature. Florists are able to help their customers (and themselves) maintain a bit of normalcy by delivering flowers that would otherwise have been lost during electricity outages and other effects to victims affected by Hurricane Ike.

The kind words and good thoughts associated with receiving flowers never fades. They cannot be marred by misfortune but instead provide tender relief as nature's band-aid. Florists across the south and even as far north as Illinois were recently given an opportunity to remember this phenomenon as Hurricane Ike struck a powerful blow in Galveston on September 13.

Many florists are showing clever resolve during these forced and difficult times in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Some florists in the affected areas are attempting to reach out to their customers in a very different way. Curfews, roadblocks, wind damage and more have left florists unable to process orders outside of funeral flowers. However, the good nature of florists is to share the beauty of their stock with others rather than letting the precious flowers go to waste. Because their customers are unable to come to the flower shop, some florists are taking the flower shop to their customers with the help of refrigerated vehicles.

When Hurricane Ike devastated locals in Galveston Texas, florists here definitely felt the impact of the Category 2 hurricane. With winds as fast as 110 mph, many people in the area were left with severe damage to their homes, forced to evacuate, or were without electricity if among the lucky few. Many Galveston florists are regrouping with valiant efforts to press forward despite current hardships.

The effects of Hurricane Ike have been felt heavily in the south but also as far north as Chicago, Illinois. Florists and flower shops here are among those suffering from heavy flood damage due to the nine inches of rain that Hurricane Ike reigned in. Delivery times during the worst of the storms being often several hours, loss of electricity, and other damages have put more than a damper on these florists affected by Hurricane Ike.

Flower Shop Network would like to extend our sympathy and support to these and other southern florists affected by the hurricanes and subsequent storms and floods. For more information about disaster relief and learn how to help hurricane survivors visit the American Red Cross or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Avoiding fraudulent orders is not always as easy as it seems. Just ask Lorie at My Flower Shop in Cambridge, Ontario who recently had an encounter with a fraudulent order. Thanks to her diligence and attention to detail, Lorie was able to abate the results of her experience and walk away clean. To avoid fraudulent orders in your flower shop, use these tips from Flower Shop Network.

• Scrutinize unusually large or hurried orders. Almost all fraudulent orders tend to be larger than average. Though some instances call for large orders, note particularly large and hurried orders.
• Pay attention to the signature on the card. Make sure that the signature on the card matches the signature of the sender. Also, make sure that the signature is a real name and not an obvious nick name.
• Do not accept foreign (Non US or Canadian) credit card orders. Approximately 30% of all foreign orders are fraudulent.
• Note the email address and corresponding mail server. Take particular note if the account is a setup under a free server such as Yahoo! mail, Gmail, and others or a very strange server as these can be obtained by anyone anywhere.

If you have a reason to be suspicious, contact the sender for more information.
Keep detailed documentation (especially for phone orders). According to Lorie, “Make your notes very clear. Make sure you have documentation because that’s what saved me.”

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the floral industry. However, follow these tips for avoiding fraudulent orders and the end results will be well worth the extra time and attention.

Flower Shop Network is continually searching for new and creative ways to further develop a community of florists and flower buyers. Presence on social networking sites such as the Flower Shop Network myspace.com profile, FSN facebook.com page, and others is helping Flower Shop Network and friends build relationships with other fascinating people with a love for beautiful flowers. Many of our Flower Shop Network friends have joined us on the social networking site Myspace.

One of the best things about social networking sites is that these sites enable users to interact with friends, family and acquaintances across the country and even the world. Florists continue to use social networking sites to showcase premium designs, contact other florists, and post contact information for other users. In this way, the florist's profile becomes a high-tech billboard but with a much greater amount of information. Just look at these Flower Shop Network members that decided to get the word out via Myspace.com.

Live large with flower arrangements from Apple Blossoms Floral Design.

Scott Darhower of Apple Blossoms Floral Design is one of the premier Tampa, Florida florists. Having worked with flowers and floral design for more than 25 years, Scott is ahead of the game with creative flower arrangements, gift baskets, and even interior decorating skills that set apart every customer’s special event. Just as the website boasts, look to Apple Blossoms Floral Design for “designs for a lifetime…one seed at a time.”

PJs Flowers turns life's lemons into…flower arrangements!

PJ’s Flowers and Events sets the bar for great flower arrangements and an eco-friendly mindset in Phoenix, Arizona. Florists are easy to find in Phoenix but PJ’s Flowers and Events goes above and beyond to ensure a quality customer experience. The team at PJ’s deliver unique and beautiful flowers to Phoenix and Maricopa County. Don’t believe me? Sneak a peek at the citrus collection, western styled gift baskets and more. Better still, if your conscience has you going green this year, trust the team at PJ’s Flowers and Events to go the extra mile for you and for our planet.

Life is beautiful with flowers from The Plant Bazaar!

The Plant Bazaar applies creativity to more than just their name. A full-service florist in Westborough, Massachusetts, you can’t go wrong with the 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Although, with more than 24 years experience in the floral industry it’s unlikely that such a guarantee would ever be tested. The premium quality floral designs offered at The Plant Bazaar have customers walking out of the flower shop grinning. Delivering flowers with a smile, the great people at The Plant Bazaar take customer service to a new high.

Everyone loves pretty pink and purple flowers from Floratique.

