Educating Staff

[OB1]

Do you encourage ongoing education for your staff?
Do you pay for continuing education for them?
Are you planning to attend symposium in Boston?
Would you pay the fees so one or more of your staff could attend?
If so, how would you decide who to take?
If not, why not?

 

[lil_goldie]

We really don't.
Only one of our designers has been to the wedding course.
I would love to go to more courses. I never really hear of any classes other than through Flowers Canada.

I know you're really strict, Joanne, about your staff's knowledge.
Tell me, where do you learn so much about care, flower types, etc?
I, honestly, have learned more on FC about care and handling than on anything else

 

[Missy]

We send them when we can, the problem we face is often the quality stuff is a plane ride away, or a weekend away. The cost gets too high. I myself have been to the Canadian Florist conference and such, but there seems to be little support on this side of the border for anything. Whats going on in Boston?

 

[anytimeflowers]

Chantelle and Missy,

There is a lot that can be learned on line. You could spend HOURS watching vids on youtube, for example. The exposure to all sorts of different design techniques is incredible. Some good, some bad.

Care and handling, Chrysal Academy does an on-line course that is really informative.

U-Bloom, although sometimes gets a little commercialized, is a GREAT source of inspiration, as well as wonderful tips and tricks. And it's free.

The reason I mention these off the top of my head, is because perhaps you could set aside some time for your staff to do some of these things on line. It isn't even close to the same as going to symposium, but dollar-wise it could be beneficial and would encourage staff to continue to learn.

 

[shannonlovesflowers]

We send them when we can, the problem we face is often the quality stuff is a plane ride away, or a weekend away. The cost gets too high. I myself have been to the Canadian Florist conference and such, but there seems to be little support on this side of the border for anything. Whats going on in Boston?

The AIFD Symposoium is in Boston this year.

I personally will not go to a AIFD symposium until it comes closer to where I live.
I so totally should have gone last year but money was just too tight. It's EXPENSIVE to go to Symposium. Very expensive.

RARELY has a boss paid for me to attend anything. However Bettina has paid for me to attend both shows I've seen here.

One was only $15 at DWF and one was $45 at a Local Country club- That doubled as a schmooze mission.

I Personally know LOTS and LOTS of designers who NEVER attend any shows, and I know one who told me "If they want me to go, they will pay my way, all my expenses, all my food, everything...They don't pay- I don't go"
I was about 19 when he told me that. I go to everything I can...I win awards....He still is doing the same tired designs he was in 1985.

 

[Missy]

Chantelle and Missy,

There is a lot that can be learned on line. You could spend HOURS watching vids on youtube, for example. The exposure to all sorts of different design techniques is incredible. Some good, some bad.

Care and handling, Chrysal Academy does an on-line course that is really informative.

U-Bloom, although sometimes gets a little commercialized, is a GREAT source of inspiration, as well as wonderful tips and tricks. And it's free.

The reason I mention these off the top of my head, is because perhaps you could set aside some time for your staff to do some of these things on line. It isn't even close to the same as going to symposium, but dollar-wise it could be beneficial and would encourage staff to continue to learn.

We already do that sort of thing here, but there is nothing like the tactile experience of a design show, especially for the designers here as they all have been in the industry for years, not to mention the opportunity to meet and share with other florists. Canada just sadly lacks in these opportunities, we have no provincial forum anymore, and the Canadian Florist conference was taken over by FTD a few years back and this year they opted not to have one as they had already spent the allocated dollars for such things in the USA. Puts Canadian Florists at a disadvantage for sure. I know we can attend things in the states, but the travel costs to fly from Canada to a US destination other than Florida or Vegas are quite high, in fact, I never do, but I am close enough to the border to fly from the states. The other thing, that is not an issue now but has been in the past is the exchange rate on the dollar. Our desginers are very lucky, the boss will pay their way, but it gets cost prohibitve at times.

