Should this board be open to Home Based businesses?

[Victoria]

Sfox, as usual, you and I will agree to disagree.

V

 

[RWK]

That's the way I see it, too.

We have had a very diverse group of registered users for as long as I can remember. At least a few log in here nearly every day but never post. Some work for WSs and one is a famous dOG of the lowest order.

They want to know what's being said about themselves. I'm glad they can read it here.

Different folks want to draw different circles around their own definitions of what a 'real florist' is.

Shall we keep out all people who've bought a store while having zero industry experience?

How about all FC members who aggressively order gather?

Both would be stupid lines in the sand AFAIC.

I loved Eric sharing about how Linh got her now very successful business started from home. She STOLE no one's business and was a successful designer in her own right because she provided professional quality and service.

As far as the demise of Floristboard goes... with no accountablility for what was said, posts were allowed to be mean, dismissive, taunting and rude. We've been made fun of here at FC for being 'too kind' but that's OK with me.

I keep hoping for a month where the Marketing or Website Development forums are more popular than the one about WSs.

One of the posters mentioned she heard about FC from J's show. Are we supposed to ask him NOT to mention us for fear a hobbyist might log in? That too would be a shame!

Once again, I suggest we define FC by the scope of our discussions and not by some litmus test or sorority-by-invitation-only scheme.

Yes, opinions do vary.

WELL SAID CATHY !!!

 

[bloomz]

Once again, I suggest we define FC by the scope of our discussions and not by some litmus test or sorority-by-invitation-only scheme.

Those very discussions are what has brought this topic to the foreground.
Posts of substance have been deteriorating for some time now, and it takes more weeding thru all the time. I didn't even click on that home based business thread for well over a week cuz, well...I thought it to be more useless noise.

It's just declining in it's usefulness and relevancy, as the majority here seem to feel. And without some type of controls this trend is going to continue. Many of us now have stated our concern about this and what it will do to those useful discussions. Another person I spoke to today told me she won't post here much because there are now too many of her local competitors here. Others (plural) have told me it has become a waste of time. We're losing that edge that we elite few used to enjoy. I know if another of my local competition showed up here, especially a home based one - I wouldn't ever post anything of substance (debateable if I do now, I know). We're now being asked questions like "how do I process the flowers? How do I chose the colors? How do I advertise my competition with real full time florists better?" regularly. It's perfectly innocuous when the colleagues are scattered around the country and it isn't so close to home, but it obviously is for some.

Sorry but I'm not that interested in helping my competetion - many of the mistakes I have made cost me big money and they are dues I paid to be in this business now for 15 years. Does anyone doubt we would all be better off without new competition?

I don't run the show here, but...I'd like to see this place remain a useful resource.

I'm just sayin'.....

 

[Sher]

I think it is a non issue when we post things about the industry at large, consumer info, floral info, and things of that nature, much of which is wonderful to have knowledge of. What concerns me is that posting about marketing ideas, financial ideas, ways to capture customers and even some
creative ideas being offered up to someone who has very little investment into the industry and who is in direct competition with us. Yes, I also started out like a clean slate and learned the ropes the hard way but I never came on to a board of my peers or an organzation of my peers and had an attitude, or threatened them, or was , well a snot. I think having Wink, FLaFlowers ( please forgive me if I am wrong about your handle) , and many of the freelancers, party florists an asset here but I wonder if the value of having WS reps, DOGS, and so on really is a value when they can see everything. There are things I'd like to talk/share/pass along but I won't post them...it is like giving my "hand" away...and yes it only took two of them to create a clamor but behind the scenes, many have talked privately about being hesitant to post ideas. Maybe there should be an inner chat...
Sher

 

[greatflowerlady]

Good morning to you all, I hope you all had a good night sleep and are ready to face a busy Saturday? I wanted to say THANK YOU! for letting me gain my 2 rep point's very nice. I hope that I can contribute to this board. My years as a designer in a retail shop then on my own as a wedding only(well maybe some funeral of a family member) designer too. I hate to leave a bitter pill. I really find you people and topic very informational!( well not the ones we just hashed over) and would like to add to the conversation too..To all who have giving me a 2nd time around THANKS.... Have a wonderful Saturday:tongue

 

[CHR]

Another person I spoke to today told me she won't post here much because there are now too many of her local competitors here. Others (plural) have told me it has become a waste of time. We're losing that edge that we elite few used to enjoy.

Local competition? Look at the contributions of Eric, Ted, Rich and myself. We have overlapping service areas and our marketing is directed to many of the very same consumers. Heck, Ted and I have B&Ms within a couple miles of each other. I don't think that's held us back from sharing our knowledge. I wish more, not less, locals would come to FC.

