I know, you don’t want to hear about Valentine’s Day yet; you haven’t even finished your Thanksgiving leftovers yet. But you know as well as I do that now is the time to get on the bandwagon and start preparing for the big Love Day headed our way.

It’s the same thing every year, right? Stress, stress, and more stress. OK, now that that’s out of the way, let’s look at some facts:

Is Valentine’s Day extremely busy? — Yes.

Do we all have to work like crazy and then lose sleep worrying about what didn’t get done, or should have been done? — Pretty much.

Is there anything we can do to help eliminate some of the stresses and worries about this holiday? — That would also be a resounding yes.

C’mon folks, this isn’t our first rodeo here. Valentine’s Day items don’t change that much from year to year. Make it the easier on yourself by keeping a few of things in mind. I’m not saying that this is the be-all and end-all of strategies, but I think it may help you with making good decisions while balancing your sanity at the same time.

First, do what you can as soon as you can; this means planning. Yes, I said it; you have to make a plan. Like ordering your hard goods, promo items and containers now, not after the first of the year when you actually think you should order them. Ordering these things now doesn’t mean you have to have them delivered now, but this is one thing that is stressful that doesn’t have to land in your lap a month before the big day.

You’ve probably already ordered your fresh flowers and plants by now, but if not, this is your moment. Do it, get it over with, and move on to the holidays at hand. Projections, records, and other data are important references, they are not gospel truth, so trust your instincts and experience when deciding how much to order of each particular item. Take into consideration what day of the week Valentine’s Day falls on (this year it is on Saturday) to help you plan your menu of offerings. Don’t kill yourself trying to have every item available out there in Floral Land on your shelves and in your cooler all at the same time. Pick certain items, promote them, and either produce them in quantity or order some items pre-made so they can be readily available.

Second, keep it simple. Most consumers want something attractive, with a good value, and the ability to gain them romance points when delivered or given. Don’t make it complicated by offering too many choices, but do offer a variety of items with a variety of price points.

Last on the list — be organized.

This maybe should have been first on the list, but I am the last one to give advice on organizational skills — because I struggle there, but I know that when I am organized, things go so much better. Don’t just have your plans organized, but organize your workspace, your tools, your product and your schedule. Keep your work area as neat as possible and encourage everyone else to do the same. Organize time to stretch, drink lots of water and wear good shoes. Have bandages, antibiotic cream, and sanitizing wipes close at hand; you know someone is going to cut him or herself, right?

Work hard, smile a lot and enjoy the rhythm of the holiday. And may Cupid’s arrow spear the rear of everyone around you, allow your flowers to spark excitement and romance in your customers, and your sales bring smiles to the faces of both you and your supervisors.

Bob Larson is the owner of BoJo’s Creations in Ellsworth, WI. He can be contacted at 715/273-3112 or [email protected].