Are You Ready to #petalitforward?
On Oct. 25, the Society of American Florists will sponsor its fourth Petal It Forward event.
This nationwide feel-good promotional effort shows consumers how great it feels to both give and receive flowers.
Here’s the premise behind Petal It Forward: a passerby receives two bouquets — one to keep, and one to share — and are asked to post a picture about it on social media with the hashtag #petalitforward.
Participation in as many cities and states as possible is vital to the success of Petal It Forward from a public relations standpoint, says Jennifer Sparks, SAF’s vice president of marketing.
The more industry professionals participating on Oct. 24, the better chance of news coverage and social media posts promoting flower power, Sparks says. “We need to know where local events are happening, so we can tell the media, and so you can tell your local media that you are part of an effort happening nationwide.”
SAF is currently compiling a list of participating companies holding Petal It Forward events this year to share with the media.
Companies are encouraged to fill out the participation form at safnow.org/pifform as soon as possible, as media outreach efforts will begin soon.
In 2017, 573 local Petal It Forward events took place in 467 cities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada, resulting in nearly 82 million impressions through SAF-generated and local member public relations and social media efforts.
“The Petal It Forward concept is simple and easy to do yet is one of the most engaging promotions in the industry’s history,” says Sparks. “The results are phenomenal for industry participants, as the program’s random-acts-of-kindness premise builds interest in the news and on social media.”
“You can make your Petal It Forward local event as big or small as you want — even handing out 20-50 bouquets or single stems can make an impact,” Sparks said. “It’s a win-win to participate. For little effort, you give consumers the opportunity to experience the scientifically proven happiness that occurs when you give and receive flowers. At the same time, you position your business as a positive force in your community.”
SAF offers step-by-step advice on program logistics, as well as easy-to-implement materials and resources at safnow.org/petalitforward.
Will you #petalitforward on Oct. 24?
— Tim
Video Library 
