Tip 4: Be Ready to Step into the Competition's Space by Tom Shay

Tom Shay is the feature speaker for the 2013 Business Management Workshop in San Antonio at the Crowne Plaza Riverwalk, Jan 10-11, 2013. See his tips and more at Profit +Plus Solutions for Small Businesses.

Tip 4: Be Ready to Step into the Competition's Space:

In this challenging economy your best opportunity may be to expand your business. Tips to  

• Take a careful look at your competition and observe what they have been cutting back on.
• If your competition's cut backs defy logic as you observe the dance for business in your community, you should take a serious look at adding these components to your business. 
• This may be the time to stock more basics; add some hours to your weekly business schedule, or perhaps take a look at the great salesperson that has been working at the competition who now finds themselves only working part time.       

Tip 3: Systematically Plan Your Changes by Tom Shay

Tom Shay is the feature speaker for the 2013 Business Management Workshop in San Antonio at the Crowne Plaza Riverwalk, Jan 10-11, 2013. See his tips and more at Profit +Plus Solutions for Small Businesses.

Tom Shay's Tip 3: Systematically Plan Your Changes

In a challenging economy, many businesses approach the challenge with a ‘butter and toast’ strategy; they simply want to spread their cuts around like one would evenly spread butter on a slice of toast. However this approach does not always work for business.

• Analyze what your best hours are before cutting them back, don't close your doors for the day at a high traffic time when most of your customers are looking for you.
• Don't lose sells, research what your top selling inventory is before taking it off the shelf.   
• Evaluate your staff before cutting, for an outlet known for great customer service, you may be eliminating your best selling point.

Tip 2, Don't Go Looking for a New Customer Base by Tom Shay

Tom Shay is the feature speaker for the 2013 Business Management Workshop in San Antonio at the Crowne Plaza Riverwalk, Jan 10-11, 2013. See his tips and more at Profit +Plus Solutions for Small Businesses.

Tom Shay's Tip 2: Don’t go looking for a new customer base

• In a changing economy, there's a temptation to re-position the store’s merchandise; and you perhaps consider dropping some of the more expensive lines of products and stocking only the basics or less expensive items.

• Think about how long you have been in business and the customers you have targeted for all those years. By shifting, you may find that you have instead abandoned your target customer. 

• The image you have developed with your customer took time to achieve, don't throw away years of effort for something that is only going to last months, and then start again to rebuild what was lost.

Planning for Just In Case with TNLA President, Amy Graham

Be sure to visit TXNLAOnline.org for more information on what the Texas Green Industry has to offer!

Tip 1 from Tom Shay: Target Your Advertising

Throughout the next few weeks TNLA is going to provide advice from expert Tom Shay's Profit +Plus Solutions for Small Businesses. His experiences as a fourth generation merchant provide him with the knowledge and background to present tried and proven strategies to assist owners managers and staff with the day to day operation of their business.

Better yet, Tom Shay will be the featured speaker at the upcoming 2013 TNLA Business Management Workshop, Jan. 10-11, in San Antonio at the Crowne Plaza San Antonio Riverwalk.

Tip 1 from Tom Shay: Target Your Advertising

• Direct your messaging specifically to existing patrons. 
• Offer patrons a reason to share their contact information so you can mail announcements of new products or discounts. 
• Ask each of the media outlets you are advertising with for the demographics of their target audience. (You may find that they have different audiences on different days or different times of the day.) 
• Develop your advertising needs to specifically speak to those that are most likely to visit your shop. 

The Best of Texas Landscape Guide, a Gift that Keeps on Giving

Want to offer something new to your Holiday Gift Giving, try The Best of Texas Landscape Guide! Click here to order today!

Video Blog Featuring Amy Graham, President of TNLA

Check out TNLA President, Amy Graham in her latest Video Blog for the month of October!

EXPO's NEW Show Days Revealed

The 2013 Nursery/Landscape EXPO is Aug. 15-17, 2013 at the Dallas Convention Center!

Education Conference, Aug. 15
Tradeshow, Aug. 15-17

Chairs Reception 2012 EXPO

It was a fun evening at the Chairs Reception!

Check out just a few of the great photos from last night, and you can find more on our Nursery/Landscape EXPO Facebook page!

Booth Awards 2012 EXPO

Friday was a big day, and we had some big winners! It's time to show you who won EXPO's 2012 Booth Awards!

Big Bend Stone - Medium Hardline Booth Award Winner

J. Berry Nursery - Small Greenline Booth Award Winner

Massarelli's - Small Hardline Booth Award Winner

Cedar Valley Nurseries - Medium Greenline Booth Award Winner

Color Spot Nurseries - Large Greenline Booth Award Winner

Pavestone Company - Large Hardline Booth Award Winner

Awards Dinner 2012 EXPO

Congratulations to all of our award winners at the 2012 TNLA Awards Dinner!

