Real Flower Business

Education and Business Training for Floral Designers.

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Work-Life Balance In Business

A florist asked about a healthy work-life balance in my Facebook group the other day and frankly, it’s nearly impossible to achieve a balance because there’s an ebb and flow to everything–and rarely do business pressures and demands of personal life come in equal measure.

Some days are heavily focused on family, while other days are work days. Some days I’m a better designer than I am at dinner preparation and some days all the laundry is clean, but my studio is a royal mess!

This doesn’t mean I’m falling short–it means I’m human. And lucky for me, I’m not aiming for perfection.

Designing is my favorite thing about being a florist, but it’s a small part of all the work I really do. That’s pretty obvious to you if you’re a floral designer, too! (You know exactly what I mean.)

For example, I did a beautiful wedding earlier this month, which I LOVED, but the rest of the time I’ve mostly been doing things I don’t want to do. Now, I’m not saying that to complain! I’m just being truthful. And that can definitely contribute to a work-life balance that feels less than balanced!

Yet one of my strongest skills as a small business owner for 22 years is my ability to get through all that stuff I don’t love so that I CAN do the thing I really love!

(But trust me, it’s taken a lot of practice.)

And as I focus more on “being human” vs. the title of “business owner”, I notice that in the times when I’m feeling like my BEST self are when I’m not in a constant self-judging cycle and I’m not spending (wasting) as much time on social media.

If you’re interested in reducing the amount of time you’re spending on social media too, I want to make sure you know that every month I send 5 social media prompts to the members of my Patreon Community in the Marketing Mavens Tier. The intention is to save florists time and help you create posts that represent your brand instead of just posting because you “have to”. (These prompts land in your inbox on the first Monday of each month when you’re a subscriber!)

Whether you’re currently feeling balanced or not, I hope you have a wonderful week ahead and I hope you’ll make the most of it!

Keep doing beautiful work!

Very best,

Alison Ellis

 

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3 Things To Do When Sales Are Slow

When sales are slow, what should florists do?

Lately, as I talk with floral designers–either in my free Facebook group or in 1:1 Coaching Calls–there’s a common theme that keeps reoccurring and it’s the simple fact that sales are down so far this year.

It is understandably concerning when sales are slow, but what should you actually do about it?

Since complaining won’t help and worrying isn’t pro-active, what steps can florists take today to face the financial reality of a slower season?

Take a few minutes to tune in as I share some real steps you can take in a down season to try to get yourself back on track.

 

Remember: I’m a real florist, too. I am passionate about teaching practical, proven business strategies, but I don’t just teach! I’ve been running my home-studio business for 22 years and I experience the same ebb & flow of the wedding market just like you. That’s why I always share real, honest advice to help you improve your own sales systems. (And I don’t just show up when I’m selling something! I’m here to support you along the way.)

Keep doing beautiful work and let me know if you enjoyed this video or have any questions for me!

xo. -Alison Ellis

 

Learn More About Alison Here

 

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5 Biggest Expenses In My Business

 

I was teaching a VIP Coaching Session yesterday and we debriefed a bit on Valentine’s Day sales, which brought up a very important topic that I want to share with you today–the difference between what the numbers actually say vs what you’re feeling about the numbers!

Click to listen below where I share more about the REAL story your numbers are telling you AND get a breakdown the 5 Things I Spent The Most Money On In My Floral Business last year! (I wonder if you’ll be surprised about where my money went or if your numbers tell a similar story.)

 

The moral of the story is…

Every floral business is going to have different numbers when it comes to sales, salaries, and other expenses, and it’s up to you to understand the story those numbers are really telling.

Remember: If you don’t know your numbers, you don’t know your business!

 

 

>>Join Me for 3 Numbers Florists Need To Know! This free, live Pricing Chat for Florists takes places on Tues, March 12th, at 12pm ET.