We're now being asked questions like "how do I process the flowers? How do I chose the colors? How do I advertise my competition with real full time florists better?" regularly.

There are some varieties of flowers that require unique processing - and even the gurus at the top don't always agree as to best practices for everyday products like roses so those questions could come from anybody.

Like I said, the 'how do I market my new home-based business' questions fall outside our scope of FC and I think we'll be more aggressive about dealing with those in the future. (I didn't really read through the threads in question since I've been 'on vacation' since last Thursday, primarily helping my 74 year-old Mom who broke her foot and is now in a wheel chair.) Anyone who finds a thread offensive or off-topic can report it by clicking the little button on the top right of the post. This will alert moderators to have a look.

 

[CHR]

I never came on to a board of my peers or an organzation of my peers and had an attitude, or threatened them, or was , well a snot.

And I think that's the primary crux of displeasure - and includes not just home-based florists but industry members who speak rudely to their peers. Overall, the community has done a good job of dealing with disresepctful members over the years.

Again, FC has been made fun of elsewhere for being 'too nice'.

I was also asked privately - by a well-known florist that I was actively trying to recruit to participate in FC - why I was 'helping my competition for free' by posting here. There are 'real florists' who would never share here because they see us all as competition and will only offer help if they can make money on it from us.

I suppose, in part, it's about differing values and philosophies.

 

[BOSS]

I suppose, in part, it's about differing values and philosophies.

This exact thing came to me directly yesterday.

There is another shop in my city, I would consider them #3 (if I'm #1) that, while in Chicago at the gift show last month, bought (before I did) some of the same items from the same vendor.

The rep for this vendor was in our store yesterday, and mentioned that the other shop was very concerned (as perhaps he should be) that I would put these same items in my window for the holidays, as he had planned to do when he purchased them.

While I *might* have used them in my window display when the time comes, I told the rep to assure the other shop owner that I would not do so, and thus give him the opportunity to do so. (I do have better visibility).

The way I look at it, while we are competitors, we are not enemies. While I would prefer to be the only shop in town, that is very unlikely to ever happen, so why in the world would I want to sabotage any type of relationship I have with this other owner? After all, he did purchase before I did by 24 hours, not that that really matters in business, but that said, in my world these days, principles matter more than dollars, and I believe that if I do the right thing, I will be rewarded many times over for doing so.

Long term gain, over short term battles.

 

[hcflorist]

First of all, I agree wholeheartedly with CHR and those passionate and articulate arguments which seem to be against this idea. I don't necessarily agree with some of her arguments which seem to lean toward supporting the idea. But I respect her opinions.

I'm not out to limit participation in this industry in any way. I'd like to see it grow. Even locally . . . and I don't feel threatened by those who start out in homes. A growing industry is a healthy industry that is good for all of us. A shrinking industry is a dying industry. And right now, unless we do something to turn it around, this industry is dying around us as we sit and watch it. I think the type of thinking demonstrated by the supporters of this idea will only do more to hasten that demise rather than postpone it.

The Bloomz persistence on this subject and his definition of "majority" have raised questions in my mind. I can respect an opinion. But not distorting the obvious facts to support an apparent agenda or justify a decision that I now suspect has already been made.

Seems to me that a few "influentials" i.e. "tenures" are determined to turn this forum into a limited membership mutual backslapping society for those that agree to agree with each other and fit their definition of florist i.e. "good old boy". Kinda reminds me of the crap that the "Black Hats" pulled in the old FTD. Same definition of "majority" and apparently pretty much similar tactics.

I definitely won't fit into that mold. So y'all Black Hats and Black Hat followers have at it if that's the way you're determined to go. I can do without you just as I'm sure some of you would prefer to do without my demonstrated willingness to bluntly say EXACTLY WHAT I THINK ! ! ! And I'm sure you won't miss my refusal to alter my opinions to a sufficient level of "be nice" on occasion when less than nice would seem more appropriate and more effective.

Having formed this opinion, which I'm sure will be ridiculed as radical by the Black Hats, after receiving a rather ridiculous e-mail from a FC Member after posting my opinion on this string, I'd guess that's exactly what you had in mind, anyway.

Go for it. Sounds like it's a done deal anyway. The tone of the supportive posts and the e-mail that I received yesterday have more than convinced me that this string and poll is just a smokescreen to justify what the "majority" of "tenures" has already decided.

