Want to keep better employees longer? Cultivate a culture of training. One of the first things cut from budgets is often training. Yet, successful businesses know the secrets to cultivating a culture where training is essential. Training must be regular, but doesn't need to be day- or even hour-long. Weekly 15 to 30 minute morning sessions where all employees take a turn at training others on an important activity they do is shared. It's also a space to prepare for the day and share information (especially key financial information) to help make staff knowledgeable and empowered.

Horticulture is in prime time, now, with the debut of Scott's commercial during the Super Bowl. Many dimensions of the backyard are highlighted by celebrities and influences both young and not-so-young. What does this mean for you? A spotlight on the backyard may help you this spring!

From books to wine to electronics, staff picks can influence plant choices. While there are many powerful national plant influencers, some "experts" on your staff can help influence choices, too. Having your key people recommend their favorites can help novices and experts alike find new, easy, or novel plants they might not otherwise try. This week, Bridget discusses the how and why of staff picks.

Bridget takes a peek into her crystal ball to highlight some likely trends for 2021. Are you ready for them? Diverging markets and shopping preferences are two of them. Health, both mental and physical, prominently influence choices. Food, oh the plant based food we will see this year - but we should be in on that conversation. And little is big, from offices to food to foliage plants. Which trends will you be ready to capitalize on?

Happy New Year! This week, Bridget talks about some (very) recently published research about the influence of light during production on the flavor of basil. The amount of light the plants receive during production dramatically influences the flavor that consumers taste. Listen this week to learn more about this important herb and how light influences its flavor.

We are all happy to turn the calendar page to 2021. This week, Bridget describes 5 New Year resolutions for your business to make and keep. Use scenario planning to be ready for different outcomes. Cross-train employees to be more prepared for labor changes. Proactively incorporate technology. Make your marketing budget essential. Buy into your state and national trade associations. Happy New Year!

Pantone announced their 2021 Colors of the Year: a bright yellow called Illuminating and a grey called Ultimate Grey. Consumers will be "primed" to see these colors in many place. First, paint colors can be used for display fixtures, especially the grey. Second, find fabrics to use in displays and as backdrops for images. Bridget also discusses two other ways to use these fashionable colors this spring.

Most of us are eager to put 2020 behind us and turn the page to a new calendar year. Before we do, Bridget talks about some important lessons we probably learned in 2020 that should shape what we do moving forward into a new year for our businesses.

Leslie Halleck and Bridget continue their conversation from last week, discussing what communication messaging should look like next spring Leslie recommends options, convenience and flexibility. Safety perceptions are paramount for in-person shopping since perception is reality. Some people may be ready to shop, but others may want you to pick plants for them and curb-side or delivery can be convenient and helpful services. Have your considered a plant concierge service?

Bridget has guest Leslie Halleck back on the podcast this week. Leslie's marketing savvy and practicality help firms understand the need, now more than ever, to keep a foot pressed down on the gas pedal for digital efforts. Bridget and Leslie discuss not just digital communication but also e-commerce. Keep increasing social media and marketing and, as customers return to in-person sales they may also likely continue to be engaged in website content. Linking POS systems with e-commerce websites is so fundamental to online sales.