Flower Horoscopes – February 2010

	Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet This is a month of adjustments, Capricorn. Changing conditions require you to alter your course to avoid running into resistance from others. Taking the time to make a few simple adjustments now can make your life drastically easier down the road.
	Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid The heaviness of last month is waning and you’re now able to grow more progressive in your thinking. There’s magic to be found in your personal faith as you face the sometimes harsh realities of everyday life.
	Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria Your life gets a little rosier this month, Pisces. Your general manner and appearance are more appealing as you’re enjoying life’s little delights and sharing those good feelings with others. Your recharged imagination allows you to see that those dreams that seem far out of reach are actually closer than you think.
	Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip The future calls, yet you may not be ready this month. Circumstances could prevent you from reaching your goals, yet there are many positive reasons to maintain hope. Now is the time to keep your eyes out of the past and on the prize.
	Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily Now is the time to imagine a future filled with work that satisfies the soul. Your discarded dreams are revived now, yet your attention is directed more toward the care and happiness of others rather than yourself this month.
	Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose Your natural restlessness can turn this into a frustrating time if you actually believe that everything should simply fall into place this month. You may continue to struggle with a lack of resources, yet you are able to comprehend the difference between impossible dreams and those that can come true.
	Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium Obstacles may arise this month, yet these challenges can bring out your resourceful side and allow you to uncover assets that were previously hidden. Your life is full of unexpected events and generous, like-minded individuals.
	Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower Much of this month is about establishing a new direction, Leo. Connecting with others is key now, and your forgiving side emerges to allow you to move past old emotional pains. But the month isn’t all about feelings — the rest of your focus goes toward handling finances and managing your resources.
	Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy This lovey-dovey month could be especially sweet for you, Virgo. There’s an overflow of inspiration to elevate your spirit and enrich your daily life. You can now smooth out the rough edges of unsatisfying connections by forgiving and letting go of little issues that don’t matter anymore.
	Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea You may feel as if you’ve been knocked off course and it’s now time to put your life back on track. You’re being offered a chance to create new dreams to feed your soul. magnifying the healing power of compassion and love. Relying on critical thinking can only take you so far. Set logic aside and let your uninhibited intuition reveal what’s in your future.
	Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony Your famously powerful feelings are especially delightful this month. You are able to release your restrained desires in constructive ways, but beware the onset of frustration when people or situations reveal themselves as less than perfect. A fresh light is cast on old patterns to excite you with new possibilities now.
	Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation There’s good news for you this month. Although your life is improving, remember that the hard work of stabilizing your finances doesn’t happen overnight — but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Cast hopelessness aside in favor of realizing the good times that are ahead.

Horoscopes courtesy Tarot.com

Flower Horoscopes – January 2010

	Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet There’s an urge to bring more romance and creativity into your life, and you can happily find a fresh path to guide you now. Accepting and letting go of your past aspirations helps you clean the slate and plant the seeds for new goals to work toward.
	Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid Eager as you are for this new year, there are still relationship issues left over from the past that must be addressed. The more you attempt to push past your current blocks, the more frustrated you might become. You’re in the middle of a quest for spiritual answers now, and January brings insight and inspiration to help you on your way.
	Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria While January seems to start off with things moving in reverse, this month also brings wisdom, optimism and good fortune to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit. The world’s problems won’t all melt before your eyes, but your ability to resolve personal issues can at least provide hope to those around you now.
	Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip The year seems to start off in reverse as you experience sudden stops and serious demands on your time. The emphasis is on your professional life now, and the rewards that come with hard work a graceful approach to problems that arise.
	Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily You find meaning in life from instinct rather than intellect this month, as you are able to find answers with your feelings rather than your head. Some backtracking and adjustments may be necessary now to ensure you’re moving forward in the right direction.
	Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose 2010 seems to start off on the wrong foot with pleasure becoming more and more elusive. Luckily your awareness of your own feelings is heightened now, and sharing these feelings brings benefits when you can avoid being overly dramatic.
	Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium Expressing yourself carefully helps avoid misunderstandings in this backwards month. Individuals whose strange ideas challenge your traditional values should not be dismissed — stretching your own boundaries by letting go of old rules allows you to embrace new freedoms and joys.
	Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower Powerful forces restrain your creative self-expression this month as work-related issues are emphasized. Managing your anger can be crucial to your happiness now, lest minor disagreements turn into major problems.
	Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy A light is cast this month on old relationship matters and areas where you need to let go with grace. Self-expression, creativity and beauty are emphasized now, bringing generosity from others who surprisingly expect little in return.
	Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea Your freedom of movement is restrained this month, yet this allows you to concentrate on matters of critical importance. It may be nearly impossible to make progress toward your long-term goals right now, though you can still share plans with others as you work toward making your move in the months ahead.
	Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony On the down side, mixed messages and difficulty with details are likely to arise this month. Even still, January brings positive opportunities for cordial connections, creative conversations and a fresh look at old relationships to help you move forward in the new year.
	Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation You have big plans for the year, yet January seems to start off in slow motion. Instead of looking out toward the distant horizon, growth and meaning may come closer to home. While financial issues may be at the forefront, facing these issues increases your self-esteem to boost your confidence on your journey toward your long-term dreams.