I predict you'll be quite successful at creating even more lack of unity and devisiveness in a dying industry which desperately needs a unifying presence which is supportive of all who are willing to be a part of it if it is to survive.

 

[CHERYL BAKIN]

Well said Mark!
Part of what prompted my return to the floral industry from "big business" over 20 years ago was the fact that while we are competitors...but more importantly, we are colleagues! I have, over the years, had the opportunity to be on the receiving end of some of the best floral minds & expertise in the business! Never once was there any hesitatation on the part of these shops, many who were much larger than Me, to help a person in need. I, in turn, try to "pay it forward," every chance I get!

Case in point...several years ago, a long standing florist here had a tragic fire just weeks before the Christmas holiday. I got a call on a Sunday morning about the fire. Within 2 days, over 50 local area flowers had rallied, along with several of our wholesalers, to provide coverage for them, coolers, workspace, and whatever they needed to get back open, and thru the holiday season. They would have done the same for any of us....had the situation been reversed. They recovered, and rebuilt their shop....and continue today to be a successful business. They have "paid it forward" many times over also.

We all have asked a question at times. Sometimes our brains are just fried. Last night, as I struggled with stubborn, unopening white asiatic lilies that I need for an event today, I wondered what my FC friends would reccommend, after I had tried every trick that I knew and then some! ( I literally prayed over them) asked for guidance, and today they are ok to use. (this after 5 days of moisture, Quick-dip, heat, light, etc, etc!)

My point is that we all are florists because we care about what we do, and our personalities are by nature, helpful ones. As we move forward, let's not ever lose that perspective!

Best regards, and have a wonderful day,

Cheryl

 

[sfox]

different

I think the real question on this string, is not the us against them idea. It's not about tenure. It about what kind of information do you want to be posted here.

Around this country, there are florists groups that meet once or twice a year to discuss openly problems and solutions that each of the members has faced. The idea being they can all learn from one another. If you look at these groups they are made up of peers, ie like businesses. The reason they are made up that way is so that the problems and solutions are applicable.

If you want this board to be an open forum for real brick and mortar florists who face similar problems and have to create similar solutions, then keep the hobbists out. If you wish to have a forum that babbles about items that are beggining level and that you have nothing to gain from, then open it to everyone, heck even consumers.

The result of each decision will be markedly different.

 

[BOSS]

Go for it. Sounds like it's a done deal anyway. The tone of the supportive posts and the e-mail that I received yesterday have more than convinced me that this string and poll is just a smokescreen to justify what the "majority" of "tenures" has already decided.

I predict you'll be quite successful at creating even more lack of unity and devisiveness in a dying industry which desperately needs a unifying presence which is supportive of all who are willing to be a part of it if it is to survive.

In two words... not so!

 

[hcflorist]

In two words... not so!

Hope you're right and I'm wrong.

Guess time and what's already apparently been done to start things in that direction will tell as they emerge from the smoke and become known to the real majority.

 

[Chezbloom]

Darn it...I don't like that poll much. LOL. I helped Mom and Dad build our first flowershop when I was 15. At that time I held the esteemed positions of delivery boy and water boy. Then I drifted off into the truly dull world of accounting.

I have never really been a florist - and I am still not a florist. I know florists, I like florists, I like flowers, I have three shops. I'm a darn good beancounter. I have personally spoken to Gaylon Pyle. I buy a lot of the flowers for my sister. But honestly, I barely know an Alsto from my Ahole.

Are you going to give the "BOOT TOO"?

It's kind of odd, I like it here, and feel like a have made good friends here. I have tried to contribute on the few areas where I have some expertise. It seems funny to think, that I am not qualified.

Where do I fit in?

All the best,

You belong here cuz you are involved in the business, you have 3 shops etc.
Your funny and bring attention to important issues. I think if a member has a real business, they belong.

 

[Maynard]

Flower Chat Defination

Was there an orrigional purpose, goal or defination in the creation of 'Flower Chat' that was available to all in writing? Has that changed or evolved - in writing so that all may understand the purpose and direction of this group? The answers to these questions may help to provide answers for members questions. Perhaps clearity here by reference to earliest posts would be helpful.

 

[Mikey the Flower Guy]

Hope you're right and I'm wrong.

Guess time and what's already apparently been done to start things in that direction will tell as they emerge from the smoke and become known to the real majority.

NOW, are these "back slapping" Black Hats, or are these Black Hats smokin something funny??
We have reached another "plateau" here at FlowerChat, where perseptualization has become fact, in some peoples' eyes....putting a worm on a hook, WON'T always catch you a fish, and making a conceptual accusation WON'T prove that there is a diversionary fire built just to make smoke!!
AGAIN....
It ain't so.......

