Episodes
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Episode 254: In this episode, hosts Lori and Vonda are joined by special guest David Register, the Executive Vice President at FernTrust, Inc. located in Seville, FL. David provides insights into the cut foliage business, discussing the products they are known for and the impacts of multiple hurricanes on the industry. The conversation also delves into what can be expected for Valentine's Day, the major challenges in production, and two key factors that significantly influence the business but are beyond their control. Labor and productivity costs are addressed, along with potential solutions to navigate these challenges effectively. Join us for an engaging discussion on the dynamics of the cut foliage market and the strategies for success in this ever-evolving industry.
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 253: Lori provides an insightful look into the less glamorous aspects of being a manager that are rarely discussed. She shares interesting and surprising insights about the challenges that managers experience and often keep to themselves. While there may not be definitive solutions to these issues, Lori and Vonda emphasize the importance of building resilience as a manager. They highlight the need for managers to remain strong in the face of adversity, as these challenges are inevitable and should not be taken personally. If you're a manager, you'll likely find yourself nodding in agreement as Lori and Vonda delve into the lesser-known realities of this role.
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episodes manquant?
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Episode 252: In this episode, host Lori Wilson PFCI sits down with her co-host Vonda LaFever AIFD PFCI CFD and friend Julie Poeltler AIFD PFCI CFD to discuss their recent collaboration with a top-notch video production and design team. Join them as they reflect on their experience at the Benz Institute on the Texas A&M Campus in College Station.
From overcoming challenges to embracing highlights, Julie and Vonda share what they learned from working with these talented teams and how it has impacted their own approach to their profession. Tune in to hear about the wonderful lessons and experiences gained from this collaborative endeavor.Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 251: Lori and Ellie reflect on Flower Clique's first in-person staff retreat, which prioritized team bonding and relaxation. The retreat featured a session on 'Sparketypes', which provides insights into team members’ personality archetypes, such as Mavens, Makers, Scientists, and Performers. These insights aim to enhance personal fulfillment and team efficiency by aligning roles to individual strengths and avoiding burnout. Tune in to discover different creative and leadership archetypes in business, particularly in flower shops, and how you can use the Sparketype quiz to better appreciate and strengthen your team dynamics.
Suggestion: Take the quiz first to get your Sparketype, and then come back here to tune in! Take the quiz here: https://sparketype.com/Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 250: Customer service can be a challenging field, especially when emotions come into play. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of customer interactions, particularly when dissatisfaction or complaints arise.
Lori shares a personal experience from the customer side and talks about what went wrong and shares strategies and verbiage to defuse tense situations.
In the floral industry, emotions often run high, especially during occasions of sympathy. Knowing how to communicate effectively in these sensitive moments can make the difference between a satisfied customer returning or walking away forever. Join us as we discuss the significance of empathy and communication in providing exceptional customer service.
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 249: Join Lori as she sits down with Kami Martin, the Director of Membership, and Audrey Kristoff, the Product Manager, from the Flower Clique team. Discover how their roles contribute to the success of flower shop owners and Flower Clique members. Kami delves into her expertise in website management, discussing the intricacies of merchandising, while Audrey sheds light on the advantages of Flower Clique bundles. Stay tuned as Lori asks some engaging personal questions, allowing listeners to get to know this dynamic duo working behind the scenes at Flower Clique.
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 248: In this episode, Ellie, Lori, and Vonda share their experiences from an 8-day business trip focused on product development for Flower Clique. From photo shoots to creating videos for Sales Prep School, and even hosting an educational show at Bill Doran in Omaha, the trip was filled with challenges and obstacles that seemed almost comical at times.
Vonda and Lori have always emphasized the importance of turning obstacles into opportunities, but when faced with obstacles themselves, can they practice what they preach? Join us as we delve into their journey of overcoming hurdles and turning setbacks into success.
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 247: Vonda and Lori are on the road and picked a great rewind for you. It's a rewind from last summer of Episode 185: Join Lori and Ellie as they sit down with our good friend, Sam Bowles, the General Manager and Creative Director of Allen's Flowers in beautiful San Diego, CA. Get ready for an inspiring episode that will leave you motivated and eager to take your floral business to new heights!
In this captivating conversation, Sam shares his incredible journey from being a middle-school educator to diving headfirst into the world of flowers. Discover how he experienced personal growth and embraced the evolving floral industry, becoming a true expert in his field.
But that's not all! Sam also reveals the hard-hitting truth on delivering exceptional 5-star customer service. Whether your customers purchase flowers online, over the phone, or in person at your shop, this episode will provide you with valuable tools, ideas, and concepts to elevate their experience and surpass their expectations.
Attracting and retaining customers is crucial in today's competitive market, and Sam's expertise will guide you on how to ensure your business stands out. Learn how to demonstrate your unrivaled knowledge, readiness, and commitment to superior customer service, making your business the go-to destination for all things floral.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a veteran floral business educator. Tune in to this enlightening episode and discover how you can exceed customer expectations and create an unforgettable floral experience!Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 246: Join Lori and Vonda in a heartfelt conversation as they reflect on their recent experience designing wedding flowers for a personal wedding. Though they don't typically work together in this capacity, their shared dedication and admiration for the special couple shine through. Listen in as they share takeaways and tips that are food for thought for anyone working in the industry.
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 245: Today's episode is short and sweet as we share a brief history of Labor Day and highlights a valuable lesson that continue to resonate today. Learn the important highlights of origins of Labor Day and the impact of the labor movement on workers' rights. Discover the power of unity, collective action, and standing up for justice as we reflect on the lessons gained from this important holiday.