Here are a few of our big winners:

Jim Estill, Calloway's Nursery - Recipient of the 2012 ARP Award

Jason Craven, Southern Botanical - Recipient of the 2012 Young Leader Award

Southwest Wholesale Nursery, Steve Taber, Owner - Recipient of the 2012 Summit Award

Lambert Landscape Company, Garden on the Creek - Recipient of the 2012 Grand Platinum TEIL Award

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate!

Be the First to See Sneak Peak of EXPO's Program Cover

You can find the 2012 Nursery/Landscape EXPO Program cover on Tradeshow days, Aug. 17-19, 2012 near the entrance of Hall C at the George R. Brown Convention Center. This Program is your guide to all things EXPO, including exhibitor listings, a floor plan to map out booths to visit, schedules and more!

REMINDER: Early Bird Registration Ends Friday, July 27.

Catch a Glimpse of the 2012 EXPO Product Showcase

The 2012 EXPO Product Showcase is ready to help you get the edge on your competition. Gain ideas with these product varieties and new industry trends. Visit the Product Showcase at EXPO, Register by July 27, and save with Early Bird Rates. To research these exhibitors and more, visit here!

EXPO is in June/July Issue of Garden Center Magazine

Check out the EXPO ad on Page 117 of the June/July Issue of Garden Center Magazine!

For more information on the 2012 Nursery/Landscape EXPO, visit www.nurserylandscapeexpo.org

Four Easy Ways to Gain CEU's

EXPO Offers A One-Stop-Shop Education Experience

During these busy Summer days taking the time to gain those much needed Continuing Education Units (CEU's) can be a challenge. At the 2012 Nursery/Landscape EXPO there are four easy ways to gain CEU's while enjoying four days of speakers during the Education Conference and Tradeshow. Register by July 27, 2012 for Early Bird Discounts.


1. Gain from the 20+ Speakers during the Education Conference up to 8 CEU's (TNLA, TCEQ, TDA and ISA Certified)
2. Tradeshow attendance provides 2 CEU's (TNLA Certified)
3. Friday and Saturday Pre-Show Education allows for 1 CEU per session (TNLA and CPE* Certified) 
4. Demonstration Stage, three days of product and industry presentations, 1 CEU per 3 sessions attended (TNLA Certified)


* TNLA is CPE Provider #501886

Plot Your Course with the July/Aug. Issue of TNLA Green Magazine

Click the image to read more!

President of TNLA Reveals What's Inside Her EXPO Treasure Chest

Everyone has something they treasure, view the below video and see Amy Graham, President of TNLA, reveal what is inside her Treasure Chest for EXPO this year. Amy will also give you a a glimpse of some of the great EXPO Swag you will be able to grab at this year's Tradeshow and catch you up to speed on the new bar code badge system!

The Count Down is On, Early Bird Specials End July 27, Experience EXPO 2012!

Sneak Peak of the 2012 TNLA Awards Dinner

Connect with Industry Leaders and Celebrate Excellence

The TNLA Awards Dinner is THE premiere Green Industry event in Texas. Each year, several hundred landscapers, educators, growers, retail garden centers and suppliers gather to honor those who contribute the most and demonstrate excellence in their work.

Sneak Peak of Awards:

**NEW** Summit Award Winner to be Announced: Finalist are Roundtree Landscaping, Inc., Billy Long Enterprises, Inc., Southwest Wholesale Nursery, Hotchkiss Insurance Agency, LLC - The highest honor bestowed on a member firm recognizing them for exceptional contributions to TNLA and the industry. The Summit Award exemplifies innovation, service, and highly ethical behavior in the way a business conducts its affairs.

Arp Award: Winner, Jim Estill, Calloway's Nursery - Highest honor granted to an individual by TNLA given annually since 1942 by passing down a silver bowl to a nursery professional making outstanding contributions to the nursery/landscape industry. These individuals exemplify the Association's ideals: innovation, service, and highly ethical behavior in both business and personal lives.

Young Leader Award: Winner, Jason Craven, Southern Botanical, Inc. - Given to a young TNLA member (under 41) who, through their efforts to the Association, the industry, and the community, have already made a significant and noticeable impact.

Texas Excellence in Landscaping (TEIL) Awards - Recognizes excellence in landscape design, installation, maintenance, and special landscape projects. This program reflects the Association’s commitment to creating and preserving the integrity of the Texas landscape, and recognizes landscape and lawn care professionals executing superior projects by encouraging use of quality materials, workmanship, and professionalism.