 

[twiggy]

Yes I would pay for design shows- especially the under 50.00 Sunday shows. When I go, I come back energized and ready to step it up so, why not extend that to those who are interested so the whole shop will be energized. and on the same page with design and other tips I may want to apply to my shop.

Bigger shows- AIFD .. I would possibly sponser a part of it, (if that day ever comes, Jeeze I haven't even been since 2005)

 

[Seasonals]

Tracey didn't say, that with persuasion from both her and I, Rene Van Rems will be coming to Reno in Aug for a two day show. Tracey actually started it and I jumped in. It will be expensive but we will be there.

 

[twiggy]

Tracey didn't say, that with persuasion from both her and I, Rene Van Rems will be coming to Reno in Aug for a two day show. Tracey actually started it and I jumped in. It will be expensive but we will be there.

.. yep- I confess I encourage everyone to do the same- contact people you would like to see/learn from and maybe something can happen! what's the worst that could happen? they say no??

hopefully Lysa (the gal who works with me) will be on board too- I can't afford to foot her entire expense, but I did offer to pay half.
YES, Rene is THAT good and it will be a super experience for both of us-

 

[Sprout]

I have one design assistant. I offered to pay for one day at the Boston AIFD symposium this summer as we're only an hour away and this is a once a decade opportunity to have it so close. Her response - "Ummm...I'd have to get a sitter, so I think I'll pass."

 

[lil_goldie]

I have one design assistant. I offered to pay for one day at the Boston AIFD symposium this summer as we're only an hour away and this is a once a decade opportunity to have it so close. Her response - "Ummm...I'd have to get a sitter, so I think I'll pass."

I totally get her point on this one.
After taxes I make $10/hour.
There's so much that goes on that I rarely attend any event (even parties, etc) because to go to a party it costs me $40 just for a sitter. I can't imagine having to pay a sitter $8/hour so I can go out for the day. I would have to work an entire day just to make up for it.

 

[lori042499]

If I had staff, I would definately pay for them to go to design programs...I would let them use shop time to do free stuff on the computer...

AIFD is wacky with their prices, not sure too many shops pay for that sort of thing...I am going and it is killing me financially, but after 25 years designing, I owe it to myself to go, test and have letters...I will say that AIFD is more a personal triumph and should be paid by the designer getting it, unless of course said designer is making the business lots of money and they can afford it without killing the business..

as for floral degrees and things like that...not too many employees possess the kind of passion that deserves to pay their education, for them to just decide that they just don't like the shop environment or it is a just for now job, many floral employees are just plain flakey and not too worth the risk of paying and then them up and leaving with your investment...

 

[Sprout]

Lil G - I totally understand your point, but in this instance there's just no interest on her part on improving her knowledge or her worth to me or to herself as a better designer. She didn't even want to read the brochure. When I was working for someone else and making comparable wages, I was so excited about the symposium being nearby and the opportunity to learn new things and get inspired, I paid for the entire symposium myself.

Last year I took her to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts to see the Art in Bloom event. She wandered around to look at art and showed no interest in the flowers. Not saying art on its own isn't quite inspirational, but this was a work field trip to specifically look at flowers.

I thought classes would inspire her and get some creative energies flowing, but the passion isn't there. For some people this is just a job, and I guess I would use that as one factor in deciding whether I would pay for someone to take education programs.

PS By get a sitter, she means ask her parents, who plan on sitting for her this summer any how. She just isn't interested, and that will be something taken into consideration the next time raises come up.

 

[shannonlovesflowers]

I have one design assistant. I offered to pay for one day at the Boston AIFD symposium this summer as we're only an hour away and this is a once a decade opportunity to have it so close. Her response - "Ummm...I'd have to get a sitter, so I think I'll pass."

She must be homies with the guy I was telling you about!

