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I pursed my lips. “I’m here to support Cora. I don’t know anyone here.”
“You could if you introduced yourself. You never know, it might help your business. Cora’s partners might be interested in learning more about Petals. They might even let you post flyers on the bulletin board.”
“I hadn’t thought about that.” I’d assumed my mom wouldn’t want me to mention my business since she seemed embarrassed I was in “retail,” as she called it.
“You should always be thinking business at an event like this.”
I took a deep breath, reserving my retort that she wouldn’t know since she’d been nothing but a stay-at-home mom who hired a nanny to take care of us. “That’s a great idea.”
“I’ll have Cora introduce you.” Mom snagged Cora when she walked by and asked her if she’d introduce me to her partners.
Cora’s eyes widened as she listened to Mom’s request. When I moved with Jake to walk with her around the room, she said, “Sorry, I didn’t realize you wanted to meet them.”
“It was Mom’s idea. She thinks a doctor’s office might have patients who’d want to either send or receive flowers.”
“Actually, that is a good idea. You never know if someone wants to support someone with a bouquet—”
“Or even a monthly subscription,” Jake interjected.
Cora stopped by a group of men in suits and women in evenings gowns. She introduced Jake and me to everyone, but only one was her partner. She pulled Brad and his date, Hannah, aside. “Lily owns Petals, a florist shop in Annapolis, but she also offers subscription services. It’s the perfect gift or indulgence. I think our patients might be interested in the service. What do you think?” Cora asked.
Hannah’s eyes filled with interest. “You don’t have to wait for a man to send you flowers. Just send them to yourself.”
“I wouldn’t mind setting something like that up for the woman in my life,” Brad said as he smiled at Hannah.
“It makes a great gift. You’re not just giving one bouquet but a recurring one,” I added.
“As soon as your flowers wilt, another one arrives at your door,” Cora added helpfully.
“You can do weekly, biweekly, or monthly subscriptions,” I said, getting excited for the first time about in-person networking. It was more personal than advertising online or even emails to those who’d subscribed to hear updates from Petals.
Maybe my mom and Cora were on to something. I could still advertise online, but in-person marketing might yield better results. Then I’d also benefit from word-of-mouth referrals. If I thought about marketing, and what made me and my business unique, it was my personality. My enthusiasm and love for all things nature.
I surrounded myself with flowers at work and at home. I even wanted my property to be covered in them. I was bringing joy to others through flowers. I loved it.
This was so much easier than waiting in my store for someone to come inside.
“I’m going to get another drink. Would you like one?” Jake asked me.
I held up my mostly full wineglass. “No, thank you.”
Jake touched my bare shoulder briefly. “Be right back.”
I wasn’t sure if he needed some time to himself. We’d been here far longer than I’d anticipated. I thought I’d want to escape early, but instead, my body was practically vibrating with excitement. I loved talking about my business to these people. They were so encouraging.
Maybe it was because they were business owners themselves and understood and how difficult it could be when you were starting out. Either way, I appreciated the support.
Cora’s other partner, Brad’s friend, Trevor, drifted over to our group. Brad introduced me to Trevor and his fiancée, Carly. Hannah quickly relayed our conversation about flowers. Carly’s eyes widened. “I love that idea.”
“We work hard. We should pamper ourselves,” Hannah said.
Women seemed particularly interested in treating themselves. Maybe that was my angle.
Don’t wait for your man to send them; put yourself first. Treat yourself like a queen. I loved it. It might make a good marketing slogan.
“If you’re interested, Lily works with Happily Ever Afters, a wedding planning business, and she’s opening up our grandparents’ farm for rustic weddings.”
I appreciated Cora’s reference to a barn reception as rustic. It had a nice ring to it.