Click Here to Register or Download the Form

Thursday, August 16, 2012, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Union Station Lobby at Minute Maid Park, Home of the Houston Astros

$75/person or purchase a Table

The Dr. is in the House - Interview with 

MengMeng Gu, PhD

What is your Thursday Education Conference topic going to be about at EXPO?

It is called Make $ with Alternative Pots. During the session I will discuss how there are are many affordable ways ornamental producers can source alternative pots to meet their consumer's needs.

Why is this topic important?

Alternative Pots is another sustainable practice that will catch consumers’----the environmental conscious ones’ attention. 

What will Education Conference Attendees take away from this session?
Why should we pay attention to alternative pots; What are they? Prices and sources.

Name a few of your favorite Go-To websites?

www.biopots.com; www.cowpots.com; www.westernpulp.com; www.fertil.us; www.jiffygroup.com; www.ivyacres.com; www.itml.com; www.janorpot.com

What time will your session be held at the EXPO Education Conference?

If Registered for the Conference, visit me on Thursday, Aug. 16, at 2 pm in Room 320 B

For More information visit www.nurserylandscapeexpo.org

EXPO At Your Finger Tips

The EXPO Mobile App is LIVE!

Get up to speed with TNLA's newest technology update, the EXPO Mobile App. Get a leg up on your competition by bringing EXPO to your fingertips.

Quick Tips on Utilizing the Updated Mobile App:

• Get up to date alerts on current EXPO News
• Register for the Tradeshow and Education Conference
• Search for Exhibitors and find their booth location on the floor plan
• Post and Tweet on Social Networks about your company coming to and being at EXPO, use #TNLAEXPO2012 to follow the conversation
• Research Education topics and speakers, includes videos and more!
• GPS your way to EXPO, the George R. Brown Convention Center is already identified on this google map feature
• Use the QR code to scan for additional information
• Book hotels, find restaurants and things to do
• Astro's are in Town, use the TNLA group rate and go to the ballpark!

Download Here!

or 

Bookmark on your SmartPhone

New Trends in Green Industry Print Technology

NEW Printing Technology Helps to Increase Brand Awareness on Products


The speed of technology is changing at a rapid pace and the printing industry is now able to offer more options than ever. If you are interested in taking your marketing and promotional materials to the next level visit the  Demonstration Stage  on Saturday, Aug. 18th, for Utilizing Mobile Technology Tagging to Promote Your Products by Horticulture Marketing and Printing. Gain tips on printing plant stakes, signage, QR Codes and more!

HOUSTON ASTROS OFFER EXPO AN EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT. 

VISIT HERE AND USE PASSWORD: TNLA 

Texas Music Singer Comes to EXPO

The Nursery/Landscape EXPO is pleased to announce Texas Music artist Kelly McGuire is coming to the EXPO Welcome to Houston Party, courtesy of OHP, Inc.!

Kelly McGuire has won Texas Music Album of the Year and is ready to put on a Texas-sized show at EXPO's Welcome to Houston Party. 

Join Kelly McGuire at the Welcome to Houston Party on Friday, Aug. 17, 2012 at the George R. Brown Convention Center Ballroom.

Facebook Timeline Design Dilemma

Facebook Timeline Design Dilemma

Now that Facebook has changed to a Timeline format choosing the right size for a profile and cover image can cause a dilemma. 

Let's start first with the profile image which use to be 125 X 125 pixels. Facebook has increased the profile image to a minimum of 180 X 180 pixels BUT will automatically shrink it down to 160 X 160 pixels. So before you upload your profile picture be sure to re-size to the appropriate pixels.

Now for the cover image, this will need to be 851 X 315 pixels. See the below example. Remember to re-size the image to match these dimensions before uploading.

Make an EXPO Game Plan

Get ahead of your competition before coming to EXPO and take advantage of the tools the Tradeshow has to offer.

Make an EXPO Game Plan:

• Utilize the online Exhibitor search and find products and exhibitors you want to meet 
• Register by July 27th for the Early Bird Deadline and save your place at classes and events, EXPO offers a wide array of courses during the Education Conference and Networking opportunities including the TNLA Awards Dinner and Welcome Party
• Save time and money by booking in the EXPO block, Reserve your room by July 27th for Special Deals
• Post information about your company EXPO's social networking sites Facebook and Twitter, let the industry know where you will, who you are representing and the products you are searching for (be sure to use #TNLAEXPO2012)
• Receive updates from EXPO's Mobile App, download on iTunes OR bookmark the EXPO mobile website

Don't Make Trade Show Social Events Optional

The hustle and bustle of a trade show can make it challenging to see everything and could cause you to bypass event functions. However, by making trade show events optional you could miss out on some prime social opportunities to take your business to the next level.

