Sympathy Business Resources
Tired of seeing “In Lieu of Flowers” in the obits? SAF materials can help you connect with local funeral directors, explain the importance of flowers to the bereavement process and promote your sympathy business. Check out these free tools and more at www.safnow.org/sympathy.
Sympathy Business Checklist
Advice, talking points and suggested wording for letters to funeral directors
Thank-you brochure for funeral directors
List of alternatives to the “in lieu of” phrase
Promotional ideas
Radio commercial scripts
You also can purchase SAF’s “Nature’s Sympathy Card” poster, statement stuffer and other promotional materials online.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Marna Hansen
Marna Hansen, the business associate instructor at The Institute of Floristry has a new knee as of Monday July 18. She was in the hospital for several days, and is now in the care center recovering and receiving PT and OT for a few days. She will be going home this coming week to recoup for a few weeks. She will enjoy your cards and notes. Please send them to : Ardith Beveridge % Koehler & Dramm Wholesale Florist---2407 East Hennepin Ave, Mpls, MN 55413. I will take them to her personally. She will appreciate knowing we all care and pray for her fast recovery.
Wedding Class
Start August out with the Wedding Class.
August 1-5, 2011 7:00AM-3:30 PM
We will make several styles of bridal bouquets with fresh flowers, some bridesmaids, flower girls and ring bearer designs. Then we will make corsages the wire and tape method, perfect the cold glue method, and combine both methods. We will make many styles of boutioneers, and headpieces.
In this class we create the "personal" flowers for the wedding. It was previously called "body" flowers, now more politically correct personal flowers.
Come join the class, learn how to update your style, create with a variety of fresh products and supplies.
You are able to take home what you make.
I take classes all over the world to bring current trends and techniques to the Institute of Floristry students.
Call 612-362-3133 or go to kdiof.com or koehlerdramm.com,Institute of Floristry
August 1-5, 2011 7:00AM-3:30 PM
We will make several styles of bridal bouquets with fresh flowers, some bridesmaids, flower girls and ring bearer designs. Then we will make corsages the wire and tape method, perfect the cold glue method, and combine both methods. We will make many styles of boutioneers, and headpieces.
In this class we create the "personal" flowers for the wedding. It was previously called "body" flowers, now more politically correct personal flowers.
Come join the class, learn how to update your style, create with a variety of fresh products and supplies.
You are able to take home what you make.
I take classes all over the world to bring current trends and techniques to the Institute of Floristry students.
Call 612-362-3133 or go to kdiof.com or koehlerdramm.com,Institute of Floristry
AAF--- American Acedamy of Floraculture
Many of you have asked me how to gain certifiactions in the floral Industry. AAF is from SAF, Society of American Florists. One must be a menber in good standing with SAF to apply to be AAF. The other major factor is that you have to be in the floral industry for 10 years or more. That is in any area of the industry, in growing, selling, designing.
Your first step is contacting SAF through the web site www.safnow.org. Ask how to join SAF, then join. They will send you the necessary papers and talk with you to answer your questions. Once you are a member ( in the same conversation) ask them to show you how to find the application form on the site. Copy it, fill it out and return before the due date which is the end of January each year.When accepted you will be inducted in the Autumn of that year at the SAF convention.
It is time to do this for yourself and your professional carrer.
Your first step is contacting SAF through the web site www.safnow.org. Ask how to join SAF, then join. They will send you the necessary papers and talk with you to answer your questions. Once you are a member ( in the same conversation) ask them to show you how to find the application form on the site. Copy it, fill it out and return before the due date which is the end of January each year.When accepted you will be inducted in the Autumn of that year at the SAF convention.
It is time to do this for yourself and your professional carrer.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Floristry 1
This is a wonderful Floristry 1 class. Everyone is so kind and helpful and sharing and and and, wonderful. The morning is full of information, the afternoon designing with beautiful wonderful roses of every color. The classroom lights up with the sights and fragrances of the flowers and the smiles of the students. It is no wonder that it is the best job in the world sharing what I love with people that love the same things with a passion...and that is flowers.
