Why we made a business sustainability class
At the end of a busy season, it can all feel like a blur. There are questions. Lots of questions, mainly — “what am I doing?!” Some of us want to quit. Others are considering new ideas like kids in a bouncy house with bellies full of cotton candy. My flower friends and I go through this in November. It’s a part of the cycle.
Last year at this time I was preparing to go on a trip. Adrenaline had caught up with me, and I was traveling 2004 miles to learn how to slow it down and switch it off.
I wonder if you feel like adrenaline might be catching up with you.
Heather Payne Photography
Before my trip, I had serious doubts that I’d be able to overcome the fatigue that accompanied adrenaline’s billowy rush. Seven days into my trip those doubts were thankfully put to rest and along with them, my lingering questions about business sustainability.
I understood the textbook business sustainability principles. I understood who I served and the value I offered them. I understood cash flow, budgeting, and clean revenue streams, but with all that adrenaline pulsing it was hard to settle in and plan for the next season. It was hard to imagine those plans unfolding with how tired I was.
“I can show you how to make garland all day, and you can get really good at it, but if I do not show you how to manage the stress of creating that garland in tight timeframes with perishable product what good is it?”
Up until this point, in Team Flower online classes, I’ve shared the foundational framework for getting started, the client process, floral mechanics, and design — but I’ve not shown you how a life with flowers is sustainable.
I can show you how to make garland all day, and you can get really good at it — way better than me. We can talk about pricing it just right and pitching our designs to clients, but if I do not show you how to manage the stress of creating that garland in tight timeframes with perishable product what good is it? If I do not teach you to become aware, to process and perceive — well, eventually that garland might overwhelm you in one way or another. The life you dreamed of with flowers might get swept off the table in a moment of intense tiredness, like it did with me.
If you want to have a sustainable life with flowers, click through and learn more about my latest class — Sustainable Business Growth.
In addition to managing the stress, Jesse and I are providing practical tools to get your body’s rhythm and business synced. We are going to clean current revenue streams, explore options for new ways of making money and help with hiring staff.
Jake + Heather
These new plans may call for some new skills like paid social media marketing, interviewing, training and leading a team. So we are covering these topics too. You’ll leave with job descriptions and downloadable orientation videos for your helpers. Studio safety, floral tools, processing and wiring flowers — we’ll handle getting your new hires acquainted and ready to support you.
Bonus! As I reflected on our business, I realized I have been a part of at least 20 workshops on varying levels, either as a host or attendee. I’d love to share the types and how they’ve helped my business. If you are considering adding workshops to your offerings or deciding which type is best for you to attend, I think this section will easily save you the money this class costs.
I also realized I’ve had over 55 weddings and shoots published. I’ll be sharing what they all have in common, and why you don't need to spend a fortune on creating them to be successful.
