|
|
 |
On The Level With Neville: April 2010
Growing Your Own |
|
Written by Neville MacKay
|
Children should be seen and not heard!” Funny, I never really fell into that whole way of thinking. I was always the one who asked questions, got right in there and wanted to know what was going on, and didn’t want to miss anything. Children are a part of our business, and how we treat them will go a long way to help the longevity of our businesses as well as good relationships in our community.
Now, I know most of us have customers who bring their sugar-filled, hyperactive, over-tired, rotten, cranky, insolent, sticky-fingered offspring into our shops, letting them roam and plunder, picking up all the stuffed toys, knocking over vases, screaming for a balloon, and usually making some sort of foul odor by the time they’re done. As they mature (hopefully), they can become sassy know-it-all (or know-nothing) teenagers. Remember though, these little darlings do eventually grow up, and may well be wedding customers one day.
We are florists and therefore most of us understand at the least the basics of growing plants. We know that one must plant a flower seed and nurture it to maturity before we can make good use of its blossom. Well, kids in our business are pretty much the same thing. Now, I have to tell you all that I do actually like kids – it’s just that a lot of the parents are crap. I love to offer the little ones a balloon (after clearing it with the parent) or better yet, a flower! Children love flowers, and when I give a flower from the back that was snapped off to a child (and whisper for them to give it to their mom) I get a very positive response!
I had a gentleman come in the store last week with his little fellow. When I gave the little guy a balloon, daddy said that he, too, was given a balloon from me years ago! I feel so old when that happens. I was also chatting about a wedding with a bride recently who reminded me of when she would come in with her mom and get a flower from me. (Where’s my prune smoothie?)
We really can grow our own customers, and with care can develop them into loyal, faithful flower-buyers. Here’s the thing: treat them like a real person and they will respect you. Funny thought, eh? Many younger folks are dismissed too easily; their bright little minds do not forget being snubbed, talked down to or ignored. I do a lot of speaking and many times I do demonstrations for youth groups. This is a great opportunity to turn new people on to the beauty of flowers! I usually get them to come on stage with me to make something little and by getting them involved, they feel special. Sharing and teaching the joy that flowers bring should be an easy thing for us all, and sometimes we get caught up in the business a bit too much to remember that this is what we are all about in the first place.
The same thing goes for when younger folks come in for a corsage or a flower. We, at my store, try to offer support and guidance – remember, this is often the first time they have ever bought a flower. Make suggestions, choose flowers with them and actually listen to what they are thinking of (even if it, like, sounds stupid!). I remember well the first time I bought flowers for my mom while she was next door getting groceries. I was only about 10 years old and the florist, Mr. Anthony, was so kind to me. He suggested just the right flowers for the pocket of change I had to spend. I’ll never forget how they all spoke to me in that flower shop as I was treated with respect and kindness, and (I now know) was given a lot of flowers!
I spoke at a high school graduation last year, which was a wonderful experience. From that talk, I got many positive e-mails and responses from the students. If this isn’t something you feel comfortable doing, think of offering a little cash for a graduating student who is going on to art school of some sort, and/or donating a lovely floral piece for the stage at prom or graduation. It’s an easy and relatively cheap way to get your name to a bunch of potential customers. The best thing to do is to contact the administrative office at the school and get contact names that way.
While you’re on the phone with the school, ask also for the art teacher’s name and number. He/she may really appreciate you coming in to do a little demo for the class on corsages, bow-making or whatever your specialty is. This is also a great way for you to get used to speaking in public if you’re not comfortable.
So, next time a little customer comes waddling in next to his or her mom, think of the youngster as your future, not a disturbance.
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 .
|
|
|