We learn about each other. Each are here to express themselves, to create. The energy in the room is amazing.Oh yes and we made bows, we did not try to make bows, we made beautiful bows, often to the surprise of the maker. One student , we will not name names, said she could not make bows, " they have a bow board at the shop." WELL, she can make bows, beautiful ones at that, but I am sworn to secrecy so she will not have to do them at the shop. I predict by the end of the class, she will be making bows volentarrily, because they are fun to do. We'll see, I'll keep you in the loop( pun there!)
Today we will tour the facility, look at books, learn mechanics and designing in foam, free standing designs. It is a full day, I can hardly wait to start.
We learn about each other. Each are here to express themselves, to create. The energy in the room is amazing.Oh yes and we made bows, we did not try to make bows, we made beautiful bows, often to the surprise of the maker. One student , we will not name names, said she could not make bows, " they have a bow board at the shop." WELL, she can make bows, beautiful ones at that, but I am sworn to secrecy so she will not have to do them at the shop. I predict by the end of the class, she will be making bows volentarrily, because they are fun to do. We'll see, I'll keep you in the loop( pun there!)
Today we will tour the facility, look at books, learn mechanics and designing in foam, free standing designs. It is a full day, I can hardly wait to start.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Business Cards Reflect Your Brand, For Better or Worse
Your business card “says/screams/whispers volumes” about your worth, says small business champion Cinda Baxter in her blog, “Always Upward.” A chic, polished card conveys success, while a “chintzy” card gives an impression that is “wobbly, or worse,” she says. Not sure yours makes a good statement? Follow these business card dos and dont’s from graphic designer Nancy Owyang, founder of Eye 2 Eye Graphics:
DO: • Pick “memorable” attributes. Abandon the black 12-pt. Times New Roman or Comic Sans and play with design, color, shape, size and texture for a card that doesn’t resemble anyone else’s. • Tell a story. Don’t just slap on your title; communicate “what you do, how well you do it and why you do it better than anyone else,” Owyang says. Instead of “floral designer,” try an endorsement such as, “providing Charleston top-rated floral arrangements and service. • Print on paper that people can write on. Many people like to make notes, which doesn’t work on high-gloss paper, unless you hand out permanent markers, as well, Owyang says”
DON’T: • Use Gmail, Hotmail or AOL for your business email. Using a personal email address “is a mark against your professionalism and credibility,” Owyang says. An email address with your business URL is more serious and it reinforces your business name with customers. • Have advertisements for other businesses on back. In exchange for free printing, some printers put their information on the back of the card. This distracts from your brand and hints that you didn’t invest much. • Include outdated information. Crossed out or inaccurate information diminishes your image. If you move or change your number, get new cards printed as soon as possible.
source: www.safnow.org
DO: • Pick “memorable” attributes. Abandon the black 12-pt. Times New Roman or Comic Sans and play with design, color, shape, size and texture for a card that doesn’t resemble anyone else’s. • Tell a story. Don’t just slap on your title; communicate “what you do, how well you do it and why you do it better than anyone else,” Owyang says. Instead of “floral designer,” try an endorsement such as, “providing Charleston top-rated floral arrangements and service. • Print on paper that people can write on. Many people like to make notes, which doesn’t work on high-gloss paper, unless you hand out permanent markers, as well, Owyang says”
DON’T: • Use Gmail, Hotmail or AOL for your business email. Using a personal email address “is a mark against your professionalism and credibility,” Owyang says. An email address with your business URL is more serious and it reinforces your business name with customers. • Have advertisements for other businesses on back. In exchange for free printing, some printers put their information on the back of the card. This distracts from your brand and hints that you didn’t invest much. • Include outdated information. Crossed out or inaccurate information diminishes your image. If you move or change your number, get new cards printed as soon as possible.