 

>>And if you want to learn more about The Floralpreneur® Workshop here in Vermont, April 14-16th, click here and get your seat today!

 

As always, if you have any questions for me, don’t hesitate to let me know. I’m here to help.

Very best,

Alison Ellis

 

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2024 Floralpreneur® Workshop

As a floral designer, I know there are a lot of options out there when it comes to workshops!

I’ve invested in more than a handful of professional workshops myself, so I want to share with you what sets The Floralpreneur® Workshop apart!

Click to watch below for a few reasons I think THIS IS THE BEST WORKSHOP FOR FLORISTS!

And sign up NOW if you want to ensure you get a seat. 

It’s time to jump in and join us for this amazing workshop opportunity here in Vermont!

Get all the details here and sign up!

Remember: All Meals are Included, you get a 1:1 Coaching Call with Alison before the workshop, and you’ll walk away feeling confident that you can make ANY DESIGN foam free, yet secure!

I’d be honored to have you join us.

xo. -Alison Ellis

 

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Toxic Positivity In Business

Hey Floralpreneur®, I have to be really honest about something that’s been bugging me lately. I keep seeing a lot of influencers and educators who are pushing toxic positivity & basically gaslighting us–”us” being floral designers and small business owners– so I want to lay out some things that I will NEVER do:

 

I will NOT tell you that a slow sales year in your business is an AMAZING opportunity and you should look on the bright side–

 

Because while there CAN be opportunities in the slower times to refocus your efforts on activities that actually help increase your sales, I know it feels like a gut punch when you have bills to pay, mouths to feed, and employees who are counting on you!

 

What your business actually needs is a plan to generate more sales, not just a positive attitude to embrace the slump (as you organize your ribbon rack and try to manifest more customers).

 

 

Another thing I will NOT tell you is that just spending more time on social media doing Reels is the answer to all of your problems!

 

If you’re already overwhelmed by the amount of time & attention that social media demands from you NOW, is spending more time on these platforms really the right move?

 

(Even though Instagram Reels are what Instagram WANTS you to do to keep their platform relevant, that doesn’t guarantee you new paying customers this week, this month, or even this year!)

 

 

These “tips” may sound “optimistic and on-trend”, but oftentimes they end up making you feel worse because neither of the above are an actual strategy to increase your sales ASAP.

 

So if you happen to be questioning yourself lately in the face of these sorts of “positively unhelpful pleasantries”, that’s because they’re lightweight fluff at best and manipulative at worst.

 

Before you question yourself, question the source of the advice!

 

Remember that I’m a REAL florist just like you! 

 

I’ve been doing wedding flowers since 2002 and frankly, my sales projections are down this year, too. And while I’ve learned to keep my chin up and I’m hopeful to book a few more great weddings this year, it’s still genuinely frustrating to see this dip in my sales and income!

 

Since I didn’t come here to just rant, here’s what I WILL promise you:

 

You can count on me for proven, honest business strategies based on over 30 years of working as a florist and over 20 years of owning my own home-studio design business.

 

That’s it. Just the facts.

 

Because puffing you up to say, “You’ve got this” isn’t enough to make a meaningful difference in your business and your life–and what I teach is meant to help change your mindset, your strategy and your income for the better!

 

I don’t just sell templates on auto-pilot.

 

I didn’t create realflowerbusiness.com to be a “passive income stream”.

 

I am VERY sincerely & actively here to provide support, answer your questions or even meet privately for 1:1 coaching if you need it.

 

Anytime you have a question about your business or what your next steps should be in your business, please feel free to get in touch.

 

Thanks for making time to read my mini-rant today. I’m rooting for you and your business–especially if it feels like an off year.

 

Keep doing beautiful work!

xo. -Alison Ellis

 

P.S. Did you catch my live chat on “What Do You Offer?” In 25 minutes or less you can get some clarity around what you are offering JUST IN TIME to get some more sales for Valentine’s Day! Click to watch now!

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