Would you reject free publicity?

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crazy daisy

crazy daisy

New Member
Apr 15, 2008
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Lancaster
State / Prov
South Carolina
I wanted to write an article/interview for uBloom about a local, brick and mortar florist here in Lancaster, SC. I called one of the oldest, most well known florists here in town to see if they would be interested in having their shop featured on uBloom. To my surprise, they turned me down.

Now, I'm not upset that they didn't want to be interviewed, but I am wondering why a business would turn down an opportunity to be featured for FREE.

I would love some insight into what might cause a florist to NOT want free publicity. My job at uBloom is to highlight and feature flowers, designers and florists. I have always had nothing but an enthusiastic response (until now) from florists/designers whenever I ask if I could write about them.

I really want to write this article about a local florist, but I don't want to offend or tick anyone off. Is there something I need to know before I proceed in asking other local florists in my area? I appreciate any advice my fellow FCers can give me. Thanks!
 
Their loss. It's hard when your bombarded by so many sales calls, you just learn to say no to everything. Maybe if you walked in personally and introduced yourself, or contact a shop owner who knows an opportunity when it knocks.
 
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Lisa Whats ubloom ?
Teresa
 
Thanks Thomas. I will try another shop, but this time I will ask in person!

Hi Iris Eyes...uBloom.com is the floral design website started by J Schwanke, AIFD. It is home to his JTV webisodes as well as great flower articles, pictures, forums and more! uBloom also features floral design webisodes from Leanne Kesler, AIFD of the Floral Design Institute. You should check it out. It's free! Many FCers are members there also.
 
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Iris Eyes said:
Lisa Whats ubloom ?
Teresa
Click to expand...

Teresa you should check out ublooms website, they have great "webisodes" with demonstrations on. They also have a great biedemier rose design, well worth a watch!!

Lisa, i would never turn down a free interview or publicity especially on something like ubloom.
 
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Palms said:
Teresa you should check out ublooms website, they have great "webisodes" with demonstrations on. They also have a great biedemier rose design, well worth a watch!!

Lisa, i would never turn down a free interview or publicity especially on something like ubloom.
Click to expand...

Absolutely a wonderful read. It took an entire month to read and watch everything. The entire site is so positive and energetic and educational.
You will absolutely fall in love with J as you soak in all that creative energy and passion for the industry. I've known a lot of really great designers in my life, but no one has his unique ability to teach and make you happy to be taught at the same time.

Have fun and learn lots, and most importantly share what you know.
If you don't pour it out, you can't fill it up!

And do Lisa a favor, spread the link to everyone you know! People ought to be thanking Lisa for a one blessed phone call.
 
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Hello There UBloom !!!!! I'm in Williamston SC, would just LOVE to have a call from UBloom !!! I'm here waiting.... what a great dream.... still waiting......
Your not far from me. I'll spring for lunch... :):):):):)
 
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TGDragonfly said:
Their loss. It's hard when your bombarded by so many sales calls, you just learn to say no to everything. Maybe if you walked in personally and introduced yourself, or contact a shop owner who knows an opportunity when it knocks.
Click to expand...

I think Thom is right here. I kept getting what I thought were sales calls from a woman at syndicate sales. When I finally talked to her, begrudgingly, she wanted my opinion on some new floral foam they are making. I got a free case of foam out of the deal. My skepticism almost got the best of me. :hammer:
 
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Thanks everyone for your helpful insight and encouragement! I truly appreciate it.

I am going to continue to try and make contact with the local florists here in Lancaster. This is my hometown, if I can't break through here, then I'll start looking outside the county lines. Wish me luck!
 
crazy daisy said:
Thanks everyone for your helpful insight and encouragement! I truly appreciate it.

I am going to continue to try and make contact with the local florists here in Lancaster. This is my hometown, if I can't break through here, then I'll start looking outside the county lines. Wish me luck!
Click to expand...

Williamston is in Anderson County, Debra's Designs Inc.
Good luck to you on your search,I'm just a call away.
Hey, I have to give it a try. My shop would make for good reading, lot of history in the house/shop I own. Maybe next time.
 
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elmo said:
Williamston is in Anderson County, Debra's Designs Inc.
Good luck to you on your search,I'm just a call away.
Hey, I have to give it a try. My shop would make for good reading, lot of history in the house/shop I own. Maybe next time.
Click to expand...

You are West of me then, right? I think Connie is out your way in the Greenville area. We have quite a few FCers from South Carolina. Lizi and Ricky are a couple of others. We should all get together! Maybe I could do an article on South Carolina's Florists and interview you all. Wouldn't that be fun?!
 
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I think you have an excellent idea there Lisa....article on SC Florists!
 
Anytime you want a freaking Canadian Florist featured on U BLOOM, I am your guy! Not Mikey, Not Missy, Not Victoria, Luc is your man!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Luc
 
I would turn down any request that the caller claims would be good for my business. Such claim has never been true.

You might want to try ego-massaging first, - "Sorry to bother you" (not that any florist is busy right now), "...but ubloom really needs your story, because you are such a famous, successful florist. We would like to learn from you." Along this line.

Never say things like "are you interested in...?" because that sounds like *you* giving him an opportunity. While that is true, it's not a ckever sales pitch.

Hope this helps.
 
crazy daisy said:
You are West of me then, right? I think Connie is out your way in the Greenville area. We have quite a few FCers from South Carolina. Lizi and Ricky are a couple of others. We should all get together! Maybe I could do an article on South Carolina's Florists and interview you all. Wouldn't that be fun?!
Click to expand...
I think that's a wonderful plan !! Connie and I get together a couple times a year and travel to educational floral events, and on buying trips.We bounce
ideals back and forth all the way and back, on one of these trips or two is when Connie talked me in to checking out FC. It is important for all of us to share our knowledge, I feel it makes us stronger. Thanks Connie for sharing.
 
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