source: www.safnow.org
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Audrey from Cut Off, LA
Audrey C. from Cut Off, LA is in Minneapolis with her family. We have been friends for so long, but I am usually there visiting and doing a program for the state association. She is here visiting me and The Mall of America. It is a gift to see and share time with her and her family. The friends you make in the floral industry will be with you the rest of your life. Treasure each other.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Ardith's Social contact addresses
Udesign With Ardith Blog:
http://ardithbeveridge@blogspot.com/
Please "like" Institute of Floristry Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#1/pages/Koehler-Dramms-Institute-of-Floristry/141863362551082
Koehler & Dramm's Twitter account: Follow us here too:
http://twitter.com/#!/KoehlerFlorist
Ardith's Facebook account:
www.facebook.com/people/ardithbeveridge/1558530092
http://ardithbeveridge@blogspot.com/
Please "like" Institute of Floristry Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#1/pages/Koehler-Dramms-Institute-of-Floristry/141863362551082
Koehler & Dramm's Twitter account: Follow us here too:
http://twitter.com/#!/KoehlerFlorist
Ardith's Facebook account:
www.facebook.com/people/ardithbeveridge/1558530092
7-7-11 hands On Wednesday Class
Thank you to each of you that attended the Hands On Wednesday class last night. It was good to see you and create with you.
The subject last night was Volumetric Design Style. The Volumetric Design Style is a three-dimensional, closed form composition consisting of a clearly defined geometric shape that is wholly or partially filled or outlined with plant material and or decorative accents. None of the materials used should violate the integrity of the geometric form. ( AIFD A Guide To Floral Design) Sold at Koehler & Dramm.
The format of the HOW classes are , the style is introduced and discussed. I begin the mechanics, the students follow. Then I do a sample up to a point so you have the overall style in your mind, then you and your creativity take over to interpret the style with the fresh product available.Everyone learns from each other , I learn from you and you from me. It is great fun.
August 3, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00PM is the next HOW. Line/mass design is the subject. Call Cheryl at 612-362-3102 or e mail her at cstanius-deiman@koehlerdramm.com, ask her about the special multiple HOW class price .
Your education is yours, no one can ever take it from you. Keep current in our industry.
AA
The subject last night was Volumetric Design Style. The Volumetric Design Style is a three-dimensional, closed form composition consisting of a clearly defined geometric shape that is wholly or partially filled or outlined with plant material and or decorative accents. None of the materials used should violate the integrity of the geometric form. ( AIFD A Guide To Floral Design) Sold at Koehler & Dramm.
The format of the HOW classes are , the style is introduced and discussed. I begin the mechanics, the students follow. Then I do a sample up to a point so you have the overall style in your mind, then you and your creativity take over to interpret the style with the fresh product available.Everyone learns from each other , I learn from you and you from me. It is great fun.
August 3, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00PM is the next HOW. Line/mass design is the subject. Call Cheryl at 612-362-3102 or e mail her at cstanius-deiman@koehlerdramm.com, ask her about the special multiple HOW class price .
Your education is yours, no one can ever take it from you. Keep current in our industry.
AA
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Join Society of American Florists (SAF) today
Go to safnow.org to see the benefits you receive by becoming a member of The Society of American Florist . Floral Management mazagine is filled with educational and informational articles from the field to the customer. The publication is sent by mail or e mail, your choice. Contact SAF, see how to join as your business or individual if you are working at a shop or a contract designer. Be a part of the professional association that is there for you.
You may be eligable to join American Academy of Floraculture (AAF) and Professional Floral Communicators International (PFCI). Why not look into it today. Any questions I will be happy to help or contact SAF directly, they are kind, helpful and have the answers.
You may be eligable to join American Academy of Floraculture (AAF) and Professional Floral Communicators International (PFCI). Why not look into it today. Any questions I will be happy to help or contact SAF directly, they are kind, helpful and have the answers.
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