Navigating the Peak Season
Navigating the Peak Season
As the bustling holiday season approaches, we, as florists, find ourselves gearing up for a whirlwind of festive creativity and high demand. In our florist-to-florist guide, let's explore some reminders and practical tips to make this peak time not only successful but also enjoyable.
Taking Care of You
Amid the hustle, don't forget the lynchpin holding it all together - you! Self-care may sound like an obvious point, yet it's so often the first thing to go by the wayside when things get busy. Remember, you’ll work your best when you feel your best. Sneak in moments of hydration, enjoy a seated lunch (perhaps in a different environment), play your favourite tunes while working, and steal a quick walk during breaks. Also remember to plan time and non-negotiable elements into your routine, thinking about your future self and what they will appreciate and need is a really good way of framing it. It is so important to prioritise your well-being; after all, there's no time for illness!
Embrace Downtime
Leading on from our last point, acknowledging the necessity of this self care and downtime is crucial to your success. Plan it intentionally and, more importantly, use it as genuine rest. Balancing a hectic work life with personal commitments, especially during this season, demands a thoughtful approach. Whether it's adopting a healthier evening routine or finding pockets of relaxation, ensure you make time for yourself. Also make sure to fill your diary with the nice parts of the season - christmas drinks, nativity plays, movie nights - just because this is your busy time for work it doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to enjoy what everyone else gets to experience in the run up to Christmas!
Delegation and Getting Help
This is easier said than done, but if you can anticipate which areas you’re going to need help with and plan what you’re going to delegate to who you’ll be thanking yourself come December. Instead of making on-the-spot decisions, plan in advance who can handle what, having that clear delegation plan can alleviate so much stress. If your workload demands additional hands, consider reaching out to us to find some reliable freelance help. Finding new freelancers, or even increasing hours for existing staff can make all the difference. Just remember when dealing with your team that flexibility from both of you is invaluable, but clear communication will hold everything together.
Systemise for Success
We’re sure you’ve got your go-to systems in place in your business already, but when it gets busy its essential to really lean on some of those tried and tested ways of working to really streamline the workload.Systems become our steadfast allies. Devise and stick to your most efficient systems for handling orders, managing stock, anticipating replenishment and streamlining deliveries. Knuckling down on your already established systems or even putting in some new temporary routines and organised approaches will definitely be your secret weapons during peak times.
Enjoy the Creativity
Amidst the chaos, remember to enjoy the creative process. Carve out time to play with designs and channel your artistic flair - this could even be part of the self-care time we mentioned earlier. You could even get some ingredients and a mulled wine and having a making evening of your own to create your own wreath or garland for your home. Remember, finding joy in your craft will keep the festive spirit alive!
Our Top Tips for Success
Take Notes: Document what works and what doesn't. Reminders from previous years and best practice for future busy times are invaluable. Try and make a note of everything that’s worked/not worked, what went well and when, what days were extremely busy etc, so you can remember for next year. It’s so helpful when you can reach for the reminders from last year about what to expect/ remember to prepare for etc. It was also a great way to remember what certain customers loved/always ordered. You think you’ll remember but you don’t!
Be Organised: Lean on your previous experience and develop temporary but effective systems to keep things moving and efficient. A well-organised routine will keep things running smoothly and ensure nothing gets missed.
Support Your Support: Basically, treat your team well, a festive, collaborative environment benefits everyone. Be organised, delegate effectively, offer good notice for working patterns and tasks, and foster mutual support for everyone - and a side of mince pies always helps!
So, as we step into the whirlwind of the coming weeks, let's embrace this busy season with confidence, creativity, and a well-prepared attitude to tackle what’s ahead. Wishing you a season filled with successful creations and festive joy!