Mountain View, California florists are well aware of the colorful designs and quality fresh flowers delivered from Floratique. Serving a vast local area that spans four counties, Floratique is a well-known fixture in the Mountain View area. Enthusiasm and creativity are written all over the faces of the team at Floratique who works—though this much fun is almost playing—to make each experience as much about their customers as possible.

It's time for Vibrant Violets from Piccadilly's Flower Shoppe.

When searching for Burnsville, West Virginia florists, look no further than Piccadilly’s Flower Shoppe. One of my personal favorites, it is hard to find a sweeter disposition on any florist in the quaint Southern town. Don’t let the size of the town fool you. This flower shop boasts “small town personal touches with the floral experience of major cities.” For great gifts and masterful flower arrangements, call on Piccadilly’s!

Have you heard the one about the florist who gave away flowers and turned a horrible situation into wonderful act? Well I did and the story happened Monday to a Walnut Ridge Florist.

Karen Williams of Flower Basket in Walnut Ridge, AR just turned lemons into sweet, sweet lemonade. Karen is an expert designer who won several awards at the AFA Convention this past weekend including 1st place in the wedding design category and 2nd place in the scholarship design competition. Not only is she a decorated florist with more than 35 years experience, Karen’s a giver. Literally. She’s involved in several local charities but it’s even more heartwarming than that.

Karen's prize-winning flowers were snatched so quickly that only a picture remained to pose with for this photo!

Karen’s cooler went down yesterday. Instead of pouting over the day’s losses or letting a pretty major setback get her down, Karen instead called the nursing home in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. She asked how many residents and staff were there and then made arrangements to deliver the flowers to them including passing out more than 150 roses. Karen told Joe Hays FSN network coordinator “I just couldn’t see all those flowers going to waste when someone else could enjoy them."

Joe was so moved by Karen’s story that he told everyone in the office how amazing she is and how she is deeply committed to her community. Having driven through Walnut Ridge several dozen times in my life, I’m almost compelled to stop by Flower Basket and hug Karen for being so sweet. I’ll be honest. My heart melted a little when I heard about it and I couldn’t keep from passing her story around. Maybe the goodness will become contagious. After all, if I’m tempted to drive that far to hug someone, imagine what good can come from something like that in other towns.

Of course florists are like that, their sense of commitment to their community is strong and their need to share the beauty of flowers is great. My hat is off to Karen - thank you for renewing my faith in people. Sounds like Karen and the Flower Basket deserve a Good Neighbor Award as well.

Making friends is easy at florist and flower shows. Rhonda Sade (left) and Karen Williams (right) became buddies quickly in Hot Springs.

Alright. Who wouldn't want to hang out with other florists in Hot Springs, Arkansas? I know that I would! Fortunately for people like me, the Arkansas Florists Association is hosting their 2008 convention and trade market in Hot Springs from August 14-17. Sweet!

Flower Shop Network's network coordinators will be at the show this year ready and raring to talk to our friends in the floral industry. Stop by booth 309 and look for our smiling faces as we enjoy the good times and fabulous scenery in Hot Springs, one of the premier relaxation destinations in Arkansas. We hope to brighten your day the way your visit will brighten ours.

Once the shows are over check out the many amenities in the city. Widely renowned spas, fantastic eateries, and other floral industry experts within a stone's throw are some of the great reasons to join us at this year's Arkansas Florists Association Convention and Trade Market. What a mouthful! Go a little crazy at the convention and enjoy yourself learning more about the latest trends and products in the industry then pamper yourself and relax at one of the many relaxing places to visit in Hot Springs. You can't go wrong with this show—so see you there!

For years I have known about the fun, energetic and interesting people that exist in the floral industry. I'm sure that all of you know a little something about the personalities at your local florist. In fact flower shops are often the nucleus of event planning and celebrations for a town. The importance of flower shops to a town and the personalities that reside within have been a well kept secret until now. It looks like Hollywood has realized that doctors, lawyers and housewives aren't the only exciting people. And of course our friend Kate Collins has known the power of flower shop personalities for a while.

Kate Collins, friend of Flower Shop Network and author of The Flower Shop Mysteries, recently released a new book entitled "Shoots To Kill". Kate’s book brings the light and love of flower shops to the surface of popular recognition with its engaging plot line, clever twists and turns, and positive tales of the joys of surrounding oneself with flowers. Though she could've chosen any other profession for her main character, Kate keeps us on the edge of our seat with her tale of a young flower shop owner. Doctors and lawyers are overdone. It’s refreshing to see a spunky young woman taking charge of her own life and business. Kate has also shared her creative talent and floral insight with us as she taught us a little about the Language of Flowers.

Books aren’t the only creative medium that is putting florists on show—literally. The CBS television network is set to premier a new romantic comedy series about a flower shop owner who learns that her soulmate is one of her former flames. What a funny twist considering that florists are always the go-to people for romantic Valentines Day gifts—not the chasers! We all know about the exciting drama that happens in a flower shop. Instead of the same old boring cop shows and medical dramas, now we get to watch what happens during the crazy days blooming at her local flower shop.

In my professional opinion (as a professional television junkie and book-aholic), it’s about time that the floral industry and the entertainment industry join forces. And why not? It’s hard not to respond to the call to beautify our lives with so much interest in the wonderful world of flowers being brought to our attention.