In the world of floristry, especially when working with hotels, there will be moments when you’re asked to do something that you have no clue about. Whether it’s being asked to manage a hotel garden or take on a new design project like Holiday Decor, the fear of not knowing how to deliver can be overwhelming. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to know everything. You just need to be resourceful.
Today, I want to share my experience of being asked to manage hotel gardens. This is a skill I had no prior experience with, and you’ll learn how I handled it. Whether you’re a hotel florist or a business owner navigating new territory, I’ll show you how to step into the unknown with confidence, while building your team and avoiding burnout.
Tackling the Unknown:
A hotel I was an AIR (Artist in Residence) of began asking me to manage their gardens. I was a florist, not a gardener, and the idea of taking care of plants and landscapes felt overwhelming. I had no clue where to start! But I quickly realized that it’s easier than ever to find information if you’re willing to put in the effort.
I started visiting local nurseries and home improvement stores, picking up plant information packets, and taking photos to build my own database. By dedicating time to learning, I gathered all the knowledge I needed to propose garden designs to my clients. But I also recognized something important: even though I could manage this new challenge, I didn’t want the added pressure.
If your hotel is asking you to take on Holiday Decor, be sure to check out this course so you can feel confident in tackling that new challenge!
Building a Team to Manage the Workload:
As business owners, we often feel the pressure to do everything ourselves, but that’s not sustainable. My goal was to avoid burnout while ensuring my clients were happy. Instead of trying to handle the garden work on top of my floral projects, I decided to hire someone with expertise in gardening. I posted a job on Indeed for a master gardener. By the end of the day, I had a candidate who was a perfect fit.
Hotels weren’t just hiring me—they were hiring my business, and my business was allowed to have a team. Your business can bring in people whose strengths complement yours, so you don’t have to be an expert at everything.
The Importance of Clear Communication:
As I built my team, I learned the importance of communicating how I work. In the past, not being upfront about my expectations had created tension with my team members. Now, I’m very clear with new hires about my process—I’m into details, I like to know how things are progressing, and I give feedback. This ensures we’re a good fit from the start, and everyone knows what to expect. I created this hiring guide on what to include for Holiday Contractors if you are gearing up for that season in your floral business! I even have a contract template as well for the holiday season!
Investing in Knowledge or a Team:
If you’re being asked to do something outside of your zone of genius and you don’t have the money to hire someone yet, then you can invest in your knowledge. Learn everything you can, just like I did with hotel gardens. Once you secure the client, you can hire a team member to help with the work. Time is money, and whether you’re investing time or dollars, both are valuable.
This strategy—either learning it yourself or hiring someone who already knows—has been key to building multiple businesses. Don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you. You’ve got this!
Conclusion:
You don’t have to know everything when it comes to growing your business. Whether you choose to invest in knowledge or hire, the goal is to make sure you’re delivering for your clients without burning out. By being resourceful, clear in communication, and strategic in building your team, you can tackle any challenge—even the ones you have no clue about.
Already a florist and eager to expand into luxury hotels and create consistent income? Come join over 125 florists in the 7 Day Challenge! It’s packed with actionable insights to help you succeed.
Keep blooming,
Franceska
PS: Did you know I have a bestselling book on working with hotels? It’s available on Amazon!
