Creating Your Own Blooming Opportunities in the Floristry World
A lesson we wish we learned sooner: you have to create your own "serendipitous" (thanks, spell-check!) moments.
As the saying goes, your network is your net worth. And in the floristry world, that's especially true. We're not waiting for connections to magically appear; we're actively making them happen.
Here are a few ways you can cultivate your own "serendipitous" moments in the floral industry:
Local Networking Events:
Don't just attend florist workshops, flower shows, floral conferences; actively engage! Introduce yourself to other florists, suppliers, and event planners.
Reach out to your Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and Network Ireland Groups. They regularly host networking events that can connect you with valuable contacts.
Social Media & Online Collaboration:
Don't just post beautiful photos. Reach out to other similar customer based business for collaborative projects or social media takeovers. Build genuine relationships online.
Participate in online communities and forums. Offer your floral expertise and connect with others.
Targeted Outreach:
If there's a specific florist or supplier you admire, don't be afraid to reach out. Offer to buy them a coffee and learn from their experience.
If there is a big event in your area, contact the organisers and offer to help with the floral arrangements, this will put you in contact with many people.
In all these examples, it's about making the effort, putting yourself out there, and being the one to initiate contact. It might feel uncomfortable at times, but the rewards are worth it.
If you feel like you're not connecting with the right people, ask yourself: how often are you placing yourself in situations where you can build those relationships?
Remember:
Don't wait for opportunities to come to you; actively seek them out.
Attend industry events and make a point of introducing yourself.
By putting yourself out there, you'll create your own "serendipitous" moments.
Here are a few types of events to consider:
Floral workshops and demonstrations.
Community Events and celebrations
Regional or national flower shows.
Social media events.
Networking events hosted by Network Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices.
Let's do this and bloom together!
Collaboration not Competition