The biggest challenge of starting a business is getting the word out to potential customers that you HAVE a business. It's even more challenging when the business sells something weird ... like Antique Roses, for example.
'Veilchenblau' ... yes, it really is THIS COLOR!
'Albertine'
Never mind the fact that the entire world is in a serious economic state right now, according to TV and radio and newspapers and all the Internet outlets, and everyone has all but stopped spending on anything but food and housing. Plants have become a luxury, and everyone who sells them has seen business fall off dramatically.
"Angel's Camp Tea"
'Zeus'
Antique roses can be a tough sell in the best of times, because the average gardener doesn't know how wonderful they are in modern gardens. We are all bombarded in stores with Knock Out and Flower Carpet, because that's what the Big Guys have trained us to want. Old roses can be just as maintenance free and disease resistant, with the added bonus of flowers you can cut and bring inside and SMELL!
"Union Redwood Cemetery Hybrid Perpetual"
"Arcata Pink Globe"
In order to bring some attention to my nursery, I have created a Hartwood Roses eBay account and uploaded auctions for 25 roses. I started this first round of auctions with my 'best of the best' roses ... the best blooming, best smelling, favorites that I think anyone would love to have in their garden. At the very least, this may be a way to bring Hartwood Roses out of the shadows and grab some attention.
"Portland from Glendora"
'Jean Bach Sisley'
Speaking of 'attention' ... I've never been very good at seeking it. I prefer to let my work (or, in this case, my roses) speak for themselves, and have the word spread on its own. Calling attention to myself makes me uncomfortable ... this is something I have been told over and over that I just have to get over.
"Deal with it, Connie. If you don't promote yourself, who will?", says the little voice in my head.
'Aviateur Bleriot'
'Leontine Gervais'
This morning, for Flowers on Friday, I'm making a first attempt to 'get over it' by featuring photos that I am using in my eBay listings. Gathering the photos, writing the listings, and learning how to use the auction software took me the better part of two days. Fortunately, the weather during those two days was hot and nasty and totally unsuitable for working outside. By the time I finally got those auctions uploaded on Thursday evening, I was supremely frustrated and ready to pitch this laptop like a Frisbee.
'Awakening'
'Madame Plantier'
You can use THIS LINK to go to my Hartwood Roses 'Items for Sale' page and see the listings for yourself. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Sometimes, when working on something like these auction listings alone, it feels like I'm talking to myself. A little feedback would be greatly appreciated.
'Napoleon'
'New Dawn'
While you're at it, please visit Tootsie, at Tootsie Time. She recently had to say goodbye to her dog Miss Poo, and I know she could use some consoling. Many of us know all too well about having an old dog. Emma is almost back to being her old self .... it's never easy with old dogs ... there's so many things to be concerned about. For now, even though she's creaky and slow, she's feeling well. It's a blessing, and I am thankful every day to have her. Take a minute and hug YOUR old dog this morning.