Additionally, as we close out summer and look ahead to the next few weeks, we offer a few tips to help you refocus and navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 244: Join hosts Lori and Vonda as they delve into a collection of mind-altering quotes by Wayne Dyer. Discover quotes that may resonate with you with a simple "yep" and others that challenge you to truly ponder and potentially transform the way you view certain aspects of life. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the profound impact of words that have the ability to inspire change and growth.
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 243: We recap the exciting session at Camp Clique last week and delve into a thought-provoking discussion with industry experts Bill McKinley AIFD from Texas A & M and Abby Chick, shop owner of Blakemore's Flowers in Harrisonburg, VA.
Join us as Bill and Abby share their insights on incorporating sustainability into floral design. They answer burning questions such as: What design mechanics can we adopt to move the sustainability needle in our craft? How can retail flower shops implement best practices on a daily/weekly basis to work towards a more sustainable future? Tune in to discover practical tips and innovative ideas that can help shape a greener, more sustainable floral industry.
Want to listen to the entire session:
Realistic Sustainability for Retail FloristsSponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 242: In this episode, Vonda interviews Lori about her experience at the Society of America Florist (SAF) Convention in Miami last week. Lori shares her insights and highlights from the convention, from the networking opportunities and meeting up with our Cliquers to her participation as a moderator for a panel discussion, she gives great tips and takeaways. You won't want to miss her story about "that flower feeling"! Whether you attended this year's SAF Convention or not, you won't want to miss Lori's perspective.
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 241: Join us for an inspiring interview with Stefani and John Goetz, the couple behind 21 Petals in Lafayette, IN. Stefani, a dedicated assistant principal, and John, a law enforcement professional, share their remarkable journey of starting a flower farm and eventually building a successful flower business. With a child with extraordinary needs, they embraced life's challenges and turned them into opportunities to create something beautiful and life-giving. Discover how this resilient pair navigated unexpected twists in life and used them as stepping stones to realize their dream of owning a flourishing flower shop.
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 240: In this episode, hosts Lori and Ellie chat with Williee Armellini, the artist, musician, writer and owner of the Flowers and Cents website and newsletter. Williee shares some fascinating anecdotes about his personal journey and talks in-depth about his book "Flowers Come from Where?". The book offers insight into the growth and history of the importer and domestic flower industry. As Lori says, Williee is a character, and this episode is a delightful conversation about his many passions and experiences in the world of flowers.
Flowers and Cents
Order Williee's Book: Flowers Come From Where?Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 239: In this episode, we'll share highlights from an recent webinar session provided and sponsored by Flower Clique. Join Ellie LaFever as she delves into the exciting world of upcoming color palettes in the floral industry. She shares the insights presented by J. Keith White at the 2024 AIFD convention, featuring the American Floral Trends Forecast. Ellie LaFever also imparts valuable knowledge providing an in-depth look at the latest trends and how they apply to a local business.
This Forecast is made possible by the AIFD Foundation. Their research and development make this forecast possible. Don't miss this opportunity to be ahead of the curve in the dynamic world of floral design and retail.
For the webinar session with slides, join here. Camp Clique Session #3Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 238: In this episode, Vonda and Lori explore the impact of different leadership traits on employee retention. They discuss five leadership habits to avoid that can drive employees away and undermine your authority. By self-evaluating and identifying these destructive traits, leaders can course-correct and create a more engaging work environment. Additionally, Vonda and Lori share five positive leadership traits that make employees want to stay for the long haul. By embodying these traits, leaders can foster loyalty, trust, and commitment among their team members. Tune in to learn how to become the type of leader that employees never want to retire from working for!
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 237: In this episode, Vonda shares her unique perspective on the AIFD Symposium Emerge, held in Orlando FL while driving home. Though she didn't attend any of the programs, she was able to personally meet the designers. Vonda had the task of working behind the scenes for 10 days alongside her co-chair and partner in floral, Julie Poeltler, in a well-oiled Flower Workroom.
Vonda offers her thoughts on the event, including what went on behind the scenes and the hard work that goes into making such an event successful. Tune in to hear what Vonda has to say about this unforgettable experience!
Special thanks to my co-chair, the amazing Julie Poeltler AIFD, CFD, PFCI
As well as the fantastic behind the scene teams in the Flower Room
Processing: Laurel Hollopeter AIFD, CFD
Fresh Flower Procurement: Renee Tucci, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, Darcie Garcia AIFD, CFD, and Trish Reppert CFD
Flower Clique SweatshirtsSponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 236: Vonda and Lori are at AIFD this week, making it the perfect opportunity for YOU to catch up on any podcast episodes you’ve missed! If you need a recommendation, check out Episode 159: “Leadership Lessons: Five Dysfunctions of a Team.” In this episode, the Flower Clique gals give an overview of the book “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni which discusses the pitfalls and challenges a leadership team faces and discuss how these directly relate to a retail floral business. Focusing on the negative is not what this episode is about ~ it’s about knowing the pitfalls to avoid them!
Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist -
Episode 235: In this episode, Vonda and Lori share their personal experiences and challenges with energy and brain power at the end of the day. They discuss what a personal productivity curve is and why it's important to understand it in order to maximize your productivity during your most productive time of day.
They provide valuable tips and strategies to help you identify your most productive time of day and ways to optimize your productivity during that time. They also share an eye-opening fact on email management that can improve your productivity and efficiency.
Join Vonda and Lori in this informative and practical episode to learn how to unlock your full productivity potential.Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist - Montre plus