 

[hcflorist]

I think the real question on this string, is not the us against them idea. It's not about tenure. It about what kind of information do you want to be posted here.

I sincerely hope so. Nuff said.

If you want this board to be an open forum for real brick and mortar florists who face similar problems and have to create similar solutions, then keep the hobbists out. If you wish to have a forum that babbles about items that are beggining level and that you have nothing to gain from, then open it to everyone, heck even consumers.

The result of each decision will be markedly different.

An interested hobbyist is a future florist. Or a future florist employee. I'm totally against keeping those with potential real interests out and causing them to direct their interests elsewhere. The industry desperately needs more employees and it needs more people to be the florists of tomorrow.

Part of what I liked about the old FB forum was that you could separate the chaff from the meat without having to enter each string to see what it was about and who was posting it. The old FTD forum was similar. I think they both served their purpose much better than the updated format of this forum and the current FB forum because of that. Point is, I don't like the babble, either. But I'm willing to put up with it. I don't have to read any further once I determine a non-interest or a poster whom I'm likely to disregard. And I don't have to respond to someone whom I believe has no business being in this business.

The registration process that this forum was set up with was supposed to solve the problem being discussed here. I gather that one particular poster who declined to give any information whatsoever about herself when registering was the basis for this flap. So my question would be "where were the moderators"? Doesn't anybody check these registrations? This shouldn't have even been an issue. That poster should have been blocked from the git-go.

I'm not opposed to different classes of registration i.e. Student, Home Based, Wholesaler, Vendor, etc. Nor am I opposed to limiting the reading and posting to properly registered members. But I think that the idea of limiting membership participation to B&M is both elitist and defeatist.

I can't think of ever seeing anything posted on here that was a tip or an idea that I couldn't find either on the internet or in some written or vendor resource at my disposal. I have gathered many tips and ideas here and on other forums that I didn't have to go searching for because I read these forums. But they certainly were not exclusive to these forums. So what's the big deal if someone reads them? If they want to know bad enough, they'll find out. I can guarantee you that nobody is going to learn how to design flowers here. Or how to successfully run a florist. Or how to compete against you or me if we're doing things right.

There's been a fair amount of "dumb" on this forum and others. But I don't know of anybody who's been dumb enough to post their P&L or their Customer Lists on here. And that's about all that a smart local competitor, home based or otherwise, could see that they couldn't otherwise figure out or get from other sources, anyway. I'd check myself for "delusions of grandeur" if I thought otherwise.

Guess I'm comfortable enough with my own ability to successfully compete against anybody in my neck of the woods, home based or otherwise, to just not understand what the big deal is.

 

[hcflorist]

NOW, are these "back slapping" Black Hats, or are these Black Hats smokin something funny??
We have reached another "plateau" here at FlowerChat, where perseptualization has become fact, in some peoples' eyes....putting a worm on a hook, WON'T always catch you a fish, and making a conceptual accusation WON'T prove that there is a diversionary fire built just to make smoke!!
AGAIN....
It ain't so.......

Like I said, time will tell. And I hope I'm wrong. I've been wrong before.

But it's kinda funny . . . . how "HIT DOGS HOWL" ! ! !

And, perhaps, telling too.

 

[flowerperson]

HC Florist- Well said!

"Guess I'm comfortable enough with my own ability to successfully compete against anybody in my neck of the woods, home based or otherwise, to just not understand what the big deal is."

A person with strong character will share and listen to ideas and everyone will benefit!

Paranoia will prevent anyone from growing-

 

[Mikey the Flower Guy]

Was there an original purpose, goal or definition in the creation of 'Flower Chat' that was available to all in writing? Has that changed or evolved - in writing so that all may understand the purpose and direction of this group? The answers to these questions may help to provide answers for members questions. Perhaps clarity here by reference to earliest posts would be helpful.

"Definitions" are invoked by FlowerChat members, as this board evolves, and as it grows, and expands, it's goals also must be allowed to flex!!
Most members here want a professional "go to" board, that helps ALL involved in growing their business, AND remain in contact with other people in this business, to have an equal voice from THEIR perspective!!
We are fully aware of some of the alienating intrusions we've had, we are ALSO aware, that under NO circumstance, do we wish a board that manifests itself as one the excludes some of the things that we MAY not be in control of!!
FlowerChat members are in control of where FlowerChat goes.
Growing suspicions of some underlying manifestations are unvalid!
We cannot control what you believe or disbelieve...this is a volunteer driven board, this is a member driven board.