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With a goal to provide at least two workshops each month,
McNorton discovered that the best-laid plans don't always
work out. "We've found that fall is the best time for our
workshops because everyone seems ready to be creative
and decorate for the holidays," she shares. To fill out other
times of the year, Blooms on Boswell has responded
to requests for group workshops and women's groups,
as well as corporate events, along with some parent/
child groupings.
Charging $45 per person on average (although fees for
some of the more involved holiday workshops can go up to
$65, depending on the product involved), McNorton says
every event always includes a finished product that each
attendee can take home. "We allow participants to select
color schemes, but mostly we have recipes that we follow."
Not content to always remain in shop, McNorton says
she has also taken her workshops on the road, such as
in the middle of a pumpkin patch, a Christmas tree farm,
in barns and more. "Several times a year, I am asked to do
presentations, which are always a lot of fun and provide
me with the opportunity to offer a special invitation to
attendees to visit the store."
Class Dismissed
Large or small, floral designs workshops are a great way to
increase cash flow and attract new customers. And, there
are myriad ways to offer workshops, including in house,
off site and online. e same holds true when it comes to
setting fees for workshops—although it's important that
you charge what your market can afford while ensuring
that all your costs—from materials, travel and wages—
are covered, and that you make a profit, as well.
Final words of advice: Yes, you will probably have some
nerves when performing your first workshops; it happens
to everyone. Be yourself. Speak like the professional you
are, but speak the same language as your audience. You
are marketing yourself and your business—as well as the
entire floral industry.
Blooms on Boswell
