FlowerChat Members Get The VIP Treatment
 Over the years the FlowerChat team has worked hard to bring value to our members, especially so since the introduction of our Pro membership service in 2010. Out of all the deals, promotions, services and discounts we have arranged, nothing has excited me as much this announcement: FlowerChat has negotiated a special arrangement with the VIP Florist Network to provide our members with nearly $2,000 in free promotional services from the award-winning VFN customer loyalty program.
 In 2006 Skip Shipman of Brenda's House of Flowers was awarded the SAF "Marketer Of The Year" for his creative program that rescued his flower shop from impending disaster. You can read Skip's story about back-to-back critical Yellow Pages mistakes that saw Brenda's House of Flowers sales drop 33% in the first month alone when you visit the VFN web site. Faced with a fight or flight situation Skip developed a program for his own shop that has now helped florists increase annual sales substantially while solidifying customer loyalty.
I very firmly believe that the best way florists can combat the national providers and big box retailers is by first retaining our existing clients, then by attracting new clients. That's exactly the service that VFN was designed to provide, and they do it well. If you are a Free or Pro FlowerChat member, I suggest that you reserve your place in VFN today by booking a no-obligation appointment. Each florist is guaranteed that VFN will protect your territory by not signing up another florist within a 15 mile radius of your shop. Territories are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis - so act now before someone else books your area.
Bonus #1: Florists who register with VFN will receive a FlowerChat Pro membership at no additional cost. (Existing Pro members will have their subscriptions extended without cost.)
Bonus #2: We are adapting our Florist 2.0 web sites to incorporate the loyalty benefits of VFN for your customers.
Are you as excited as I am? Then don't miss out. Interested, but not ready to commit? Just book a no-obligation phone call to see if VFN is right for you.
FlowerChat Updated
This week we updated the software that runs FlowerChat. One of the best new features is a completely new editor for posting and replying to messages. The editor supports a wider range of browsers (Chrome and Safari users say "Yeah!") and includes an AutoSave feature. Never again with your lengthy discourse on wire service machinations be banished to the ether by a browser timeout or page load error. Florists of the world, rejoice!
SAF Growth Solutions
Will we see YOU in Dallas? We all have the choice to sit back and complain, or to be proactive in finding solutions for growing our businesses. While not every florist has the ability to be away from their shop mid-week, I want to encourage everyone to strongly consider whether or not 36 hours with some progressive thinkers in the floral industry is a good investment in your business. The SAF Growth Solutions conference is next week in Dallas, and if you ask nicely there might still be a few spots left. FlowerChat will be there, and I hope you will be, too.
If my arguement didn't persuade you, then consider this: Bill Schodowski will be on the premesis! Come to Growth Solutions and shake hands with a legend!
Popular Free Discussions
Here are the top discussions of the week that are available to all florists.
Popular Pro Discussions
These popular discussions are restricted to Professional florists with a Pro account (the best educational value available for florists!). There is no doubt that our best conversations are found here! If you aren't a Pro member yet, why not try it for a month and see what you can learn?
Thanks For Reading!
Thanks for taking the time to read this weekly newsletter! I appreciate that your time is valuable, and I hope you find value in what we offer each week.
We love to get feedback - please feel free to call (800-314-8895), email or post in the forums any time.
Until next week, have fun and sell some flowers!
Ryan Freeman
Founder, FlowerChat.com
|
FlowerChat iPhone App
Our popular mobile app is now available for iPhone users, too!
FlowerChat Android App
Take FlowerChat with you on your Android phone or tablet!
We Teach SEO!
Inquire today about having FlowerChat teach a business session at your conference. Topics include SEO, Online Marketing, Social Media and web site design.
State Assoc Web Sites
Does your state or regional florist association need a web site? Badly? Ask how FlowerChat can help set you up with a sleek, easy-to-manage web site!
 
|
