Tips for florists on working with companies

There is one way for florists to boost their business: collaborating with local businesses. Whether you are in a bustling city or a rural area, collaborating with other entrepreneurs is the way to increase your visibility, attract new customers and show your creativity. But what is the best way to do this? In this blog, I share practical tips for building successful collaborations with businesses in your area!

Choose companies that match your style It's important to work with companies that match the style of your flower shop. Do you work a lot with sustainable flowers? Then a collaboration with an organic store or a restaurant that produces regionally would be a good choice. Do you often sell luxury flower arrangements? Look at hotels, event locations or high-end boutiques. Tip : Make a list of companies in your area that you have an affinity with. Think of catering establishments, event venues, wedding locations or even offices. Companies that want to beautify their interior are often looking for someone to do this on a regular basis.
Start an informal conversation The first step to a collaboration is often easier than you think. Walk into a local business, have a casual conversation and introduce yourself. Explain what you do and why you think a collaboration could be beneficial. A personal approach works wonders, especially in your own region. Pro tip : Bring a bouquet of flowers to the introduction as a small gift! It's a nice way to show what you can do - and who doesn't like flowers?
Think in solutions: what can you do for them? When entering into a collaboration, it is important to think from the perspective of the company. What can flowers mean to them? Maybe they want to make their business premises more cozy with weekly bouquets or have seasonal flower arrangements. Or they organize regular events and could use your flower arrangements for decoration. Example : If you cooperate with a local cafe, you could supply fresh flowers to brighten up the tables and entrance area. In return, the cafe could promote your flowers through small business cards.
Offer a subscription Many companies value convenience and regularity, so a flower subscription is a smart way to start a long-term relationship. This means that you deliver fresh flowers weekly or monthly, for example. This way, companies don't have to think about it and you get a stable source of income. Tip : Offer different packages, such as a basic subscription with simple bouquets or a more luxurious subscription with seasonal flowers and exclusive designs. This way, companies can choose the package that best suits their needs and budget.
Attend local events Many companies organize or sponsor local events such as markets, festivals or networking events. This is a great opportunity to present yourself as a florist and become part of the business life in your area. Offer to provide flowers for the event, such as table decorations or a large floral arrangement at the entrance. Extra tip : Also use the events to sell your bouquets or offer a workshop to familiarize people with your work. This can bring you new customers and a strengthened relationship with the company.
Organize a joint campaign or promotion Collaboration can also mean running a joint campaign. For example, you could work with a restaurant to offer a "dinner for two + bouquet of flowers" package for Valentine's Day. Or you could partner with a local bakery and offer a "flowers + cake" promotion for Mother's Day. These types of collaborations are not only popular with customers, but also strengthen your network and increase your reach. Example : Collaborate with a local hair salon. For a special occasion (like an anniversary), you could supply a beautiful flower arrangement for the salon, and the salon could recommend your florist to their customers. In return, you could offer a small discount for customers who come through the salon.
Make sure you have clear agreements If a company is interested in working with you, it is important to make clear agreements. Discuss how often you will deliver flowers, what the budget is and what expectations there are. This will prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the collaboration runs smoothly. Be flexible too; companies sometimes have different wishes and if you can accommodate them, it will strengthen the collaboration.
Be visible on social media Social media is a powerful tool to promote your collaborations. If you collaborate with a company, make sure you tag each other on platforms like Instagram or Facebook. This increases visibility for both parties. Take beautiful photos of your flower arrangements in their spaces or at an event and share them online. Extra tip : Ask the companies to mention your store on their social media. It's an easy way to reach new followers and potential customers.
Maintain your network A good collaboration does not end after the first delivery. Stay in regular contact with the companies you work with. Ask how things are going, if there are any opportunities for improvement and if they are satisfied. A good relationship is the key to long-term success!
Think outside the box Sometimes the best collaborations are found in unexpected places. Don't just think about companies that deal directly with flowers. Offices, shops, health centers, real estate agencies - all of these companies can use flowers to beautify their spaces and surprise their customers. It's all about thinking creatively and being open to new possibilities!

Working with companies can offer you many new opportunities as a florist - from regular income to increased visibility in your region. With a personal approach, clear agreements and creativity, you can build long-term cooperations that will make your flower business flourish. What are you waiting for? Time to take the first step and expand your network! 🌸

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