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Episode 169: Lori has always been a big believer in the power of affirmations so you can imagine how excited she was to learn of a study that proved there is science behind the idea that affirmations really do work! Vonda and Lori share a bit about the scientific study, how to create a true affirmations and several examples of self affirmations you might find useful for yourself.  Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 168: Sixty days ago Flower Clique had a webinar "How to crush the first 60 days of 2023", and now it's time to follow-up. Vonda and Lori share their habit goals and how they've measured up ~ or not!  Book referenced: Atomic Habits by James Clear Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 167:  This week, we got to catch up with one of our friends, Corrine Heck! She's one busy bee and the founder and CEO of Details Software, a seriously powerful software solution for florists. We discuss:• How Corrine went from event florist to software CEO• A peek inside Details Software, and how it can work for florists (even ones who don't do weddings & events)• Her partnership with Stetson Business School and paving the way for future education and a thriving industry Learn more about Details Software here.Schedule your 15-minute discovery call with the Details Team. Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 166: Dr. Nicole Price returns to the podcast to chat with about Lori and Vonda about Empathy.  Employees value empathic leadership.  They want to not only do their job, but feel as they are a person with a position working for someone who cares. To the surprise of many, empathy is a skill that can be learned. It is not a born attribute.  Join in the conversation with Dr. Nicole Price and learn how you can be a empathy engineer. Follow on IG: drnicoleprice https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoledeniseprice/ Pre-order Nicole’s book at https://livelyparadox.com/shop/culturally-responsive-leadership Dr. Nicole Price CEO, Lively Paradox - former engineer Originally trained as an engineer, Dr. Nicole Price later found her true calling in leadership development as a keynote speaker, training leader, and CEO of Lively Paradox. She believes that leadership is personal. Her goal is to always balance courage with caring as she helps clients face and overcome the most challenging leadership development obstacles. Nicole’s technical background enhances her objective approach to solving process problems, flipping dilemmas, and helping people focus on solutions. She prides herself on helping leaders lead well — while honoring who they are as individuals. Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 165: Vonda and Lori talk color with Sarah Botchick, general, marketing and purchasing manager of Pioneer Imports and Wholesale.  Sarah shares her thoughts on the Pantone color of the year, her experience with changes in purchasing  these past few years and that to expect for Prom this year.   View the trend report: https://www.pioneerwholesaleco.com/prom-trends-2023Order early, beat the prom rush! $25 off an order of $350+ placed by 3/15/23. Valid only on orders placed online at www.pioneerwholesaleco.com. Mention code: PD23   Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 164: We know that you are in the thick of designing and providing the best customer experience possible and there's not much we can offer you at this point. You've got this! These next few days, the delivery driver has a huge responsibility as they are the last leg of the relay.  We've talked with many shop owners and these are the common tips that we're passing along.  Short and sweet ~ less than 10 minutes! Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 163: With a week until Valentine's Day, the last thing you need is to feel overwhelmed or learn something new that you're likely to forget. So for this episode, we kept it lighthearted. We talk about what we've been up to in business and in life, answer some listener questions, and then Ellie asks Vonda & Lori 10 fun rapid-fire questions so you can get to know them better.Consider this 35 minutes of mindless spa time for your mind. Enjoy! Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 162: The single busiest day of year for a flower shop is Valentine's Day and with the increased number of customers served those few days, it's important to get it right! Clear communication is essential in customer satisfaction in any sale, but flower sales can be even more challenging. Simple words or phrases that are used and understood daily in a flower shop might have a total different meaning to a flower buyer.  Vonda and Lori shared these tips on how to clarify your message last year, in Episode 111, however, they bear repeating. 😉 Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 161: The countdown to Valentine's Day is on! Vonda, Lori, and Kami share a LOT of information, from projecting sales and what to sell to preparing your sales staff and website must-knows. These are great tips and as well as a checklist for your preparations.  Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 160: The floral industry has so many amazing career opportunities, however, we've fallen short on engaging the "inquiring minds" of children when they are starting to think about what they want to be when they grow up. Here enters Seed Your Future!Vonda and Lori and joined by Jazmin Albarran, the executive director of Seed Your Future. She shares all you need to know, from what it is and how it started to what you can do to help encourage others to join our great industry! Seed Your Future is the movement to promote horticulture and inspire people to pursue careers working with plants and flowers. We envision a world where everyone understands and values the importance of plants and flowers and the people – like everyone in this audience - who work in the art, science, technology and business of horticulture. Here are some great links for you to take a deeper look. Plant Power Quiz on the We Are Bloom website. Plant Power videos on our YouTube channel – here’s one about flowers. Seed Your Future website link to the list of career profiles, industry scholarships and internships and the where to study map. Curriculum & digital games for middle school students. Green Career Week toolkit download link. Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 159: Lori and Vonda give an overview of the book "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni which discusses the pitfalls and challenges a leadership team faces and discuss how these directly relate to a retail floral business. Focusing on negative is not what this is episode is about ~ it's about knowing the pitfalls as to avoid them!  Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 158: It's anniversary time! Flower Clique and our podcast are celebrating three years, heading into year number four! Ellie LaFever and Kami Martin join Vonda and Lori to answer these three questions: –Is it what you thought it would be? –What was your biggest surprise?–What is one thing you hope to achieve in 2023?Join us for some really good reflection and fun insight. ❤️  Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 157: Everywhere you look you see  predictions for 2023. Everything from thoughts on the economy and sales to personal growth and mental wellness. Vonda and Lori share their thoughts and ideas on what to expect or work toward in the new year.  Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 156: We've all heard about the importance of social platforms to bring awareness to your brand and products, and Tik Tok is no different.  Lori is a TikTokker and Vonda is not, which is not a surprise to most of you Cliquers. In this episode Lori is sharing what she's learned and the advantages for you to download the app and join in the adventure.   Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 155: We all know the value of communication, but when it comes to your team it couldn't be more true. Clear, open and respectful communication is what the best teams are built on. Lori and Vonda share six important tips for effective communication. This is a re-play of Episode 42 with valuable information as we approach the holidays. Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 154: Each year the month of December brings the challenge  of how to best organize your product, staff and time to be able to meet the demands for Christmas centerpieces and florals right before the holiday. Ralph Giordano AIFD and owner of Giordano's Floral Creations in Fort Pierce, FL is a 4th generation florist and well respected in the floral industry. Today he shares his secrets to prepping for the month of December. Vonda mention The Real-Life Retail Florist.For a sneak peak, watch the orientation: Real Life Retail FloristQuestions? Email lori@flowerclique.com Sponsored by Flower Clique Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 153: Ellie is back for the second episode in our NextGen podcast series, where she interviews NextGen floral professionals & friends under forty.  Today the spotlight is on Ryan Black, Marketing & Media Director for Jet Fresh Flowers, and SAF's 2022 Marketer of the Year. Get a history lesson in Ryan's past that led him into his blooming role, discover a typical work day as a marketing director, and a glimpse into what life looks like as he builds and scales Jet Fresh's creative endeavors.You'll also get a sneak peek into what's planned for 2023, an announcement on "Fresh Fest" (of course we're going!), and marketing inspiration from the expert himself. If you aren't already, be sure to follow @JetFreshFlowers on Instagram and discover more at jetfreshflowers.com! Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 152:  A one-year collaboration in the making between the Flower Clique girls (Vonda, Lori & Ellie) and Abby Chick,  floral educator and retail shop owner, is FINALLY REVEALED on today's episode. This retail floristry curriculum took on a life of its own, and we're so happy to share it with the world! An all-encompassing educational course developed by four experts, tailored specifically for all of our retail florist dreamers, has finally arrived. The details: 14 modules packed with content covering everything from start-up to sales, design to delivery, buying wholesale to business operations, profitability to professional relationships, and more. In addition to over 100 videos, we've created templates and interactive spreadsheets with built-in formulas to get more done, operate profitably, and build the business of your dreams.On top of our stunning curriculum filled with the wisdom, training & tools to succeed, RLRF gives you the intimate community you crave. Network with your peers on a real and intimate level. No fluff, no judgement. Instead, a real, tangible place filled with people just like you – alongside industry experts, where you can celebrate wins, get answers, and grow together. You'll also have access to us four instructors, ensuring you get the answers you need, when you need them. Listen to the girls chat about how it came to life & all the juicy details.This is: The Real-Life Retail Florist.For more information and to join the VIP list: Real Life Retail Florist Questions? Email lori@flowerclique.com Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 151: There's so much buzz about what to expect with flower sales in the looming recession, so Vonda and Lori asked Bill LaFever, president of the Bill Doran Company, to get his professional input. With over 30 wholesale floral locations and years of experience, Bill has some great input and words of advice on the economy. He also addresses some supply chain issues and shares some of his favorite flowers.   Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course

Episode 150: We're surrounded by challenges every day. They are both personal and business related, some bigger than others, but all needing your attention. Vonda and Lori share five tips to overcome the biggest (or smallest) of challenges. Be sure and listen to then end where Lori shares information about Biosphere 2 and what it has to do with you and challenges.  Sponsored by Flower CliqueFlower Clique Prep SchoolReal Life Retail Florist Course