New Year...
New Identity... New Language?
Dear Industry Friends and Flower Handlers:
Recently an article came across my desk about the Connecticut Florists' Association (at one time one of the most robust associations with a well attended not-to-be-missed convention) shrinking client base and it caused me to wonder what was going on.
Would florists like Christi Lopez of Bergeron's (pg.3) still be invited to attend a traditional floral convention now that she has changed the focus and structure of her business?
Would Potomac Wholesale Florist be asked to participate in a retail convention given they are reaching out directly to the event industry (pg. 2)?
Would / could / should state floral associations reach out to Students, Newbies, and Wanna-Bees (like MAFA has always done pg.4) in order to keep their numbers up and maintain viability through this rough economy and changing industry?
If the systems, structures, and standards we used to operate in are no longer serving us, do we also need to create new identities for the roles we now play and a new language for the work we now do. Or, should we each just give ourselves permission to do what makes sense for our own businesses, communicating to our own people, in our own way... and trust that the industry will align into its perfect place.
After all, how was it that at WFE in March of 2010 DeRuiter introduced these gorgeous pink roses (which take years to develop) in the same year that "Honeysuckle Pink" was introduced as THE new trendy up-and-coming color? Truly there must be a higher power guiding the unfolding of wellbeing within the floral industry.
I'm looking forward to moving through this year with all of you. May you find your own perfect path to business success. May your businesses flourish and prosper.
And, may you enjoy the journey,
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