FlowerChat vs. Facebook vs. LinkedIn
Remember that great discussion you saw awhile back on Facebook about the advantages and disadvantages of being a wire-service member? The one with dozens and dozens of comments? The one that made you think, “Hmmm. That’s a good point. I’ll have to remember that for later…” Remember?
Naw? Neither do we. That’s because the problem with Facebook—while being a great forum for sharing ideas, airing grievances and cracking a great joke—is that, as time rolls on, those discussions get buried further and further down the page. Trying to locate something you saw previously can be a time-consuming and aggravating experience.
The same goes with LinkedIn. It’s an awesome vehicle for connecting with others in the industry. And some enlightening conversations come out of that site. But tracking them for use later is well nigh impossible.
FlowerChat.com, on the other hand, archives all of its discussions with a searchable index so you never lose access to a great idea you didn’t take time to note when you initially read it. That means you can simply type a key word or phrase into the search box and immediately get a list not only of whatever discussion included your query but also any related discussions that might be of interest to you.
An add-on benefit to this feature of FlowerChat is that, if you find an older discussion that you find compelling, you can get the conversation started again simply by making a new comment. Doing so immediately pushes the thread back into the spotlight for other members, allowing them to add their own insight. Try to do that on Facebook or LinkedIn. Your thoughts will most likely be lost among all of the newer discussions going on.
An Old Discussion Blooms Again
 Just this week, one FlowerChat member kickstarted a conversation that had originated more than a year ago on the topic “What Can’t You Design?” Several others joined in to add their design woes. The result was a fascinating (and humorous) read about what designs fail to inspire even the most talented florists.
Reviewing the dozens of comments (which had garnered more than 500 views) revealed that participants in the thread suffered with similar design despairs—most commonly vase arrangements consisting solely of gerberas or carnations; corsages; dogs, rabbits and other animal shapes; and tropicals.
One shop owner moaned about her inability to create bud vases, leading another to offer a tip (arrange the stems in your hand and then insert into the vase). Another complained that her squares usually came out lopsided. And one bellyached that she had a heckuva time trying to create bold, masculine designs. “Everything I make tends to get fussy and girly … I could make a king protea girly!” she declared.
The end result is a reassuring commentary that no one in the floral world can claim perfection in every design style. And it no doubt gave others a little glimmer of gratification when they learned they excel in creating arrangements that cause others to tear out their hair.
FlowerChat Tip of the Week: How to Change Your User Details
You can change your account information using the User Control Panel. For basic profile details (including your email address and password), click on the "Edit Your Details" option from within the User Custom Profile. This page allows you to set a number of required and optional details, some of which will be displayed on your public profile. With the exception of your email address, do not enter information that you do not wish to be publicly viewable.
Popular Discussions
Check out the trending discussions available to ALL FlowerChatters--no matter what your membership level:
- IPad Opinions please
My lap top is on it's last legs and I'm thinking of getting an Ipad before it dies completely. I use my lap top at home, but have PC's at work. I was thinking with the Ipad I could bring it back and forth easily and use it for wedding consults also. I'm wondering what the down sides might be if any. Opinions?
- flowersofvancouver.ca
I didn't want to call because they would be able to tell it was long distance and I wouldn't be picking up flowers but I googled 8265 Main Street and there are quite a few industrial businesses listed at that address ranging from AAA Flooring Wholesale, Niki Trading Importers, Lush Cosmetics, A Mondo and Sons Sporting Goods, etc. Flowers of Vancouver was not one of the businesses listed but Flower-market.org was. When I did a Canada 411 search for a phone number at that adress it came up with ....
- Why have rules??
"In the event a Teleflora member operates a floral website, such website must include the physical location of the Teleflora shop in a conspicuous manner. Teleflora reserves the right to determine what constitutes such fraudulent or deceptive advertising and to terminate membership as a consequence." Quote taken from TF rules, also found in every TF resource guide.
Popular Pro Discussions
Pro-level members get into the nitty gritty of florist life. Below are some of their trending conversations. (Want to participate in these in-depth topics? Sign up for a Pro account.
- Facebook news feeds
Sorry if this has already been posted, but thought I would pass it on. I've become very frustrated with FB in the last few weeks and am really wondering if the time invested in my business page is really a smart ROI at this point. Personally, I think it's the beginning of the end.
- Hiring: Newbie or AIFD? Which would you prefer?
When it comes to hiring staff, what are you looking for? If you had the choice between someone who was experienced and had AIFD credentials or someone who was new to the biz and who you could train, which would you hire? Obviously, salary issues might be a main differentiating factor, but if salary were not an option, what would be your preference?
- bout buddy corsage magnets took a HUGE jump in price!
Last time i got them was 18.00 a pack of 18.00. Yesterday I ordered them.. they have JUMPED TO 38.00 for 18!!!! Just when I get customers convinced they are a good thing the price goes up so much I can't see paying it for a one time use item! I sent an email to the company to that effect. We'll see IF they reply. Anyone use the EZ pin?? the disc with 2 pins and a backing? or the Magic Magnetzz?? the 3 magnet one?
Thanks for reading!
Until next time, keep your business blooming!
Gina Kellogg
FlowerChat Community Manager
gina@flowerchat.com
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