Real Flower Business

Education and Business Training for Floral Designers.

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4 Actions To Grow Your Business

You’re officially approaching the end of the business year and while the year may be over, this work on your path to a profitable business must continue.

So to support you on that path, I thought it would be helpful for me to lay out the focused steps I teach florists to grow a profitable floral design business.

Because the truth is, the biggest problem for most entrepreneurs is they simply don’t know exactly what action steps to focus on to grow their cash flow and scale their business with less effort.

Real Flower Business Courses For Florists

Growing a sustainable business really comes down to 4 focused action steps:

Step #1 – Price For Profit

This is the process of following industry standard markups, applying a design fee, charging for delivery & set-up, and generally just feeling good about your profit margins.

Once you’re at a place where you don’t need to worry about how much money you’re making on each sale, you start shifting to “how you can make more money with less effort.”

No matter where you are at in business, whether working from a home-studio or a brick & mortar shop, I always suggest you follow the Flower Math formulas for pricing to ensure profitability…(in fact, you can learn more about my Flower Math technique right here!).

Step #2 – Establish Your Value

Following Flower Math formulas will help you increase your income, however you must also think about the long term sustainability of the business.

That’s where building a reputable brand comes into play. The value you provide to your clients is what your brand is all about. Trustworthy and reliable is what an integrity brand is all about….(This is the real reason people choose you over other florists in your area!)

Step #3 – Monetize Your Brand

Then, once you’ve built a trustworthy brand, it’s time to tap into it to generate some more cash flow by charging premium prices for the level of service and overall experience you provide.

And truthfully, this is as simple as consistently creating beautiful floral designs and providing outstanding customer service experiences so that you develop a sought-after business!

You rinse and repeat these 3 steps over and over again until you have your cash flow where you want it to be…where it is more consistent & reliable.

Step #4 – Scale Your Business

This step is focused on the 3 key areas that allow for you to expand your income without expanding your workload. This is the stage when you MUST ditch the hustle-mentality and start thinking and working SMARTER.

These 3 key areas are: Clear Offers, Authenticity Marketing, and Streamlined Systems.

With these 3 things in place, you will be able to welcome in qualified new clients…and eliminate price shoppers….because clients already understand what you do and trust your brand so that all you need to do is lead them through the process.

These truly are 4 CRITICAL focused action steps you need to grow and scale your business. Work smarter, not harder as you grow.

Hopefully that makes your next steps clear and if you have any questions, please let me know…

To ask me a question or drop me a line e-mail:  info@floralartvt.com

xo. -Alison

P.S. The Flower Math course I mentioned in Step #1 is an easy to follow technique that is making me and my students a lot of money on every order…simply by applying the Flower Math formulas…and there’s no technology required….other than your computer and a calculator.

By following Flower Math…

  • I make a consistent 70% profit margin (or more!) on the cost of flowers & supplies.
  • My clients tell me they make more money on every order they place.
  • Susan made back the purchase of the course in just 1 wedding and said, “I can make a career out of this (and not only be a hobby florist!)”.
  • My client in England said, “I’m not a natural with maths and found it very helpful and easy to understand. I spent £2,000 on a recognised floristry course and am annoyed that they did not cover this amount of detail!!”
  • Canadian designer, Larissa, told me she was happy that she “had to pay taxes for the first time” because she turned a profit in her business after taking Flower Math!
  • Heather signed up in mid-November and she said, “I actually felt the light bulb come on in my head.”

In fact, on average the floralpreneurs who follow the techniques I teach are making more money and feeling more confident on the very first order they quote.

So, if you want to get in the loop on exactly how they work, then click here to learn more and SAVE $100 Off Flower Math Today!

With love from me to you,

Alison

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Cyber Monday Sale

CYBER MONDAY SALE! SAVE AN ADDITIONAL $10 OFF ALL TEMPLATE BUNDLES TIL 9PM ET!

You can access these pdf’s as soon as you purchase. (Floralpreneurs often tell me they use my templates the same day they buy ’em.)

Try ’em. You’ll like ’em.

I’m proud to present 5 downloadable courses to help you streamline your e-mail and proposal writing process.

SAVE $30 $40 OFF ALL 5 PDFS HERE.

Testimonial:

“Just downloaded the 12 email templates, wedding workflow, and how to write proposals that sell…..ALISON! You are the flower fairy god mother we all needed! Information overload! Do it guys;)”

-Melissa Denise

BUY AN E-MAIL BUNDLE & SAVE $10 20 OFF!

