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Card Messages: May 2015

May 8, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo 1 Comment

Sometimes words are not enough to express what we feel for our loved ones. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we put together some simple card messages that could help express what you feel for the beautiful ladies in your life.

For Mom

Mother, words cannot express my feelings for you. Your unconditional love and support have made me better and stronger. I am who I am because of you. I love you!

For A Friend

Happy Mother’s Day to a truly wonderful friend!

For a Child

We are happy and proud to see what a wonderful mother you have become. Happy Mother’s Day! P.S. Keep ’em coming!

For A Sibling

Not only are you the best sister I could’ve asked for, but a wonderful mother as well! I love you! Happy Mother’s Day!

Visit your local florist and surprise a loved one with an exquisite flower arrangement paired with your message. Check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great gift ideas!

Filed Under: Card Messages Tagged With: card messages, Gift Ideas, May

Designing With Mannequin Madness

May 6, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo 1 Comment

As visual designers, it’s no surprise that we want our shops to draw the eye. Mos of us depend on our visually appealing store front window displays and the pictures of our designs that show off our skills on social media.

Customers are instantly invited in by design, and what better way to showcase your floral abilities than with unique displays from Mannequin Madness.

Recycled Art
Judi Henderson, owner of Mannequin Madness, turned an idea into a business when she found mannequins on Craigslist.

Quickly, her business of selling, renting and repurposing used mannequins turned from an inventory of 50 to 500. What’s unique about Henderson’s business is her use of mannequins as decorative pieces in floral arrangements and even as Christmas trees.

Design Madness
The company’s Pinterest has many floral ideas using mannequins and offers inspiration for customers in the floral industry.

“Many florists use my products for floral centerpieces, holiday arrangements, and fashion forward flower displays,” Henderson said.

Henderson believes that a shop’s display is an important aspect of a flower shop in order to draw customers into a sale.

“Displays catch attention which then turn to high impulse purchases,” she said. “Florists are competing with online all the time, this makes them unique. Your window is a 24-hour ad.”

From heads to torsos to full forms, Mannequin Madness has everything a florist needs to create a truly original work of art for their storefront.

Whether it’s a holiday tree dress display or an arrangement on a mannequin for a modern affair, look no further than Mannequin Madness!

Filed Under: Floral Design Tagged With: Floral Design, Floral Supplies, Shop Decor, Window Display

Cinco De Mayo Flowers ’15

May 4, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo 1 Comment

The beginning of May marks a very festive holiday that contains hispanic roots. On May 5th, put together a fiesta for Cinco de Mayo and celebrate the Mexican culture with flowers.

Rose Arrangement
Need a centerpiece for your fiesta? Consider a rose bouquet with red and white roses that represent the Mexican flag colors.

Flor-allure Bouquet
Surprise a friend with colorful blooms that match the theme of the holiday. It will brighten up their day!

Simple Card Messages
Need writing help? Here are some simple card messages for Cinco de Mayo!

Have a sizzling Cinco de Mayo!

Hope these flowers spice up your day! Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Some lovely flowers for a Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Head to your local florist and get a colorful arrangement for your happy fiesta! Cinco de Mayo is Tuesday, May 5, 2015.

Filed Under: Gift Ideas, Holiday Info Tagged With: Cinco de Mayo, Gift Ideas, May

Last Minute Mother’s Day Marketing Tips

May 1, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo Leave a Comment

The beginning of May means Mother’s Day is around the corner. We are sure you are preparing your shop for one of the busiest floral holidays of the year, so we thought we would help you out with some last minute marketing tips! These tips are simple ways you can grow your sales and get your business out there just in time for Mother’s Day.

Instagram Special
Have a new Instagram account? Want to promote it? Mother’s Day is the perfect time to let your customers know you are social. Have them Instagram a picture of their loved one with their bouquet designed by your shop and have them tag you. Run a contest and choose a random winner from those who tag you. The winner can get a free bouquet certificate or any other discount of your choice!

Shop Team Up
Reach out to other shops in the community. How about a local jewelry store or candy shop? You can have an arrangement displayed in their store and plan to recommend each other to customers. If they are getting chocolate or jewelry, they need flowers with it too! Make a community connection while promoting your business and shopping locally.

“I Forgot It’s Mother’s Day” Flower Bar
You know those guys who don’t own a calendar and come rushing into your store for flowers at the last minute? Make it easy on them with a flower bar. Set up vases, flowers and cards (or ribbon) near the front of your shop where those last minute shoppers can run in, choose their arrangement, and pay quickly before their loved one notices! Promote it on social media and have customers share your post for a discount!

We know this year is going to be a busy, but successful Mother’s Day! Try one of these tips (or all) and check back with the Bloomin’ Blog for more great marketing ideas!

Filed Under: Holiday Info, Marketing Tips Tagged With: Marketing, Marketing Tips, Mothers Day, Mothers Day Marketing, Tips

Instagram For Florists

April 29, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo 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: Instagram, Marketing Tips, Social Media

FSN April 2015 Newsletter

April 27, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo 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.

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!

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: April, Newsletter

MFA and WUMFA Winners 2015

April 24, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo 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: Floral Industry, Floral Industry News, MFA, Michigan Florists, Wisconsin Florist, WUMFA

Wedding Trends: Reception Tablescape Arrangements ’15

April 22, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo 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!

Bloom 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: Wedding, Wedding Decorations, Wedding Reception Flowers

Mother’s Day Floral Trends ’15

April 20, 2015 by Flower Shop Network 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: Mothers Day, Mothers Day Flowers, Mothers Day Gifts

Flower Shop Phone Etiquette

April 17, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo 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: Customer Service, Flower Shops, Marketing Tips