Horoscopes courtesy Tarot.com

When you think a deal is too good to be true…

Unfortunately when a  deal seems too good to be it usually is. Online direct ship flower retailers, like ProFlowers, promise great products for below wholesale prices. Businesses like these undercut local flower shops in their base prices and with their hard to beat coupon deals. However by the time you actually check out and paid for taxes, service fees and delivery you are approaching a price that you could have received from your local flower shop.

Local flowers shops also use a creative designer and extra care ensuring you a beautiful design for a great value. As you can see by the images from these delivery vans, there’s not even a guarantee that your flowers will be delivered with the right end up. When ordering flowers for a holiday don’t just compare price, compare quality. The next time you order flowers watch the video below and remember that presentation, quality and value are more important than saving a dollar or two.

Fitz and Floyd Holly Berry Bowl

The Fitz and Floyd Holly Berry Bowl is a hand-painted, limited collector’s edition keepsake that exemplifies the artistry and craftsmanship of the Fitz and Floyd brand. Each elegant footed bowl is accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity and is packaged in a custom made collector’s gift box. The Holly Berry Bowl may be shipped across the country or it can be delivered right to your door; either way, it is sure to be a holiday hit this year and every year.

At holiday times, centerpieces are a big investment for events and gifts and LocalFlowerShop.com strongly believes that this collectible will be the perfect solution for the customer looking for more. “For the same price as a generic centerpiece the recipient will get a beautiful collectible that maybe used for years to come.”

Make a statement of distinction that is worthy of representing you, your family or your company, by sending The Fitz and Floyd Holly Berry Bowl. The outstanding quality and sophisticated design of the bowl will be a tribute to your taste and sincerity. Order today by choosing one of our participating flower shops by clicking here.

Flower Horoscopes – December 2009

	Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet You’re reminded of the true meaning of the holiday season this month as your spiritual values are awakened. Your self-esteem also receives a boost, and while you are inspired to consider your goals, this time isn’t about reaching a destination, it’s about reaching toward it.
	Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid December starts off at a rapid pace as you feel an impulsive drive and are drawn toward new experiences. Your spirits are infused with hopes and expectations for the future, but while you’re tempted to immediately chase far-off dreams, turning fantasies into reality takes time.
	Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria Your long process of spiritual growth and intuitive awakening that began earlier in the year culminates this month. Desires for sudden change can stir restless feelings, yet it’s best to act with caution no matter how quickly your mind is moving.
	Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip December brings a flurry of activity, and you can remain content if you focus on the present moment. You could spend much of the month feeling like you’re awaiting further instructions, but this is a time to put your life in order to make the most of the exciting changes coming next year.
	Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily December is a very busy month, putting a strong emphasis on finding new and adventurous ways to approach teamwork, financial matters and emotional situations.
	Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose You’ll get rare glimpses at the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow this month. Your quest for healing may take you on a metaphysical journey as you work to enhance your understanding of your place in the world and the path ahead.
	Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium Your emotions are stirred this month as change is instigated. Your intuition gets a boost, helping you seek new means of personal and professional inspiration.
	Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower This month draws you toward experiences that go beyond everyday life, as relationships and activities seem to be infused with magic now. But remember that important decisions take time and that unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment.
	Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy You must regroup, adjust your plans and reorganize your life this month in preparation for a new and transformative year. December is a transitional period that lightens your load and offers enough imagination and idealism to point the way toward more a more fulfilling future.
	Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea A rainbow that vanished in a recent storm may reappear this month, tempting you to look again for the pot of gold. Your heart and mind are opened to your own creativity and you mustn’t miss the opportunity to actualize your dreams. It’s time to journey into the transformative shadows of change.
	Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony December is packed with activity as relationships are enhanced and the road toward intimate conversations is cleared. You are nearing the end of a process of enlightenment that began in earlier in the year, and are now able to approach old matters in new ways.
	Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation This month starts out with a bang but ends on a serious note. You receive a boost of style and charm early on, and you become aware of the magic that surrounds you every day.

