The Business & Pleasure of Flowers
Vonda LaFever and Lori Wilson join forces to share advice, insider knowledge, and fun tips on everything floral. Everyone loves flowers, but the floral business comes with challenges that sometimes make you forget about the rewards. In this fun and informative podcast, Vonda’s extensive floral knowledge and experience, along with Lori’s teaching, life and sales training expertise, you will learn what’s trending in the industry and what the flower shop of the future might look like. In addition, they will discuss how to overcome obstacles, from in-store and online sales, to how to build a great customer service team. Discover how a bit of knowledge and one small change in your mindset can take you to new levels in your life and business. Hit subscribe, so you can put the pleasure back into your life and go back to loving flowers and what you do even more!
Episodes
252 episodes
Navigating Customer Service Challenges with Empathy
Episode 251: Customer service can be a challenging field, especially when emotions come into play. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of customer interactions, particularly when dissatisfaction or complaints arise.<...
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Episode 250
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36:24
Blossoming Success: Inside the Flower Clique Team
Episode 249: Join Lori as she sits down with Kami Martin, the Director of Membership, and Audrey Kristoff, the Product Manager, from the Flower Clique team. Discover how their roles contribute to the success of flower shop owners and Flower Cli...
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Episode 249
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49:11
Overcoming Obstacles: Practicing What You Preach
Episode 248: In this episode, Ellie, Lori, and Vonda share their experiences from an 8-day business trip focused on product development for Flower Clique. From photo shoots to creating videos for Sales Prep School, and even hosting an educ...
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Episode 248
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40:20
Unveiling the Art of Exceptional Customer Service with Sam Bowles: Rewind
Episode 247: Vonda and Lori are on the road and picked a great rewind for you. It's a rewind from last summer of Episode 185: Join Lori and Ellie as they sit down with our good friend, Sam Bowles, the General Manager and Creative Director...
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Episode 247
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50:37
A Blooming Celebration: Wedding Flowers and Design Insights
Episode 246: Join Lori and Vonda in a heartfelt conversation as they reflect on their recent experience designing wedding flowers for a personal wedding. Though they don't typically work together in this capacity, their shared dedication...
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Episode 246
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32:19
Honoring Labor Day: History, Lessons, and Tips for Moving into Fall
Episode 245: Today's episode is short and sweet as we share a brief history of Labor Day and highlights a valuable lesson that continue to resonate today. Learn the important highlights of origins of Labor Day and the impact of the labor ...
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Episode 245
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11:56
Quotes That Could Alter Your Mind
Episode 244: Join hosts Lori and Vonda as they delve into a collection of mind-altering quotes by Wayne Dyer. Discover quotes that may resonate with you with a simple "yep" and others that challenge you to truly ponder and potentially transform...
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Episode 244
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30:44
Practical Tips to Move the Sustainability Needle in Your Floral Shop
Episode 243: We recap the exciting session at Camp Clique last week and delve into a thought-provoking discussion with industry experts Bill McKinley AIFD from Texas A & M and Abby Chick, shop owner of Blakemore's Flowers in Harrisonburg, V...
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Episode 243
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41:05
Highlights from SAF Convention in Miami
Episode 242: In this episode, Vonda interviews Lori about her experience at the Society of America Florist (SAF) Convention in Miami last week. Lori shares her insights and highlights from the convention, from the networking opportu...
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Episode 242
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31:22
Blossoming Against All Odds
Episode 241: Join us for an inspiring interview with Stefani and John Goetz, the couple behind 21 Petals in Lafayette, IN. Stefani, a dedicated assistant principal, and John, a law enforcement professional, share their remarkable journey of sta...
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Episode 241
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48:03
Flowers Come From Where?! with Williee Armellini
Episode 240: In this episode, hosts Lori and Ellie chat with Williee Armellini, the artist, musician, writer and owner of the Flowers and Cents website and newsletter. Williee shares some fascinating anecdotes about his personal jo...
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Episode 240
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37:06
Color Palette Trend Forecast for 2024 (Camp Clique Replay)
Episode 239: In this episode, we'll share highlights from an recent webinar session provided and sponsored by Flower Clique. Join Ellie LaFever as she delves into the exciting world of upcoming color palettes in the floral industry. She ...
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Episode 239
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28:21
Leadership Traits That Retain vs. Repel Employees
Episode 238: In this episode, Vonda and Lori explore the impact of different leadership traits on employee retention. They discuss five leadership habits to avoid that can drive employees away and undermine your authority. By self-evaluating an...
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Episode 238
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41:44
A Different View of AIFD Symposium Emerge
Episode 237: In this episode, Vonda shares her unique perspective on the AIFD Symposium Emerge, held in Orlando FL while driving home. Though she didn't attend any of the programs, she was able to personally meet the designers. Vonda had the ta...
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Episode 237
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30:56
A Favorite Episode Replay: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
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...
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Episode 236
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30:25
Maximizing Productivity by Understanding Your Personal Productivity Curve
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 ...
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Episode 235
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33:21
Navigating the Industry with SAF Leaders Kate Penn CEO and Oscar Fernandez President and Chairperson
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 Chai...
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Episode 234
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53:40
Finding Your OFF Mode
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 c...
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Episode 233
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30:19
Leadership Wisdom for Graduates: 6 Habits to Ditch for Success
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, manager...
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Episode 232
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31:49
Leadership Knowledge and Skills: What's the Difference and Why it Matters
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 p...
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Episode 231
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26:45
Inside the Benz School of Floral Design: A Conversation with Bill McKinley AIFD
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...
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Episode 230
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30:48
Blooming Passion: A Floral Journey with Bill McKinley, AIFD, CFD, ICPF
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 hi...
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Episode 229
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32:43
Celebrating Mother's Day Traditions from Around the World
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 c...
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Episode 228
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22:47
Mother's Day Marketing and Sales Tips
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 impleme...
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Episode 227
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29:16
AIFD National Symposium: "Emerge" with Ralph Giordano AIFD
Episode 226: Join Vonda and Lori as they chat with Ralph Giordano AIFD, owner of Giordano's Floral Creations in Fort Pierce FL, and one of the "Core 4" AIFD Symposium Coordinators. Ralph shares his excitement for the upcoming AIFD National Symp...
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Episode 226
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26:45