The Business & Pleasure of Flowers

Episode 236: Vonda and Lori are at AIFD this week, making it the perfect opportunity for YOU to catch up on any podcast episodes you’ve missed! If you need a recommendation, check out Episode 159: “Leadership Lessons: Five Dysfunctions of a Team.” In this episode, the Flower Clique gals give an overview of the book “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni which discusses the pitfalls and challenges a leadership team faces and discuss how these directly relate to a retail floral business. Focusing on the negative is not what this episode is about ~ it’s about knowing the pitfalls to avoid them!

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Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 235: In this episode, Vonda and Lori share their personal experiences and challenges with energy and brain power at the end of the day. They discuss what a personal productivity curve is and why it's important to understand it in order to maximize your productivity during your most productive time of day.

They provide valuable tips and strategies to help you identify your most productive time of day and ways to optimize your productivity during that time. They also share an eye-opening fact on email management that can improve your productivity and efficiency.

Join Vonda and Lori in this informative and practical episode to learn how to unlock your full productivity potential.

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Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

  In this special extended episode, Vonda and Lori engage in an insightful interview and casual chat with Kate Penn, Executive Vice President/CEO of the Society of American Florists (SAF), and Oscar Fernandez, SAF President and Chairperson of Equiflor/RioRoses. Join us as we explore the exciting programs offered at the upcoming SAF Convention on August 6-9, and gain an understanding of the essence of SAF and the benefits it brings to the floral industry. Additionally, Oscar and Kate provide their insights on commonly asked questions, shedding light on what to expect in an election year. The conversation also touches on Profit Blasts, compact yet enriching one-day events brimming with educational opportunities. This episode offers a comprehensive view of the floral industry and the valuable resources it offers for professionals.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 233: Summer is the ideal time to recharge and take a mental break. In this lighthearted and fun podcast episode, Vonda and Lori explore the significance of disconnecting from work and offer practical examples to illustrate how it can be achieved. Tune in to learn how to put yourself in OFF Mode and embrace the benefits of giving your mind a well-deserved rest.

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Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 232: Graduation ceremonies are happening (or have already!) for 8th graders, high school students, and college graduates, hosts Vonda and Lori offer not only heartfelt best wishes but also valuable advice for the future leaders, managers, and individuals stepping into new chapters of their lives. Drawing from their personal experiences, they dive into the importance of self-awareness and understanding certain habits that may hinder one's growth as a leader. In this episode, they discuss six habits that leaders should recognize and let go of in order to become more effective and successful in their roles. Tune in to gain insightful wisdom and actionable tips to elevate your leadership skills.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 231:  Lori and Vonda delve into the distinction between leadership knowledge and skills, emphasizing the importance of understanding this difference. They shed light on the crucial role of action in effective leadership and share personal anecdotes to illustrate their points. They also explore the power of the phrase "Be the leader you wish you had" as a guiding principle for taking action and striving for more as a leader. Tune in to gain insights and practical strategies for becoming a stronger and more impactful leader in your professional and personal life.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 230: Join us for an insightful interview with Bill McKinley AIFD, the endowed director of the prestigious Benz School of Floral Design at Texas A&M University. In this episode, we delve into the origins of the school and its current offerings as well as the connection and history it has with Korean classes and instruction. Learn about the classes available at the Benz School, its history, and the unique relationship with western floral design instruction in Korea. If you're curious about floral design education and want to know more about this renowned institution, be sure to tune in!

Benz School for Floral Design

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Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 229:  Join us for an inspiring conversation with Bill McKinley, AIFD, CFD, an Instructional Associate Professor for floral design at Texas A&M University and the endowed chair of the Benz School of Floral Design. Bill shares his remarkable journey in the floral industry, from its humble beginnings to his current roles at TAMU which also include an advisor for the Forsythe student chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers (SAIFD). Discover how Bill's unwavering passion for floral design has driven him to generously give back to the industry while aspiring others to follow in his footsteps.

Note: AIFD stands for American Institute of Floral Designers, CFD stands for Certified Floral Designer, and ICPF refers to the Illinois Certified Professional Florist.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 228:  Lori and Vonda explore the various traditions and customs of celebrating Mother's Day across different parts of the world. Drawing from an article by Tierney McAfee, they discuss the different dates on which Mother's Day is celebrated internationally, as well as some common similarities such as the tradition of giving flowers. Join them as they share unique and fun traditions that can inspire and add a global touch to your own Mother's Day celebrations.

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Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist

Episode 227:  In this episode, Vonda and Lori are joined by Jennifer Barnard, from Tillies Flower Shop in Wichita, KS. With Mother's Day just around the corner, Jen shares valuable insights on marketing strategies that can still be implemented. She provides suggestions on how and what to do to maximize sales during this peak period. The hosts and guest also discuss the importance of getting your staff prepared and confident in selling, as well as the effectiveness of creating bundles and improving communication with customers. Tune in to this episode to gain practical tips and ideas for a successful Mother's Day season.

Sponsored by:
Flower Clique
Flower Clique Prep School
Real Life Retail Florist