Horoscopes courtesy Tarot.com

Flower Horoscopes – November 2009

	Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet November introduces demands that aren’t likely to be satisfied by more hard work — and events may not unfold according to your plan. Life seems harder now, and this time can be a test of your will. You are urged to think long-term yet stay on top life’s immediate changes.
	Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid Practical and immediate issues get the attention this November, leaving less time to fantasize about the future. Professional lives feel the shuffle as a sense of spirituality or community service feels like it’s missing. The danger is taking on more than you can handle.
	Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria Serious conversations are on the agenda this November. Dreams come into the focus of reality, bringing new life to your desires. Total discipline is critical to achieving your goals, and distancing yourself from individuals who don’t respect you may determine whether you gain more control over your life.
	Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip This can be an explosive month, a month that offers the potential for breaking through stubborn resistance and empowers you to overcome difficult obstacles. You are forced to take relationships and your own limitations much more seriously now, tough decisions are in the air.
	Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily November is slated to stir up relationship conflicts and perhaps even anger with yourself. The stakes in the game of love are getting higher as your desire for more may upset a current companion or attract the ardor of a new one.
	Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose Something big has changed, yet it might be difficult to put your finger on it. You could run into obstacles that seem to stand in the way of your happiness this month. Although you may worry whether you can withstand the slow but intense pressure to change, have faith that you are up to the task.
	Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium November fuels competitive feelings and challenges you to get more out of yourself. There is a temptation to pursue a romantic fantasy, and the foresight to achieve your goals in ways that stir up the least amount of folly.
	Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower November starts a long-term process where you begin establishing healthy patterns in your everyday life that will sustain you for years. You are forced to eliminate destructive behavior and excessive consumption of resources while still finding the freedom to explore your imagination.
	Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy Travel and education are key this month, and you feel the need to break from the pressures of your routine. You may have to struggle to get what you want, so be bold in the pursuit of your dreams.
	Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea There’s no room for laziness this month, and extra efforts will be recognized and rewarded. There is change in the air, change that will affect the most stable and fundamental areas of your life, but leave you stronger and wiser if you’re up for the challenge.
	Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony Professional and personal change are stressed this November, and it’s better to be bold and take the initiative than to stand still and simply react. You find yourself more comfortable in your own skin now, making you more alluring to others.
	Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation Service, spirit and self-awareness are three major areas of interest throughout November. Your attention is drawn to meeting your obligations, but patience is essential. Spiritual ideals can be turned into action now, and there is a call to connect with higher meaning and dimensions beyond the ordinary.

Horoscopes courtesy Tarot.com

FTD Pulls Local Florist Print Ads

It is hard to believe what I heard today. FTD has pulled the Parade Magazine ads! There will not be any further print ads this year from FTD according to Jim Nokes at FTD! I am sure you will see their ads in AARP! You know, we experience the same with Local Flower Shop. People saying they are cutting back. I am increasing my holiday ads and shops are pulling back. Shops are all waiting. I ask, waiting for what? How do we get back business if we are not visible? Inserts should be the best ever! It is the way to reach EVERYONE. Anyone familiar with Clipper Magazine? It was a magazine with coupons for local businesses. Pro Flowers is in it nationally. Yes, those will translate to FROM YOU flower orders. INCOMING!