Picture if you will, filmmaker Steven Spielberg seated at a White House State Dinner next to producer Jeffrey Katzenberg and music mogul David Geffen. Conversation during this social event lead these gentlemen to follow up thirteen days later to start a movie production studio called DreamWorks.

This is a prime example of opportunities trade shows can offer through conversation at social engagements, events, welcome parties, awards dinners, happy hours and friendly conversation at an education session's breakfast or lunch.

Don't make trade show social events optional. Attend the next trade show social function and introduce your company to potential industry leads and possible business ventures.

To find out more about what social functions you can take part in at EXPO print out the Schedule of Events at www.nurserylandscapeexpo.org.

Unlocking the Secret to Twitter Hashtags

Reading a tweet on twitter can look like a different language one must unlock with a secret code with @ this and # that. The twitter hashtag is not used for a mathematical equation, but does create a way for a tweet to be categorized by key words or topics. Twitter hashtags can also serve as an avenue for companies to identify with their audience and learn more about what their competitors are doing.

Twitter Hashtag Tips:

1.Research the latest trends and read what others have to say by searching for hashtags, click on Discover and enter keywords such as #landscaping or #irrigation.

2. If tweeting don't use more than three hashtags.

3. When at trade show tweet the hashtag for the event to identify your company's presence and experience.
(An example of this could be, Come visit @LandscapeTexas at the TNLA booth #TNLAEXPO2012)

4. Re-tweet a hashtag used in another person's tweet you want to share with your followers.

5. Start a twitter discussion using the hashtag by identifying a keyword for the discussion such as #drought and invite your followers to join you on a specific day and time by typing your discussion hashtag in their tweets.Give it a try, join EXPO @LandscapeTexas for a LIVE twitter chat on Friday's at 2:00 pm CST for EXPO's Hashtag Friday's, Discover #TNLAEXPO2012 and join the conversation. During EXPO's Hash Tag Friday's we will share ideas on marketing your company at EXPO, branding with social networks, new industry trends and more.

EXPO Changes Badge Process

UPDATE TO EXPO’s NEW REGISTRATION PROCESS: EXPO’s Registration is changing to a scan-and-go bar code system. Please note, name badges will be presented onsite and will NOT be mailed this year.

Important Steps to register for the 2012 EXPO’s Scan-and-Go:

1. Register online by visiting here, fax your registration form to (301) 694-5124 or send it via post mail to the following address: Nursery/Landscape EXPO - c/o Experient; P.O. Box 4088; Frederick, MD 21705
2. An email confirmation will be sent immediately after registering online and 5-7 business days after faxing or post mailing your registration. This email confirmation will include a bar code specifically for your name badge. To register additional people, a registration form must be filled out per person.
3. Print your email confirmation including the bar code and remember to bring a copy to EXPO.
4. Once at EXPO, use your printed email confirmation and scan the bar code at an available scan-and-go machine located at the Registration Counter in Hall B at the George R. Brown Convention Center. After your bar code is scanned someone will assist you in printing your name badge. (If you forget your printed email confirmation with bar code there will be kiosks located at the Registration Counter allowing you to search for your name and a badge will be printed upon confirmation of your credentials.)
5. Before you leave the Registration Counter pick up your printed badge and lanyard and you are ready to enter the entrance to the 2012 Nursery/Landscape EXPO.

Enhance Your Business and Improve Your Bottom Line

It’s no secret, surviving in today’s economy is challenging. There is a balancing act to maintaining your company’s brand while generating revenue. Participating in trade shows can help you do both.

Six Ways Trade Shows Enhance Company Brands:

1. Meet up with old friends and make new ones, there is nothing better than face-to-face interaction to build trust and customer loyalty by taking part in a trade show.
2. A company’s exposition presence serves as a reminder of the company’s viability within the market.
3. Trade shows provide the latest trends and technology to help businesses get stocked and up-to-date for the busy seasons ahead.
4. Education Sessions during a trade show allow companies to gain the knowledge base needed and provide the ability to take new found curriculum back to the office in order to stay competitive.
5. Since time is of the essence companies can visit multiple exhibitors and gain business sales leads lasting them throughout the year and all under one roof!
6. Trade shows offer the opportunity for businesses to further brand themselves through sponsorships which allow the company’s logo to have a printed impact on signage for all to see and remember.

Put the above into action and mark your calendar to join the Nursery/Landscape EXPO, August 16-19, 2012 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. Come See What You Will Discover!