My opinion (my humble opinion)

As I read this thread I wonder if we should have an area in this forum that gives basic ideas to "florists" who aren't quite sure of, well, anything. This is a huge pool of info & if they're new they may have a problem finding & reading thru the vast amount of info here.

I know this is a professional site, but it seems to be changing. For the good of the industry, perhaps a beginners circle or quick tip area would help. After visiting many shops, I'm finding that 90% don't know how important their showroom is. There were NO arrangements or flowers in the box, or half of the 4 buckets that were there were dead. Many don't realize that this first impression is the most important.
We could also include how to buy the correct am't of fresh product, ideas of what to even stock in giftware, etc.
I know a lot of us don't want the compitition to succeed, but as an industry, we don't want to keep giving ourselves a black eye.

The shops I visited were established, and probably had no clue as to how their presentation (or lack of) represented our industry.I was truly appalled and would choose a supermarket if I was to purchase flowers.

terri
 
terri said:
As I read this thread I wonder if we should have an area in this forum that gives basic ideas to "florists" who aren't quite sure of, well, anything. This is a huge pool of info & if they're new they may have a problem finding & reading thru the vast amount of info here.

I know this is a professional site, but it seems to be changing. For the good of the industry, perhaps a beginners circle or quick tip area would help. After visiting many shops, I'm finding that 90% don't know how important their showroom is. There were NO arrangements or flowers in the box, or half of the 4 buckets that were there were dead. Many don't realize that this first impression is the most important.
We could also include how to buy the correct am't of fresh product, ideas of what to even stock in giftware, etc.
I know a lot of us don't want the compitition to succeed, but as an industry, we don't want to keep giving ourselves a black eye.

The shops I visited were established, and probably had no clue as to how their presentation (or lack of) represented our industry.I was truly appalled and would choose a supermarket if I was to purchase flowers.

terri
Click to expand...
This is exactly what the board is about! There are so many things to learn that each area is it's own quick tip area.

The problem with it (and always has been) is that when it comes to design people are afraid to ask questions for fear of exactly what this post is doing. Making them feel little.

Maybe we should change the buy in to $500 a year and just sit around talking about how great we are and how good our shops are doing? Oh, wait, I wouldn't be allowed in.

This Post Brought to You By: "Alienated" in Winnipeg, Manitoba
 
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We are all here to learn! My skill level may not be as good as some who post here, it may be better than others, but I feel the only thing we can offer each other is friendly sympathetic help and advice. If we see someone on here whose work we do not care for, help them out, don't make them feel ashamed for trying. I remember when I took Phil's class I was very nervous about my skill level. He was incredibly patient and gracious in sharing his time and expertise. He never once made me feel inferior. If he had I probably would not have developed the love for the industry and the knowledge of how much help my fellow florists freely give to each other. I have been privileged to work with some of the best designers in the country as a design assistant when they came in to the DC area for design shows. Each and every one taught me something I use to this day and also pass on. You never know who you will inspire on this board and what impact you can have on their life. So, help don't judge is all I'm saying
 
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I wasn't questioning skill levels, quality of expertise, - my biggest concern ( Ryan has noted that and modified the introductory statements to accomodate my concerns ). We are a grouping, a collection, a gathering of PROFESSIONALS. We exchange information that helps us build our businesses and grow as professionals. We also exchange information about our businesses and business practices......things that a non-professional competitor could use to their advantage.

My major concern was that before we switched to the paid format.......new applicants had a series of questions that had to be answered. That source of information went away with the new format adoption......and the information gleaned from the questionaiire and the subsequent process of asking the applicants to elaborate further.....I found that quite helpful.

I made my concerns known to Ryan and the reasons why.......As a result, new applicants will have a series of points that need to be addressed in their introductory statements. Thank you Ryan for listening to this member's concerns and acting upon those concerns.
 
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Wow.
Well, I feel humbled, as I should. Sometimes, I need a good, swift kick.....I could say that I didn't mean anything by what I said. But at the time, I did.

I apologize.

My concern was that people visiting a site of professional florists and seeing designs in that gallery that were not superb would mark us. The truth is, most of the public would never even notice imperfections that most of us would, Lord knows, mine could be and have been picked apart. I appreciate it, but someone else may not.

Victoria and Duane are absolutely on the dime here, especially in Duanes marketing example. I've said it before, I'm the world's worst marketer, and have a few other poor business related issues as well.

I certainly didn't want to exclude anyone, I feel petty and icky right now. I guess this is another opportunity for me to grow. Thank you for helping me in that endeavor!
 
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No need to feel bad. You, Victoria, Duane......and anyone and everyone else has made a valuable contribution to this thread. We sometimes forget.......and we shouldn't, that there are real people behind the words on a screen. Those real people have real feelings and we all need to be cognizant of that. I know I forget that at times and I should know better.

So, please continue to post, comment, air frustrations, let people know what you think.......the fact that there is a real perosn behind the words makes that posting valuable. So again, Don't feel bad.
 
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This is a sharing board... even if we don't agree with the thoughts posted. ;)

V
 
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anytimeflowers said:
Wow.


Victoria and Duane are absolutely on the dime here, especially in Duanes marketing example. I've said it before, I'm the world's worst marketer, and have a few other poor business related issues as well.
Click to expand...

whether a dime's worth, or a nickel, a whole bunch of 'em, make great value, and each of you have been "evaluated" as 'worth it!!...gotta admit though, there ARE days, when I feel like the plug nickel, when you guys are shining!!
 
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Thanks Mikey, but that really wasn't the point I was getting at. I just hate when the board itself is discussed on the board all the time. In the "design" forum no less.

Anyway, love to everyone. Here's my latest YouTube clip. :jester

[video=youtube;grwk1aGxZwc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grwk1aGxZwc[/video]
 
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