So the way I see it, many shops are sitting back watching the “orders go by” but waiting to get busy. WHY?

I ask you this, why should you become busier this year? You need to answer this yourself.

We can no longer wait for the business to come to us.

Arthur Conforti visits Teleflora Sales Convention in Oklahoma City

Last week, I was asked to speak at the Teleflora national Sales Meeting. The topic was my story as a florist and what has kept my shop running all these years. For me, the story began before I became a florist when I was driving a county bus or later when I was selling hot dogs. I asked Jack Howard if he really wanted me to tell my whole story and he replied, “all of it!” What I revealed to my audience was that I was successful with all these jobs due to one common thread: my passion and attitude. From sing alongs on the bus, to offering a dog-aholic discount card, to walking customers to their car after wrapping up their flowers. It all begins and ends with my Passion and Attitude. Today, 23 years later, much of the same holds true for me and my business.

After listening to the other Teleflora speakers speak, I looked at all the materials they presented and really began to think. They talked about all the ways to help a florists’ success; they provide everything you could need to open and run your flower shop. From A-Z, they offer: POS, credit card clearing, fresh flower purchasing, marketing, design training, accounting tips, a websites and support. What more could a florist really want?

The problem (and a sore spot for many florists) is that Teleflora markets to retail customers. They use online marketing strategies, print, TV and anything possible to attract customers, even spending huge amounts to air a spot during the Super Bowl.

But here is the way I see it…

If  Teleflora stopped the marketing, who would get those orders? Would it really be the local florist? Or would this not just give a bigger piece of the pie to 1800, FTD and Pro Flowers?

I believe that these orders would not go to a local florist as local florists aren’t marketing. And if you don’t market, no one knows about your products or services or brand!

So, where am I going with all this? Well, my talk to their team was how I made my shop successful and I did that with my passion for marketing and an attitude that if I didn’t go out and secure the orders in my neighborhood, then someone else would!

If you want to do better for yourself, you HAVE TO market. Teleflora has always supported the my efforts to help local florists  in marketing to increase exposure. We have a great relationship with Teleflora supporting our growing our websites and marketing materials we print every holiday season. Teleflora has always been willing to support all our efforts.

I believe that Teleflora is sincerely concerned about the retail florist and has been looking for ways to ”Save the Florist.” Think about it, what do they have without us?

The point is to stop complaining and start working your opportunities. Passion and Attitude will shape your destiny so stop worrying about what the other guys are doing and focus on what you should be doing and utilize every resource you can!

Our team at Beneva and the team at Teleflora are always just a phone call away and can help with any number of marketing initiatives! Don’t be afraid to reach out and work with your peers, after all we need each other to keep this industry alive!

In my personal opinion the next time you see your Teleflora rep look at them as a consultant not a salesman. There is a world of resourches and affiliates that telelflora has access to to help you enhance your business. Share your concerns and look for solutions. Let’s stop pointing fingers and start creating solutions. Marketing in our own back yard is the first step in taking back our industry.

Flower Horoscopes – October 2009

	Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet Career is the main focus for Capricorn this month, placing you right in your element. Your drive is already intensified and you crave immediate success, but you may face a shortage of time or resources to pull off your ambitious schemes.
	Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid Your level of mental activity is heightened this month, giving you plenty of opportunities to share your love of ideas. Hopes for a more rewarding future that have been circulating inside your head will be more easily translated into positive action now.
	Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria While you’re not the most materialistic person, money is on your mind this month. Beware spending sprees and panic about resources, and instead focus on fresh ideas to increase your income — a plan that’s been simmering below the surface can be put into action now.
	Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip Four planets in relationship-oriented Libra keep you focused on everyone but you this month. Now is the time to find some much-needed balance as you learn more about successful cooperation and reevaluate your relationship to the world.
	Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily The emphasis is on redefining and expanding your professional life this month. Nevertheless, it’s all for naught if you don’t take a break once in a while — rejuvenation is an essential factor in maintaining good health and productivity.
	Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose If you felt pushed to your limits last month, you now have time to catch your breath and integrate the recent changes. You’re now free to entertain new ideas and learn fresh ways to interact with others.
	Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium Insecurity and impulsiveness may threaten you this month; still, it’s important to push past the status quo and into new territory now.
	Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower If money is tight these days, October may prove to be a transition that lightens your worries. Where relationships are concerned, though, it’s important to remember that all that glitters is not gold.
	Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy Money matters steal the spotlight this month, with investments and business partnerships at the forefront. It’s time to draw on the undeveloped gifts you have within you to upgrade your sense of self-worth and, in turn, your income.
	Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea Expect challenges this month as you work to complete old business, but remember that pruning back your tree of life now will encourage healthier growth ahead. October should find you blessed with grace and inspiration to push forward.
	Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony This month you might feel like you’re lurking in the shadows and observing carefully before your next move. You probably won’t receive all the recognition you deserve, but should find yourself blessed with professional boldness and creativity that will carry you into next year.
	Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation Opportunities for spontaneous creativity and play are everywhere this October. Your fiery personality gets punched up with even more sparkle than usual, letting you take the initiative to bring more love and fun into your life.

