Question
I've been seriously considering getting into a business that revolves around fresh flower arrangements. I've taken an Ikebana class and another simple flower arranging class. I loved the classes and what I learned. I'd like your advise as to where the best place is to start learning about flowers, arranging, and running a business. Thank you, Nikki

Answer
Dear Nikki -

It's great to hear that you would like to start a career in the floral business!  My advice to you?  Learn evrything that you can FIRST!  I suggest that you try and get a job at a local florist.  I worked for various floral shops for two years - my goal was to buy a shop within five years after my floral school training.  I learned from the ground up at any floral shop that would hire me.  I wanted to learn various business techniques and floral design/secrets.  

Things that I suggest that you learn/understand/master prior to sinking your own $$ into a floral business - especially in today's economy.  

Know what your local market/customer wants & needs; to make $$ as a business, income, or to pay your bills - know that it isn't always what you would like or want - there are times when you can suggest something - but, if a person is completely set on liking a color or style, remember - they're paying for it, not you.  I've bitten my tongue many, many times!  :-)

Know your local laws - from taxes to building codes -

Marketing - less $$ invested - more time involved

Sales - more $$ invested ( not always a winner either ) ; less time involved

Borrow the least amount of money for a start up business; learn to live within your business means - it's hard - but, you won't be going out of business within 5 years.  Plus, your word will be known and watch every penny that comes in & goes out.  

Watch your COGS - cost of goods This includes your two biggest investments to your business - payroll & rent

Learn the correct methods of preserving flowers - HUGE factor in keeping profits in your pocket

Do not "stuff" your arrangements - again - a stem costs money - you must charge for it.  

Keep donations to a minimum - start with a dollar amount that you will budget for donations - keep to that dollar figure.  Even a "bouquet" or arrangement costs you $$.  Place a value and factor that in your monetary budget.

Network - local churches, BNI groups, schools, etc.

Invest in your own website -(I personally did not like or profit from FTD, BloomNet ( Proflowers ), or Teleflora.)  You must do the work that is involved when you "network" your own website/business online.  Manually go into siteworks of Google, MSN, Yahoo, etc. and place your information so that "spiders" can crawl over the information and add it to search engines.  

Do not pay into 24 hour answering companies - until you make some massive $$$.  For a few dollars every month, I have call forwarding and roll my phone calls to my cell.  I get phone calls as early as 6:00 am because I deal with the East Coast ( 3 hours ahead of me ).

these are some suggestions to make your business work through these hard times - and beyond!