I need some topics for articles. Help a sista out :)

[shannonlovesflowers]

So I get to start writing an article for the Yucca Blossom which is the monthly News letter for the New Mexico Retail Florist Association.

I personally belong to that association as does the shop (I have lots of ties to NM) and the shop also belongs to FAR, which is the Florist Association of the Rockies.

Anyhoo,
I want to do articles that mostly focus on design, but I'm not sure.

What do you like to see in your associations newsletter?

Would you appreciate hearing about new products? New techniques?
Stories about 'way back when'?
The newsletter needs some help. I love to write, but I'm a lot better if given an assignment..

So give me some ideas please!
Thank you

 

[jamese]

Quick to read, easy to understand articule on current design tricks and tips.
Those seem to work best for an assoc. audience, as the level is so varied.
Ways to utilize flowers during the summer would be good, browse web site for design ideas that you can put your spin on...ask J Schwanke for permission to use some of his 1000 ideas for florist, maybe he will allow if given credit listing.
Good Luck!
As for other assoc. to send you their newletters as you met poeple here and out.

 

[Tracy D'Amico]

I enjoy "way back when" but not on a regular basis, as it seems to breed "remember the good old says & today sucks" kind of attitude. It's a fine line between the remember-when, and dammit-why-isn't- it-like-it-used-to-be attitude.

New products, new sales techniques, new suppliers, new design techniques, new marketing ideas, great customer service stories, resources for design inspiration or business ideas .... those are all must reads for me.

good luck!

 

[lori042499]

I agree with Tracy here...

Way back when is really nice maybe once a year....but florists in general need to get with the now, and most people who read that kind of stuff want to learn about new stuff...

I love to read about new products and where to find them, suggestions on wepages that are helpful or just plain nice to shop, new techniques, plant and flower care info especially hard to care for stuff, tips for using odd stuff(sometimes people don't use stuff like artichokes or kangaroo paw because they haven't the foggiest how), stories on great customer service, order taking tips or upselling tips...anything you may have an opinion on people will listen, it may be just what someone would need to change their thinking to get out of a rut...or not...

 

[aileen_c]

If your focus is on design...why not an article on the decision making process for color and style? You know lush as opposed to modern. What keywords from a customer would lead you in one direction and not the other.

 

[sandytf]

Maybe some stuff on up and coming design trends, colors, styles, etc. You could get the color forecasts from the Pantone Institute of Color and give suggestions on what types of flowers and foliages work with them. How about showing how the classic design forms like western line, hogarth, horizontal, etc. relate to todays popular trends and styles.

I always like the mags that have the calendars reminding me of when I should be thinking and planning for the upcoming holidays.

Maybe some ideas on how to create designs that have a high perception value but don't cost a lot to make.

The articles I like the most are the ones that relate to what is happening right now and relate to how people live with and use flowers. Show how to incorporate designs into the daily lives and activities of regular people.

Just some of the stuff I would like-maybe not everyone else.