Good afternoon,
As I wrapped up reading the USA today, I noticed in the center was a section on Digital Signage. Opening this up on the very inside cover is an article I recommend you reading called Challenges. It opens with Interacting with customers is what it is all about. Delivering the right message at the right time....One of the biggest mistakes many florists make is not advertising at Valentine's day or other major holidays, they think they are busy enough but what about early ordering and engagement?
The article goes on to reflect the value of engagement...some key points reviewed was custom designed messages with call to action, improving customer experiences with exceptional or value driven service and increasing brand loyalty. or in some cases even building a brand. Are we just a flower shop or a BRAND people can trust when sending flowers. Pretty bouquets are not enough, signage and electronic engagement and social networking is a must in today's changing retail environment.
One key point that caught my attention was this and I quote:
" Technology growth has drastically altered the way customers and businesses interact and influence one another. These advances in how customers receive information require companies to think differently and evolve as technology evolves-a function customer engagement tools have provided venues for years." So how many florists are really thinking differently? That is the concern. Doing what you did just 5 years ago is behind the times by now. From online purchasing to the popularity of texting, social networking and now, mobile apps. This is not just coming, it is here. The question is do we as an industry sit back and wait till everyone is doing it or get an app now and capture the market. this is a business decision you must make and now is the time. the technology is here for you to use.
A key point in the article, "Empowering customers to take action on their time, in their preferred methods." After all, isn't this why you have an after hours answering service? So why not a facebook shopping cart on your page or an app for people to shop and order while commuting or whatever they are doing. being available when a consumer shops and offering a way to electronically give them the choices they are seeking.
As I wrapped up reading the USA today, I noticed in the center was a section on Digital Signage. Opening this up on the very inside cover is an article I recommend you reading called Challenges. It opens with Interacting with customers is what it is all about. Delivering the right message at the right time....One of the biggest mistakes many florists make is not advertising at Valentine's day or other major holidays, they think they are busy enough but what about early ordering and engagement?
The article goes on to reflect the value of engagement...some key points reviewed was custom designed messages with call to action, improving customer experiences with exceptional or value driven service and increasing brand loyalty. or in some cases even building a brand. Are we just a flower shop or a BRAND people can trust when sending flowers. Pretty bouquets are not enough, signage and electronic engagement and social networking is a must in today's changing retail environment.
One key point that caught my attention was this and I quote:
" Technology growth has drastically altered the way customers and businesses interact and influence one another. These advances in how customers receive information require companies to think differently and evolve as technology evolves-a function customer engagement tools have provided venues for years." So how many florists are really thinking differently? That is the concern. Doing what you did just 5 years ago is behind the times by now. From online purchasing to the popularity of texting, social networking and now, mobile apps. This is not just coming, it is here. The question is do we as an industry sit back and wait till everyone is doing it or get an app now and capture the market. this is a business decision you must make and now is the time. the technology is here for you to use.
A key point in the article, "Empowering customers to take action on their time, in their preferred methods." After all, isn't this why you have an after hours answering service? So why not a facebook shopping cart on your page or an app for people to shop and order while commuting or whatever they are doing. being available when a consumer shops and offering a way to electronically give them the choices they are seeking.
Arthur F. Conforti
Beneva Corporation | President
