When people ask, "What do you do?", how do you respond? Do you say, "1 water plants" or do you go into a long explanation describing your many tasks? Just as medical technicians have job titles (radiologist for x-ray technician, or phlebotomist for the person who draws blood), plant care technicians also need titles to describe [...]
The Teamwork Challenge Most interiorscape technicians spend their day working by themselves. If your work style is similar, then you work with out constant supervision and rely on your own horticultural skills to get the job done. When you’re on your own, independence and self-reliance are critical skills. But when you’re assigned to a team, these [...]
Some days, the difficulties of being in a customer service profession, like plantscaping can be overwhelming. Sometimes it feels like we can't ever fully satisfy our clients' needs. There are days when it can feel like each customer has too many plant problems and picky complaints that they all want to be solved NOW. You know [...]
Someone once told me that great managers treat their employees as they would their best customer. I have found this to be a concept that works well for everyone involved. Loyal dedicated employees are a company's greatest asset. Who better to promote your company to your clients than one directly associated with its workings and ideals? [...]
You know the feeling. After weeks of holiday glitz, (Garland, wreaths and poinsettias everywhere) all of a sudden nothing. Back to the same old plants and that same old look. Everything looks so dull and plain. Holiday decorations have been removed and the glitter, sparkle and shine is gone. Right? Not if you have started your [...]
Some folks believe that more of anything is better. A bigger TV screen has its advantages. A larger car conveys status. More tools make a better workshop. Having more clothes makes some people feel better. More detergent—better? More fertilizer, more water, more pruning, more vitamins—all better? Our list of “more is better” things can be extensive. [...]
You remembered to bring the replacement plant for the reception area. It's a perfect plant and will look wonderful in the decorative container. You got it all cleaned up back at the shop, wrapped it up so it wouldn't get cold damage and loaded it gently in your van. Arriving at the account you carefully get [...]
Interior: Have extra vinyl saucers, pot covers and sleeves in your vehicle for new plants (poinsettias and other holiday colors) that have been installed and were overlooked. Brrr! Fill water machines from indoor faucets only. Lukewarm water is best for the tropical plants, and for the water machines too. Sleeve all plants before leaving the warehouse/greenhouse [...]
This busy time of year there is even more to do and seemingly less time to do it in. Pretty soon offices will close or close early for the holidays shortening our workweek, poinsettias are everywhere and need attention and we begin to kick into high gear. How can we do a good job and still [...]
When should you pass a complaining customer on to your supervisor? Only on those rare occasions that you can't deal with it yourself. Since customer service people, such as ourselves, are the first line of defence, we should handle as many of the everyday concerns as we can. We are the ones with the constant weekly [...]