 

[OB1]

OUCH!!
So, I was not expecting these answers. I figured that anyone who would actually make a living by working in a shop would be totally into going to a symposium, or some similar educational experience.
So, I have been toying with the idea of taking a couple of people to symposium, because I know it would benefit our bottom line, by becoming more knowledgeable, more qualified, and more excited about the opportunities of working in a great shop, and developing new skills.
Unfortunately, I was burned by the last employee I did this for, so it has left a bad taste in my mouth.( I paid for all the education, as well as all the fees to become an AIFD member) In return, I expected a loyal employee, not one who would stay forever out of some weird sort of indebtedness, but one who would represent the shop honestly, and increase the revenue, and be grateful for the opportunity given them.

I'm sad to learn that more employers don't pay for staff education, to me it is a logical way to make my shop better than someone elses.

But I'm horrified to hear about employees who are not willing to go, when it is offered, because of babysitting costs, or just plain dis-interest. I would happily pay for the babysitter, if that's all it would take. Those people would not work long for me, that's for sure. If someone isn't anxious to learn more, they have no business being in my shop...they may as well be a cashier in a dollar store.

Now, Chantelle, yes, I guess my reputation as a stickler is growing, and I do not apologise for that.

Most of the learning about flowers, flower care etc. is admittedly self taught. I buy every magazine, and book I can find, and share it with staff, and encourage them (rather actively) to read them and learn all they can. I send staff to every design show, or landscape Ontario show, that I can possibly make happen. In fact, before I interview new staff, I have them fill out a 2 page questionairre where they are asked to identify flowers, (not just a rose, but is it a "Freedom", or a Leonides") and, if I choose to hire them, they understand that that knowledge is expected, and they will be tested again after 30, 60, and 90 days.

I agree that we are really disadvantaged compared to our American cousins with regard to shows...we have'nt had a show in Ottawa in years, but Toronto is only 6 hours away, so, compared to say, Thunder Bay, we are lucky.
I find that alot of good stuff is happening at Seneca College, in Toronto, so I keep in touch with Mariann Seuss, and she lets me know about incoming designers. In fact I have just set up 2 of my designers to attend a day long hand on with Per Andersen.
Yep, it's not cheap, about $200. per person, ( plus wages, which I still pay, plus rooms and meals ) but that should pay for itself in about 10 arrangements each ...less if what I hear about his abilities to motivate are true.
And, like Shannon said, if your designers, or you for that matter, can add a few awards from winning design contests, the press alone can be worth the 200$.

Please, keep the responses coming. If nothing else, they are making me feel like I'm a pretty good boss!
And if not, then I'll learn to be a bit more hard nosed.
JP

 

[anytimeflowers]

Well, I tried to thank you, Joanne, but the button is missing again!

I don't have any staff anymore, like Lori, I'm on my own. But I cannot imagine having no interest in learning more. Sheesh, I'm 30 years into the biz, and I STILL can't get enough new education, or even reiteration. After a while, you've learned so much, that when someone comes along with, say a flower puppy, and I think "Oh my gosh, I forgot about those, they sold well". And so you do them again til the next thing comes along. But you are not going to even get those reminders if you're not actively searching out venues to connect with.

We actually don't get all that many shows around here anymore, either. The wholesalers go through so much work to put them on, and then the florist participation is so dismal that it isn't worth the extra time and expense. Maybe we are missing a whole segment of what is going wrong in this industry! Dis-interest in design is not something I ever considered - yikes!

 

[lori042499]

I have been saying for many years that florist apathy is a huge problem with our industry....Way too many florists depend on Tf and FTD to tell them what to sell and how to sell it that they have lost or never had creativity....and now don't care because they are working so hard to make them money that all they have left is resentment and cannot see the way out of it....

Design programs here in Boston have been cut, but we are lucky that the budget has not been cut fully...we are down to 2 programs a year and a couple of wholeslares have some on their own...but with so many people buying non-local the wholesalers are not able to afford these programs and with all the expenses rising just to get the designers there and put up it is just a very expensive task that noone really ahs the extra money to put out for dismal turnout...it is quite a same. I can remember when I first started in this biz, the programs were really nice especially the ftd ones, they were like a real function and a night out...social time and networking, now it is so different...

