Florist Education – a Critical Success Factor? …
All florists receive education at some point in their career, and some of the education will be subtle. Florist education is received through a multitude of sources. There are floral schools, florist seminars, floral conventions, certification programs, adult continuing education classes, training by vendors, visiting other florists (especially when traveling) and florist open houses to name a few.
Education comes in many forms for a florist. It can be a class with a lot of hands on practice and instruction. It could also be through the observation of a demonstration done at a convention or seminar. There are even florist education opportunities by looking at and/or dissecting a competitors design. Last but not least is the old fashioned, yet tried and true method of reading florist reference material – magazines or books.
Topics for florist education include design techniques, flower care techniques, floral equipment and tools, purchasing floral supplies, floral order systems, floral tracking systems, floral marketing best practices, billing and accounts payables, payroll, etc. These are some of the numerous subject areas that a florist should receive education to succeed in the business. Those florists that are constantly participating in floral training or education opportunities are the ones that lead the industry and can survive the ultimate roller coaster ride of any economic condition.
Without florist education, a florist will find it challenging or difficult to remain competitive in the marketplace. Continuing florist education will be a critical success factor to staying in touch with the latest trends and technologies impacting the floral trade, along with learning about ways to continuously lower overhead expenses and automate many processes to support a healthy business operation. Seize as many of the different educational opportunities available when you are a florist.