10 E-Mail Templates for Florists $39

This downloadable pdf tackles ten difficult conversations we have with customers and potential customers including How to Present A Proposal That’s Over Budget, How to Reply To A Complaint, How to Tell A Client You Won’t Work with Them, and How To Respond When A Wedding Is Cancelled. Get it here for $39.

12 E-Mail Templates for Florists $29

This downloadable pdf gives you the exact wording I use when writing to a client. It’s a bonafide look at how I communicate with customers to create both a friendly and business-centered relationship based on mutual respect and crystal clear communication. I often hear florists say they use these templates within the first 1-2 days of purchasing them! You’ll find some valuable phrases you can embrace and adapt to your own unique voice. Buy it now $29.

“Man do I wish I had used them earlier…sent off all my latest proposals using your email templates and 3 from 3 have come back before the expiry date in acceptance!!  [You’re] a floral super star Alison thank you so so much for the time and effort you put back into the industry.”

-Casey (from the Facebook group)

GET MY 3-COURSE WEDDING BUNDLE & SAVE $20 30 OFF!

How To Write Proposals That Sell $99

This downloadable pdf shows you how to create a template for wedding proposals that sell by sharing the steps I use to create a more streamlined proposal process without committing hours and hours of time before booking…including tips to create a sense of urgency around booking so you really can book more quickly. Get it here $99.

Contracts For Florists $99

Included in this pdf you get the 14 Terms & Conditions I include in my contract, along with notes on some of my very favorite and most important parts, plus I’ve added 10 additional clauses you might want to consider, and a BONUS e-mail template, “What if someone asks you to modify your contract?” Contracts For Florists is not intended to be a “template”, although you do get all of the terms of my contract. My hope is that you’ll use this course to draft a contract with a local attorney in your area! (I’m a florist; I am not a lawyer. You should consult an attorney when drafting an official contract.) Get it here $99.

Wedding Workflow $19

This downloadable pdf takes you behind the scenes of my business to show you how I choreograph a customer service experience that fosters a relationship of trust and confidence with 16 Steps to Client Management from initial inquiry to post-wedding followup. Get it here $19.

Not sure which course is right for you? Get in touch: floralartvt@gmail.com

I’m happy to answer any questions you may have before, during or after a course!

CYBER MONDAY SALE ENDS MONDAY, NOV. 26TH, AT 9PM EASTERN TIME!

Find out more about Flower Math HERE.

Read more about Alison HERE.

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Do you want to spend less time on e-mail replies?

Do you ever track how many hours you spend replying to e-mails? I had no idea how much time I’d spend in front of my computer when I started my floral design business nearly 17 years ago.

For YEARS I found myself struggling with how to tell someone I couldn’t hold their date without a deposit,…or firmly explain that I will not reduce my price,… or how to strike a balance on how “tough” to *really* get when requesting a payment that’s overdue.

The reality of modern-day customer service is this: E-mail is a critical form of client communication; it’s how they get to know you!

Your customers can’t see your facial expressions or interpret your “tone”… so it’s critical that every word you choose is meaningful and accurate.

But it takes so much time to craft the perfect reply, right?!!

It took years to hone my voice so it felt professional, authentic and clear.

So let me ask you a question…

Do your e-mails increase your authority, grow trust with your clients, and make them feel well cared for?

What if you could…

  • Feel CONFIDENT when explaining your terms to a client,
  • Forget FEARS about not being taken seriously,
  • Gain AUTHORITY as you build trust with your prompt, concise replies,
  • Make stronger CONNECTIONS so your customers can actually understand your expectations,
  • Increase the INCOME you’ll be able to generate when you state your minimums clearly so clients say YES to your next proposal, no questions asked!

Confidence. Authority. Connections. Income.

… Do you want these things in your business?

THEN START…

  • Confidently establishing your authority…

  • Boldly claiming your role as the leader your clients need you to be…

  • Seamlessly building trust with clients who “get you”…

AND STOP…

  • staring at your computer screen searching for the “right thing to say”…
  • wondering if you’ll ever hear back from a prospect…
  • feeling like your clients are in the driver’s seat….

For my wedding and event clients, I often send the same basic e-mails over and over again throughout the season, so after about 15 years in business I created 12 E-mail Templates for Florists with some of my most frequent (& sometimes tricky!) customer conversations, as well as 10 More Templates with Difficult Client Conversations Made Easy! 

Now THRU Oct. 31 at 3pm Eastern Time THEY’RE ON SALE! SAVE $20 OFF BOTH SETS OF TEMPLATES WHEN YOU BUY A BUNDLE.

Here’s what ya get in 10 E-mail Templates:

How to….