 

[lil_goldie]

By get a sitter, she means ask her parents, who plan on sitting for her this summer any how. She just isn't interested, and that will be something taken into consideration the next time raises come up.

Oh well, than that's just ridiculous. Obviously, it's just a 9-5 job for her.
For the rest of us, look how involved we are! Before FC became a paid subscription there were lots of employees on here just thirsting for knowledge.


Joanne, I'm glad to know it's all self taught. I'm just a baby in the industry really. Despite being in a shop for 10 years, when you're in it full-time, it really is totally different.
I'm just scratching the surface of product knowledge.

I can't wait to learn more as I go.
It makes me sad that some employees don't feel the same way.

I've mentioned sending one of our designers to Wedding School. She truly is the best at consultations. She makes the brides feel so at home and will bend over backward during the consult (even if it's just a walk in), but she's not afraid to ask for a deposit at the end of a sale.
She does 70% of our weddings (out of 3 designers) and she's never been to more than the 3 week beginner's course. It's all self taught.

Mum won't spring for it. Similar to my much-wanted POS system, this is a pipe dream.

 

[RWK]

Regarding education for employers/employees/owners/staff - I am kind of lumping it all together in a way.......not to belittle.....but to illustrate a point.

I realize that I am in a distinct minority. I endeavor to attend as many floral events as I possibly can. I have also been fortunate to have employers who valued continuing education. They would cover my registration and entry fees if I were entering a competition as part of that. I was responsible for securing lodging of needed, transportation, etc.

I would suggest making an amendment/change to your company policy REQUIRING attendance for at least one educational event per year. You as the employer pays registration for the event. The attending designer/employee pays for lodging if needed, transportation, meals outside of ones provided as part of the event, etc.

I would also suggest that in return, the employee has to show you proof of attendance and demonstrate at least one technique, concept, idea, that they learnt. Now, regardning salaries/wages for the day(s) missed while attending said event......( on that I would consult with a business attorney first to endeavor to find out what you can and cannot do ............ however,.....if you make it a REQUIREMENT, then I would cover at least part of a day's salary/wage.

You might want to add education into your personell interview..........find out their position on continuing education.........and let that information help to influence whom you hire and not hire.

I actually have continuing education requirements, CEU requirements, etc listed and covered in my resume. If the company cannot meet my need for allowing the opportunity to engage in continuing education, then I am not sure that company is a right fit for me.

Again, I realize that viewpoint places me in a minority.....but it is a minority that I think most floral industry employers would love to have on staff.

 

[Seasonals]

I come from another profession that required continuing education to retain your license. Now I realize that all states do not require Florist Certification, but if you want to be considered a professional in the field of floristry you need to set the bar for yourself and your staff.

A place to address this would be in your employee handbook. Yes, I know most of us are small and many of you don't feel this is necessary however this is a tool to help you, the employer.
You can have a section that will talk about the different levels of jobs within your business. Continuing education should be a requirement of every designer and design assistant. If they choose not to participate it will allow you to say, "sorry no raises".

As far as who pays for what, I would feel that as a business owner we should budget a certain dollar amount for annual continuing education. If you don't use it all in a year carry it over to the next. I also feel that it is important to pay your employee for the hours at the education course. If it is overnite food and lodging should also be paid. As far as a babysitter that is for them to figure out. Then when you return spend time brainstorming on what you learned and how you can apply to your customers orders and improving on your business.

We are the employers, the motivators, the mentors. It all starts with us and it all ends with us. If you have someone who you feel isn't at the level you want them to be at or feel they have no desire to aspire to, it's time for some new rules.

These are just ideas and I know not everyone can do them, but we all can strive for professionalism in every aspect of our business. We are quick to say that as a florist we are a professional, but it is very important to carry that through with every part of the business not just design.