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!