Just across from the temple in one of the main squares of Jaipur, India is a fragrant and colourful corner and this is where you will find the garland makers of Jaipur. Amongst the hustle and bustle of busy Jaipur with Tut Tuts, rickshaws, cars and cows, plus the odd camel cart, all jostling for space here the garland makers ply their trade as they have done for centuries. On this corner there is a garland for every occasion and for those worshiping at the temple near by a garland offering is essential. The air is perfumed with Jasmine and Roses and in a city were colour abounds this corner is more vivid and sensual than any other place.
Read more: The Garland Makers of Jaipur
In floristry we tend to mix up the meaning of innovation with invention. Innovation is more than inventing a new style of floral design. Innovation can be a complex or simple idea. It can be doing something in a better way, or something that is slightly different, or something that has never been seen before in either technique or design. It can result from one persons thinking or a team of people, but then to be truly innovative it has to be taken to the consumer and used.
Dictionary definitions of innovation generally refer to functional, technological or scientific processes but of course innovation also applies to floristry and any art form. Innovation is NOT only invention. Often true innovation comes from methodical research and development. Innovation may come from a change in consumer or market behavior. In the floral world sustainability and environmental issues have changed the way florists think and design leading to innovative products.
Read more: What is innovation in floristry?
"The fact is everyone is in sales. Whatever area you work in, you do have clients and you do need to sell." Jay Abraham
I am a committed shopper. In fact a shopkeepers dream customer, I make up my mind instantly, there’s no shilly shallying around, in and out as quick as a flash with the purchase under my arm. You would think then that shops would welcome me with open arms, yet there is a department store that I frequent regularly, in particular two fashion departments within the store where they should be falling over themselves to greet me. Not the case in both.
They all know me. I have been buying from them regularly for over ten years, most of the sales assistants have been there for the whole length of time, yet only one sales assistant actually knows my name and greets me with a cheery, "Hello Mrs. Owen, how are you today".
Read more: Sales Diva or Sales Disaster
Pt 1 – Keeping it safe.
Am I boring you yet? Well let me ask you a couple of questions….
Q. Do you use a computer to help you run your business?
Q. Do you rely on a computer to help you run your business?
Q. Do you store information on the computer that would be difficult or take time to reproduce from a paper copy? Do you even have a paper copy?
Q. Would you loose your accounts, orders, payroll or other financial / legal documents if a file got deleted by mistake, or the computer gets stolen or killed by flood?
Stay with me for another couple of questions……These ones will really hit home.
Read more: Where are my files? - Part 1
