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On the Level With Neville: Designer Dilemma Designer dilemma |
| Written by Neville MacKay | |
 I was talking to a friend the other day who also owns a business that deals with the public, and she said that she would enjoy it so much more if it were not for customers and staff! Ain’t that the truth! But alas, that’ll never happen because we will always need someone to sell product to and employees to serve these customers. Keep in mind though, while we can’t always pick and choose our clients, we do have options with our staff. One of the biggest challenges that we florists face these days is attracting designers. Once we’ve found our star designer, then we have to work hard to keep them motivated. But the hard labour doesn’t end there. Once the designer becomes trained, the next step is to make sure they don’t stray and leave to work somewhere else for more money! Now, I don’t have a miracle cure, or I wouldn’t be writing this; I’d be sitting on my private beach, sipping a smart cocktail! Nonetheless, I can share with you some of ways that I try to work around these designer dilemmas. It seems like the word “experience” has become quite a selling point when it comes to being a designer. I have some reservations about experience, in that there is “good” experience and “not so good” experience. I find that oftentimes it’s best to get a designer that has less experience and train them to suit your needs, quirks and strange ways, rather than to try and undo all the damage already done. I have hired both, and by far have had better luck with the fresh and untrained. Now holding on to them is another story. Money talks, and there is no real standard anymore. Anyone can get a job at a call centre making good money, so why take a job slaving at a flower shop? I suggest offering a decent starting wage, depending on the experience, and go up from there. This way, as a business, you haven’t tapped your resources too soon, and in short time you can offer more in wages to a designer once they prove they’re worth it. I love to give a raise before a person is expecting one because I find that this is a great motivator! There’s nothing better than finding out a little extra money will show up on your pay- cheque at a time when you least expect it. Bonuses work well also, and little gifts like a nice dinner out, cash inside a thank-you note, or movie tickets are usually very much appreciated. You may also think of offering an insurance plan for your designers. I have one here, and it is well received. It is a cost, but also an investment, I believe, and one that is well worth it. The little things all add up, and it’s these extra incentives that might keep your designer from thinking twice about giving you their two-weeks notice. One of the best things to do, I think, is to offer training and advancement. Taking staff to design shows, offering courses and giving them other incentives keeps everyone motivated as well as inspired. We all can stagnate if we don’t get out and see what’s going on, so even doing little things like subscribing to shelter, floral and home décor magazines can help put a spark in us all. I go to a lot of shows and get to work with many talented designers from around the world. It’s impossible to take all my staff with me but I make to sure to bring back what I’ve learned. As often as I can, I like to do mini design demos for the designers here, so we can discuss and try different ideas. Even these little things can really help to keep designers up on trends and don’t have to cost a lot. As for advancement, I think that responsibility is a powerful tool that is often not utilized as it could be. Titles for your staff can add an air of importance to their job, as well as a feeling of confidence. Design managers, floral designers, etc., are all very important designations and hold a higher regard than just “staff.” The title often describes the work and gives the designer a sense of responsibility and pride. Oh, and one more thing – make sure you always try and have a laugh with your designers! We are a high-strung bunch of talented folks, who need to take the time to laugh now and then. In the flower shop tensions run high and feelings can get hurt easily, so take deep breaths when you need to, and have a good giggle whenever possible. Ha! Ha! Ha! There, isn’t that better? Be well, and all the best with your designer dilemmas! Neville owns and operates My Mother’s Bloomers in Halifax and lives close to Peggy’s Cove with his partner, David, three cats and an overgrown garden. For more info on Neville or to book him for a show or talk, check out www.mymothersbloomers.com. |