  1. Tell someone you can no longer “hold their date”.
  2. Present a proposal that’s over budget.
  3. Ask someone why they did NOT book with you.
  4. Tell someone you’re not a good fit for their event.
  5. Reply to a complaint.
  6. Bill for damaged or missing rental items after an event.
  7. Explain you won’t order flowers until full payment is received.
  8. Tell someone that their most recent changes/additions will result in a price increase.
  9. Tell someone you will not update their proposal (again) or meet (again) without a deposit.
  10. Respond when a wedding is cancelled.
And here’s what’s included in 12 E-Mail Templates:
How to…
  1. Say, Hello in an introduction e-mail.
  2. Present a minimum.
  3. Present a proposal, contract and invoice.
  4. Tell someone you’re unavailable for their date.
  5. Tell someone you will not lower your price.
  6. Follow up if you don’t hear back from a prospect.
  7. Tell someone you cannot hold their date without deposit.
  8. Confirm receipt of contract & deposit.
  9. Confirm receipt of contract, but missing deposit.
  10. Confirm receipt of deposit, but missing contract.
  11. Request final changes and final payment.
  12. Confirm receipt of final payment before event.

Plus These Bonuses:

  • 5 E-Mail Etiquette Tips
  • How To Ask For a Testimonial

Click here to grab my templates and start leveraging your e-mails to increase your confidence, authority, and income.

This is the lowest price I’ve ever offered on templates!

…so if there is even an inkling of a desire to grab these templates, jump on it right now.

I’m closing the doors on this sale at 3pm EST on Oct. 31.

Templates save you time! You can customize your own e-mail templates by modifying the language and phrasing provided in my templates. Simply create an e-mail folder for your most commonly used conversations, then, copy, paste into a new e-mail and adjust as needed to suit your client!

Florists often tell me they use these e-mail templates the same day they buy them! Copy, paste, rinse, repeat!

If you have questions for me, get in touch! floralartvt@gmail.com

xo. -Alison

 

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Business Planning Jumpstart

Many of the florists I’ve talked with recently say it’s been a busy year, which is awesome news as someone who keeps a beat on what’s happening in the floral industry!….but if you want to plan for a busy next season….and the season after that, you’re invited to join me LIVE Monday, Oct. 22-26 for a business planning boost before the end of the year!
This is a bonus planning session for paid members of The Art of Good Business. You have lifetime access to this course, including any bonuses and updates I add, plus you can ask me questions any time in our private Facebook group for members only.

Next-level planning starts now for your business!

Here’s what’s covered in the 5-day bonus planning session starting Monday:
  • Day 1: Planning ahead: You future-thinking business goals
  • Day 2: SWOTs (Note: I want you to identify 1 opportunity that you can act on!)
  • Day 3: Improving Sales Copy With “Benefits & Results”
  • Day 4: Bare Bones Business Plan (you’ll have a current and future plan for your biz this week!)
  • Day 5: Updating and Implementing (because action is essential!)
THIS IS IMPORTANT WORK TO DO BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.
Your business can’t wait until January to plan for a successful 2019.
And you can’t just “hope business increases” without a plan to make meaningful moves that create changes in your biz.

So if you’re looking for better clients or struggling with your sales copy or you’re not sure how to improve your brand without investing $20,000+ in a marketing expert, this course is made for you!

You don’t have to be a marketing expert to have a good brand.
(But you do have to do some hard work to get to the heart of your brand’s message and values!)

Here’s what you’ll learn in The Art of Good Business:

  • Gain valuable strategies around how to prequalify customers so that you’re not wasting time with clients who aren’t a good fit;
  • Uncover a deeper understanding of who your ideal customers are so that you can speak directly to them;
  • Learn how to improve your website to create a first point of contact that attracts ideal clients;
  • Choreograph outstanding client management that feels like personalized customer service for your ideal clients;
  • ​​​​Hone the unique blend of talents that make up your one-of-a-kind brand so that you can eliminate the competition by highlighting your own personal branding strengths.

To get the maximum benefits from this course you’ll need:

  • a computer to log in & download pdfs,
  • an open mind & willingness to expand your thinking,
  • a pen & notebook,
  • and a commitment to start what you finish!

And if you need some encouragement, I’ll be live once a month in our private Facebook group to help get you over the finish line & answer your questions!

Click HERE to enroll before 9am Monday to join my bonus jam session. 

OR

Click HERE to read more about The Art of Good Business.

If have any questions for me, don’t hesitate to get in touch floralartvt@gmail.com 
We can even hop on a phone or Skype call so I can address your questions before signing up.
(Yes, I’ll talk to you on a Sunday!)
​​​​​​​
If you know a florist who would enjoy my Real Flower Business “stuff”, please pass it on.
​​​​​​​Keep doing beautiful work!
With love from me to you,
Alison

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Business Plan Reboot

When’s the last time you wrote a business plan?