Horoscopes courtesy Tarot.com

Stay Out of the Bunker

Companies that adopt a bunker mentality—cutting marketing and public relations activities in an attempt to save money—will ultimately damage their position in the market. This will afford competitors an opportunity to seize market share. Don’t believe me? Google “Kellogg’s Vs. Post“–breakfast cereal was never the same after the Great Depression. Kellogg continued marketing during the great depression while Post pulled back.

Re-evaluate Your Marketing Strategy. Refusing to cut your marketing/PR activity doesn’t mean you continue business as usual. Make certain your advertising and overall marketing/PR strategies are effective. Are you reaching your target market through the channels you currently use? Should that newspaper dollar go to radio or TV? Are you using social marketing tools? Mass emailing with interesting content? Sales should not be all you use your email marketing for.

Tell Your Story! Public Relations is not a wholly reactive discipline—it’s not just there to serve as a buffer for bad news. A good public relations professional constantly works to identify the most compelling (interesting, sexy, exciting, timely) elements of your organization and packaging it for the news media. Through established relationships with the media gatekeepers and correctly-packaged (newsworthy) information, your Public Relations professional can potentially get your company that great feature on the front page of the business section or a sound bite on the 5 o’clock news. This brand-centric strategy improves visibility and credibility. There are local agencies that can assist you with this. However, you can do this yourself as well. Just send meaningful content about something you are doing that is special. Remember, it is all about the reader. It is not so much about what you want to announce, but more so what the reader is interested in learning about your story. How does it affect them?

A good example is Good Neighbor Day. If you are doing this, it is a story. This program is more about attracting news and media than giving away flowers. Take advantage and send press releases out. Start the morning with flowers at all the news and media stations announcing your big day. This is a story worth talking about. After all, who doesn’t want to talk about receiving flowers?

What separates your shop from your competition? Wire services sell containers, you have a numbered collectable with our Conforti Collection Fitz and Floyd Holly Berry Bowl. Numbered and hand painted it is a numbered collectible that completed a beautiful series of gifts. Wouldn’t you want a limited edition gift if you had a choice?

Marketing brochure. While our prices are the lowest in the industry, it is still costly to distribute. I will tell you this, it is not 30% of sales. That is what we give up on incoming orders. Filling a wire in order costs over 30%. We do this to be able to send out orders. They are break even at best and ok to do, as long as it is not more than 15% of your total business. So, where does the other 85% come from? This is up to you!

Designing flowers and waiting for the phone to ring simply isn’t enough. We need to make people look. We need to attract attention at our stores and on our websites. This last quarter of the year is the biggest in our industry. Will you be in the bunker? Will you take the conservative roll like Post did in the great depression? Or will you take your market share like Kellogg’s.

We have no intention at Beneva Flowers of leaving anything on the table. We not only want every transaction, we are watching to insure we protect our database with enough options to keep customers thinking Beneva when sending flowers or gifts. We do this by insuring we have as many choices and options for a consumer as any national competitor and we back those with exceptional service.

If you have not yet ordered marketing brochures for the holidays, call us, we can help you with creative ways to get these materials into the hands of your customers and your potential customers! Call us Today at 866.768.2420.

Happy Labor Day Weekend,

Arthur Conforti