Professional florist organizations offer a slew of opportunities to put your business in position to receive positive recognition and increase sales. In addition to the members of the florist groups who work within the industry in some capacity, you will have opportunities to meet and get to know other florist association members, including those in businesses like yourself that support the floral industry.

Affiliation with florist councils provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests while you support the industry. Membership in florist associations often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. Local florist organizations offer even more opportunities to network with local business leaders in your community. Approach your membership in florist organizations from a variety of perspectives.

1. Expand your network through cable television associations

2. Support the industry by participating in cable television organizations

3. Stand out as a leader in florist trade organizations

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Develop business contacts in florist industry organizations

Professional florist organizations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At florist organization events, as well as through various committees in which you can participate, you will have many occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support and work within the florist industry organizations. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: Join the Wholesale Florist and Florist Supplier Association to network with many industry leaders. The American Floral Industry Association is a professional florist organization that serves the floral and gift industry nationwide.

Show your interest by joining professional florist organizations

If you want to do business with floral companies, you will want to show your support while building relationships with national and local leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in florist councils with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: The International Floral Distributors is a global organization for florists that promotes marketing efforts in the floral industry. The Society of American Florists is a large group that offers many networking and educational opportunities.

Show off your skills at florist association events

To stand out as an expert and further your own career, you need to be recognized by your peers. Most florist associations offer opportunities to present your experience to other members of the florist group through writing, speaking and leadership venues. You also could stand out by volunteering in one of the many committees within the professional florist organization.

I recommend: The American Institute of Floral Designers has a lot of competitions, showings and meetings where you could offer to provide arrangements or lead up various efforts. Through events and workshops at Creative Floral Arrangers of the Americas, you will find plenty of options for participation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Send employees or managers to the various florist groups which you don't have time to attend to make sure your company is well represented.