Why GardenComm?
How IGC Owners & Employers Benefit from GardenComm
PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS Many GardenComm members work at garden centers. They network with each other at our meetings and online, exchanging ideas for educational events, expanding sales, and communicating with customers.
WRITING SKILLS GardenComm education will help sharpen blog and newsletter writing skills. One way that a local IGC distinguishes itself from box stores is by showing they have local expertise and developing personal relationships with their customers. A well written newsletter or blog is one way to do this. Our members know that even those who don't consider themselves to be "writers" can learn better writing skills.
SPEAKING SKILLS Many GardenComm members are speakers. Some of the meetings are about speaking skills and this helps IGC people to present better educational programs.
IT’S A VISUAL WORLD Good photography capabilities are key for every garden lover, along with building a library of photos. With blogs, websites, and social networking here to stay, photography know-how is essential. Improving skills, photo handling, software knowledge and more are topics that are discussed regularly in GardenComm meetings.
MEASURING THE PULSE OF THE INDUSTRY GardenComm keeps employees and owners informed about what’s happening in the industry. Learn about new plants, products, problems and consumer trends from member emails, forums, and at regional and national meetings.
BEING SOCIAL If your business struggles with how to use social media effectively, GardenComm is for you. At annual and regional meetings, in our virtual Power Circles, and through articles in the GardenComm newsletter, members learn better ways to use platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
PUBLIC CONNECTIONS Since GardenComm is all about communication, this organization serves those who talk to the public about plants and gardening. Learn better ways to convey garden information to newbies. Find new approaches to sell the excitement about plants and gardening to a younger audience.
GET ON THE AIR Some GardenComm members host radio programs or podcasts. This is another way to position your IGC as local experts. Talk with radio hosts at GardenComm meetings about how you can host a gardening program on the air or create your own IGC podcast.
RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES Let’s face it…spring is brutal at an IGC. By August or September, you’re ready for a break! GardenComm conferences provide a tax-deductible way to see colorful gardens in many parts of North America at the time when you can actually get away. Our meetings take place in different locations every year, allowing forinteresting travel that will also benefit your bottom line.
Maximizing Your Membership
After you've joined, here are three ways to get connected...
- Reach out in our members only forum (the “Communities” page under “Member’s Resources” on the website) and start a conversation. Introduce yourself and your garden. Ask questions and get feedback from other GardenComm members.
- Form or join a special interest group with other members. These are called GardenComm Power Circles and they meet remotely via conference calls, webinars or Skype. There are many special-interest topics and new ones added frequently. Are you interested in brainstorming about programs, newsletters, botanical garden blogs or other pertinent topics? Or perhaps you’d like to be part of a general IGC Power Circle. Learn more here or contact GardenComm at 212.297.2198 or info@gardencomm.org.
- Attend regional and national meetings when possible. Regional meetings are smaller, and will provide a taste of what GardenComm is all about
GardenComm offers many other opportunities and benefits including travel discounts and so much more. Whatever you want to grow, and wherever you want to go, GardenComm is ready to help.
MAXIMIZING YOUR MEMBERSHIP
AFTER YOU’VE JOINED, HERE ARE THREE WAYS TO GET CONNECTED…
- Reach out in our members only forum (the “Communities” page under “Member’s Resources” on the website) and start a conversation. Introduce yourself and your garden. Ask questions and get feedback from other GardenComm members.
-
Form or join a special interest group with other members. These are called GardenComm Power Circles and they meet remotely via conference
calls, webinars or Skype. There are many special-interest topics and new ones added frequently. Are you interested in brainstorming about programs, newsletters, botanical garden blogs
or other pertinent topics? Or perhaps you’d like to be part of a general Botanical Gardens Power Circle. Learn more at www.gardencomm.org/powercircles or contact GardenComm at
212.297.2198 or info@gardencom.org.
-
Attend regional and national meetings when possible. Regional meetings are smaller, and will provide a taste of what GardenComm is all
about.
GardenComm offers many other opportunities and benefits including legal advice, travel discounts and so much more. Whatever you want to grow, and wherever you want to go, GardenComm is ready to help.
Member Stories
“Since joining GardenComm, my membership has been instrumental in helping me communicate better via TV, radio, social media and print. Learning through regional meetings, national symposiums and Connect meetings during industry events has increased my knowledge of the plants, products and procedures used in retail and gardening. Most importantly, the people of GardenComm have been accessible to share their knowledge and expertise. As an Independent Garden Center, GardenComm keeps us ahead of the curve of what the big box stores can offer.”
-Carrie Engel
Manager, Valley View Farms, MD