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.