Survey for Growth
Thank you for helping with our survey! If you didn’t fill it out yet, have a look. (It was shared by email early in the week). It only takes a few minutes and when you press “submit” you’ll receive a discount code for 40% off a 1-hour consultation. (We can chat by Zoom or phone or in person if you like). Your responses to the survey are already sparking changes and developments in the program- so keep them coming and have a look at this video with some of those ideas laid out and learn more about the power of surveying flower farm customers and how their responses can start to help you find your niche in the flower farming world.
One of the best steps toward determining your own individual place in the market/industry is learning what other people think about you. There are reasons they buy your products or services. This post suggests that you seek out and talk with some of your “super fans”. These customers routinely come back to you. If you can learn why, you can learn how to use that information to your advantage to find MORE of the customers you like working with. They may not be the highest paying customers or the most frequent, but they have identified something in you or in what you are doing that they like. Learn from these customers what makes you unique. Connecting with them and trying a survey like this does not mean that you are committing to the products they like or even to serving them for the long haul. But their opinions can teach you a lot about your affect and talents.
I don’t suggest doing what other people say, necessarily (I really believe that you should only seek advice from people who have already done the sort of thing you hope to do — be it build a high-traffic flower stand, produce an online course, develop a high performing YouTube Channel, or whatever— find the people that have done those things and ask them for advice.) So treat these Super Fans like a mirror. Let them help you see the best in yourself. If you find they come to you because they love the experience of the space you’ve created at your stand or in your shop— there are some talents they’re exposing that you may take for granted. Let’s capitalize on them!
I’ll check back in with you about identifying some more differentiators. The vast majority of flower farmers that I talk with about business decisions are running away from past experiences and careers. They spend a lot of time trying to emulate others, rather than taking advantage of the qualities and knowledge that could set them apart in the flower world. We all have something original and special to put out there. I can’t wait to dig in a little deeper and share some of my methods for finding direction and a unique business identity.
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Want to try the “Super Fan Survey” suggested in this video?
Here are some sample questions for retail buyers:
1. How did you first become aware of my business?
2. Why do you choose my business? What keeps you coming back?
3. Can you tell me about your career field or the things that keep you busy during the work day?
4. What are your perceptions of my social media presence? What sort of accounts do you like to follow on Instagram? Are there any certain brands that you always check on? Which ones?
5. Thank you so much for your thoughts. Would you be OK with me sharing some of your words as a testimonial on my website? Or would you be willing to write one for me?
6. Do you have any ideas for helping my business grow?
Thank you so much I appreciate your time. I know you are busy.
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And here are some sample questions for florist-buyers:
What are the primary reasons you buy our flowers?
Which variety of flowers do we grow best?
Which type of flower do you wish we had more of? Is there anything you’re often looking for? A certain color, variety, shape, or size of flower?
What’s missing from the availability lists you shop from?
What matters most to you? Flowers with a long vase life or specific varieties?
How do you prefer to learn of our availability?
How do you prefer to order? What can we do to make it easier for you?