To Sleep, Perchance to Dream
Boy, have you noticed all the bedding ads on TV and in print?  Dial-a-number, NASA invented  memory foam, feather, air, pillow top, and gels.  A million different materials are out there, old and new, and that’s just  for the mattress. 

Sheet sets are also feeling the hype as the thread counts soar to over a thousand per inch.  Seems we aging “baby boomers” don’t sleep very well and the bedding industry has finally caught on.  So have the upper end hotels like Westin, Sheraton, Sofitel, Crowne Plaza and a host of other “hosts”; as they strenuously advertise their fabulous beds and bedding.

A Good Night’s Sleep
At a recent stay at a Sheraton I was surprised to see their signature bed displayed smack dab in the center of their lobby with signs extolling its wonders.  And at a Four Season Hotel I noticed that a room right next to the Registration desk had its door open so you could walk in and purchase sheets, pillows, towels, and robes just like those in the guest rooms. 

So, what does all of this have to do with Interiorscaping?  Well, its obvious that the hospitality industry has finally realized that while wake up calls, mini bar, and in room safes were nice, the real amenities travelers want are the ultra comfortable bed, the great hot shower, remote TV, in room hair dryer, and accessible thermostat.  Give me these things and I can rule the world.  But mostly what happened was that hotels realized they were in the “Comfortable Nights Sleep” business and “the bed” became the major player.

 What Business Are We Really In?
Now, take that thinking and apply it to interiorplantscaping.  What business are we really in?  Are we plant waterers?  Or, are we providing a beautiful visual accessory?  Are we providing an element that calms surroundings and promotes productivity?  Are we the subliminal backdrop; the “white noise” visually that allows thinkers to think and doers to do?  Or, are we agents that can facilitate Green Building compliance or are we the high end image makers?  Just maybe, we’re lots of different things to our clients and, as such, we need to be aware of their various reasons to use us.  We are a wealth of Benefits with a Capital "B".

 And, if you the ‘scaper salesperson call on prospective clients and out there just selling plants, planters and maintenance and not the benefits or only the price and not the opportunity for beautifully chosen and well placed green accessories that compliment the space, then to my mind, you’ve missed the boat.  It is time to rethink your Sales pitch. 

Make a list of all the reasons companies want Plants in their spaces, then come up with Selling Points to specifically target these reasons.  To help you, I suggest you check out Plants at Work at www.plantsatwork.org and order the CD.  Lots of great info – lots of bullets for sales ammunition.  Also, get ready for Calscape in Vegas, Sept. 26-29, 2007.  This year’s program highlights the Green Building Movement as well as new trends in Interiorscaping.  For more info log on to pia@piagrows.org.   I promise, you will go home with another 12 reasons why people want and need plants. 

And, if you agree with me that the future , our future is tied up with the Green Building Trend, then your attendance Calscape ‘07 in Vegas, Sept.26-29 is critical.  The Seminar is all about how to link up with the Green Movement and there will be a wealth of ideas. Hope to see you there.

 Now go out there and get’em Tiger!