Heads up oh, fellow ’scapers.  To order cases of the JPPT’s, the Joey mini square for 6" bloomers and poinsettia, in particular, the deadline date is August 30th, 2009.  Yep in less than a month we will close the order window.  They come 72 pieces per case, are $3.80 per piece/$273.60 per case, plus shipping and can save you an entire point changeout.  Plus saving money on product, you will be able to cut down the watering frequencies as well.  Stage in a watertight container, deep,deep dish saucer and away you go. 

An incredible solution to the dreaded "Poinsettia Problem". 

Once we get your order, we will ship wherever you say from our factory in VA. in time for you to receive by the week of Oct. 15.  Plenty of time fo Holiday staging.  To order, just call TOPsiders at 800-533-7661 and say, "Barb sent me". 

The Holidays will be here afore ye know it!!! 

 Some months back we talked about “branding” Vs “advertising” and referred to M. J. Gilhooley’s Action Plan to Generate Publicity:  Here are the 5 steps to follow.  This is your PR Map and it is not all that daunting a task.  Just go one step at a time.

 1.    Build Your Media List – Identify the names of 3 media outlets in your market that you’d most like to get into (any combination of TV, radio, dailies, or trades).  Think local or market specific.  Example:  For commercial properties, target your area Business Newspaper.

 2.    Identify at least one company news item and/or Unique Selling Point.  Example:  We are going into the Holiday Season.  (Yes, Virginia, it is coming!)  How many poinsettias does your company distribute?  If it is a significant number, write this fact up.  Include the folklore and the origins of the plant and so on.

 3.    Make your mini-PR plan for the year - Set 2 dates that will serve as deadlines.  Publications, media outlets work months in advance so get this done now.

 4.    Customize your Press Release.  Make sure photos feature your staff wearing your shirts or standing in front of your clean, logoed van holding a huge poinsettia.  None around in the dead of Summer?  Use an artificial.  The viewer won’t be able to see the difference.  Just smile a lot.

 5.    Follow up a few days after submission or phone contact.  E Mail and then phone the media contact.  Don’t worry that you are bothering them, they are used to it.

 The news items you submit may be any information that could be used as a human-interest piece.  M. J. recommends stories about a triumph, overcoming obstacles, innovative growth etc.  Or, how ‘bout periodic interesting blurbs about plant material?  “Did you know” stuff.  For example – “Did you know that house plants keep you relaxed?  Then give your resource.  Just make sure your human interest blurb quotes you, mentions your company, and offer to visit the paper or TV station offices for a photo (of you in a lazy boy recliner holding a plant  or poinsettia for example) to illustrate.

 One of the best resources for quotes and documentation is the Green Plants for Green Buildings web site (www.greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org).  Recently, I logged onto the site and was truly amazed at how much great “stuff” is there.  If you haven’t checked it out lately I suggest you do so.  I can’t think of a better place to get sales ammunition.  Look over the information.  You’ll find lots of great pro-plants tidbits.  Then make it newsworthy, catchy, and company promoting through your own creativity.

 Remember, you are doing these media people a favor.  Every day they arrive at work and see hundreds of blank pages staring them in the face.  Pages they need to fill.  And what’s prettier or more universally interesting than plants?

 Now go out there and get ‘em Tiger.

Ok.  So you got a new job.  Congratulations!!  You verbally thank the new client, go back to your office, high five anyone and everyone and order the plants and planters.  You are all done, right??

Not yet my little chickadee.  If you want to lay the groundwork for a long and successful relationship, you have still more to do.  Within 24 hours you should be sending a handwritten note to the buyer.  That’s right, a handwritten note.  In this email world, a handwritten note is so attention getting, so unusual, it is memorable.  Keep it short and sweet but welcome them into you r"family" and so on.  Next, within a short time period, call and confirm the installation date and particulars.And, then, 30 days after the installation, visit the contact and walk through to make sure what you delivered is what and where they wanted it.  Also, historically, this is an excellent time for add on Sales.  Also, ask about Holiday.  Statistics show that 15% of new clients add on some product or service so, ASK. 

Now, go out there and get ‘em, Tigers.

Change…Happens!  Many ’scapers report a stream of lost contracts in this crazy economy.  Vendors as well.  So, this week, even though it is a short, Holiday week, I suggest you take some time to reevaluate. 

A loss of contracted work means that some of you have already cut staff hours.  This is the obvious first step.  Now, it may be time for the second one.  What can you outsource to save much needed cash?  Bookeeping, Answering services, are the obvious ones.  Reevaluate your phone service.  Check all insurance coverage and get comparative quotes from other vendors.  Talk to your Bank.  If you have a line of credit, can this interest rate be lowered?  Do you really need that drinking water service?  What else can you do?

Look at janitorial.  Go in-house if you are paying an outside service.  Talk to your facility leasing agent.  Can you lower your rent?  Downsize, downsize.  I’ll just bet there are ways to cut your overhead if you put your mind to it ’cause it doesn’t look like this will go away anytime soon.  A $10/month expense is really $120/year.  Conferences are still important for so many reasons, still, how can you cut costs?  Use those frequent flyer miles you’ve been saving.  I hear they are going to raise levels for awards so you might as well use them now when you get more bang for the buck.  Think like the hibernating Bear.  Prepare and adjust and Spring will happen.

Lastly, prepare for the Future.  Check out ways to cut ongoing labor and travel costs.  Joeys or some other method of subirrigation/hydroponics will position your company for years to come.

Now go out there and get ‘em, Tigers.