Most of the small businesses (including ours) struggle with allocating appropriate marketing budget. Truth to be told, not too many of us have a written marketing strategy in place (While definitions on what is marketing strategy keep changing over the years we are going to offer our simplified version: Marketing strategy is fully outlined plan on how to communicate products/services and company values to consumers, stakeholders and, public in general). Very often, small businesses confuse marketing and advertising (advertising is and should be just a small part of marketing strategy). Naturally, when I was approached by Pat from ECOMM  Tips offering his two cents on how to communicate on a budget I was interested to hear. While his tip column focuses on floral business, advices offered could be easily applied to many other small businesses. In hopes, that some of the advices offered will help my friends in the floral industry and other small business compatriots – please enjoy. S&V

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China doll plant (lat. Radermachera sinica) is native to the subtropical mountain regions of southern China and Taiwan. We sell the dwarf version of this evergreen tree which can grow up to 9 feet.

The genus Hibiscus in the Malvaceae (mallow family) includes more than 200 species, including annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees. Most of these do not make good houseplants. The Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) though is by far the most popular species offered for indoor use.

With over 1500 species, proteas come in different shapes and sizes, from shrubs to tall trees. Proteas are also known as sugarbushes, due to the excessive amount of nectar the flowers produce.