Was it 5 years ago? 10 years ago? Last week?

If it’s been longer than 3 years since you wrote a business plan, then I want to invite you to get on the good foot & put your business on a forward-thinking path by joining my Bonus Business Planning Jam Session Oct. 22-26!*

Because you can’t move forward if you’re following an outdated business plan.

*This is a bonus session for paid members of my course, The Art of Good Business, and you can click HERE to sign up before Oct. 22nd to join us or click HERE to learn more about what’s included in the course.

In this jam session you’ll take action & set clear goals! Including:

  • Looking toward the future of your biz
  • Identifying new opportunities right now
  • Improving your sales copy
  • Updating your business plan
  • Touching up your website to reflect your newfound insights!

As soon as you sign up, you’ll get instant access to the entire course and you’ll be invited to join the 5-day Bonus Jam Session.

real flower business courses, education for florists

When planning for success in business, it’s important to understand:

  • What’s your current vision? (And if you’ve been in biz for a while, how does your current vision compare to the vision you set forth when you wrote your first biz plan?)
  • What are your objectives? (ie. Why do you have this business?)
  • What are your SWOTs? (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
  • What strategies are you employing to reach your goals?

If you’re having a hard time answering some of the above questions,

or it’s been a little while since you’ve really answered these questions honestly and thoroughly in your biz,

then you should seriously consider joining me for my 4th Quarter Biz Planning Jam Session, Oct. 22-26th so that you can get your business on the path to success in 2019 and over the next 3-5 years!

Read more about what you get in the course here!

Testimonial:

“Alison has put her heart and her vast knowledge into this class. She is open and supportive. Honest and kind. She will tell the truth. She is clear and concise. She is a bit of a genius and she’ll bring out the genius in you! Her class is one of a kind because of all the backing and support she offers.

I won’t lie, at first, I thought, this is not my forte, this is going to be a challenge…

But Alison’s approach is to encourage us to take some action, because it all adds up. One success leads to the next and soon it was fun! My new discoveries are exciting, I found myself not wanting it to end, and was pleased to discover that the information in the class will always be available to me.

I encourage you to indulge in the Art of Good Business. I promise when you are done, your journey to business success will have just begun.”

-Rebecca Raymond

You can do this work at your own pace.

This course is perfect for self-starters–but after our Oct. Jam Session we’ll be doing the entire course together, LIVE, in January in our private Facebook group. You don’t have to do this work alone. I’ll be here to support you along the way!

You can sign up any time between now and Jan. to join the course live, but the Jam Session is happening next week so the time to register is NOW….well, technically you have until 9am EST on Oct. 22nd, but why wait? Sign up today so you don’t miss the Bonus Session!

Testimonial:

“It was worth every penny…I am so happy with the value of this course. I didn’t even know that all of THIS is exactly what I needed to know!“

-Cathy Lamb

 

The total investment in this program is $1,000. In return I give you everything I know about building a trustworthy brand & designing an engaging website that helps you attract more customers that love you. 

Plus monthly livestreams in our private Facebook group, and lots of encouragement to get moving and “do the work” to implement changes in your business.

You’ll have access to hours worth of videos that complement the written content in your pdfs. You can do this course at your own pace, but you’re not alone.

A 4-payment plan is available and I do not charge any interest for the convenience of the payment plan. If this course is right for you I want you IN the course….I don’t want to put any speed bumps in the way.

Have a question for me? Shoot me an e-mail any time: floralartvt@gmail.com We can even hop on a call this week if you’re not sure if my course is right for you.

Testimonial:

“There is so much content in this course! Definitely exceeded expectations.

The most important part of this course for me was the section on choreographing the customer service portion of my business. I am learning how to communicate clearly and lead my clients in a way that builds trust and sets realistic expectations.
This course is great for anyone that is ready to refine their business practices. You have to be ready to take action for this to really make a difference.
I really enjoyed the live portion of the course…Felt like having you there with us.”
-Jessie Partridge

Ready to sign up? CLICK HERE TO ENROLL!

Note: Don’t sign up if you’re not willing to get out of your comfort zone and “do work”.
You’ll have to take action to get results.

I’ll be there to help push you over the finish line, but you have to take the first step to get started (read more)!

I look forward to welcoming some of you to my jam session and diving into The Art of Good Business with you!

With love from me to you,

Alison

Read more: Ready To Rise Above Your Competition? Click here!online education for florists, real flower business