Share the Petal It Forward video. Post this link — https://youtu.be/kyJdnO0q8IA — on your own social channels.
Florists looking for a way to remind consumers that giving and receiving flowers makes people happy have a powerful new resource. The Society of American Florists has created a two-minute video showing the emotional responses to the Petal It Forward effort in October. The video is a tool for retailers, wholesalers, growers and suppliers looking for ways to promote their businesses and the floral industry, said Jennifer Sparks, SAF’s vice president of marketing.
“This Petal It Forward video showcases the social experiment aspect of giving and receiving flowers,” Sparks said. “It captures the raw emotions of the day — from the early-morning commuters who are too busy to look our way to the magical moments when people realize this flower giveaway is a random act of kindness, to them and by them. It is especially touching to see their smiles and hear how excited they are to have the opportunity to give a bouquet to someone else.”
On October 19, SAF and florists nationwide randomly surprised people on the street with flowers. Lucky recipients received two bouquets — one to keep and one to share. SAF spearheaded the initiative, which garnered industry-wide participation with 262 events in 234 cities in all 50 states.
SAF began paid promotions of its Petal It Forward video on Nov. 4, with messages tied to the presidential election. On Facebook.com/AboutFlowers, SAF posted: “While the election angst may be getting you down, see how people’s random acts of kindness build each other up. #election #unity #randomactsofkindness #petalitforward” @FlowerFactor tweeted: “While #election angst may be getting u down, see how #randomactsofkindness can build u up. #unity #petalitforward.”
SAF will continue to promote the video in the coming weeks and at key times throughout 2017 to drive the flower message far beyond SAF’s followers. “Our goal is to keep floral gifts top of mind among consumers,” Sparks said. “You can’t help but smile while watching this video. It really makes you to want to give flowers yourself, and that’s the message we want to leave with consumers.”
Sparks encourages the industry to share the Petal It Forward video. “It is a great way to show the power of flowers and engage with your followers and customers,” Sparks said.
She encourages SAF members to share the Petal It Forward video’s link https://youtu.be/kyJdnO0q8IA by posting it on their own social media channels along with these suggested posts:
Watch what happens when these people receive random acts of kindness! https://youtu.be/kyJdnO0q8IA #petalitforward
Just try not to smile when you watch this. https://youtu.be/kyJdnO0q8IA #petalitforward
Flowers create connection, even among strangers. See how! https://youtu.be/kyJdnO0q8IA #petalitforward
It’s not magic – it’s science! Flowers make people happy! Watch this experiment: https://youtu.be/kyJdnO0q8IA #petalitforward
Is it better to give or to receive? Watch this video & let us know! https://youtu.be/kyJdnO0q8IA #petalitforward
Would you take flowers from a stranger? They did. See what happens next. https://youtu.be/kyJdnO0q8IA #petalitforward
If you were given two flower bouquets — one to keep, one to share – who would you #petalitforward to? https://youtu.be/kyJdnO0q8IA
See how flowers transformed the morning for some busy commuters from ordinary to extraordinary! #petalitforward https://youtu.be/kyJdnO0q8IA
The Petal It Forward program and resources for members are possible thanks to the SAF Fund for Nationwide Public Relations. Click here for a list of the forward-thinking companies supporting industry promotion.
