May 14, 2014
It Pays to Be Rude!?!By pmihalek

Some people call gardening a luxury hobby. Or at the very least, something we spend disposable income on. That said, the following bit of research is something I hope will elicit a chuckle or two.

In a study called ” Should the Devil Sell Prada? Retail Rejection Increases Aspiring Consumers’ Desire for the Brand” (not joking), researchers from University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business found “snobby associates reinforce the reputation of high-end, posh labels as privileged for the social elite.”

Darren Dahl, Sauder marketing professor and co-author of the study adds, “Our research indicates (rude associates) can end up having a similar effect to an ‘in-group’ in high school that others aspire to join.”

The motivation behind the study? Dahl was once “brushed off” by a rude employee which prompted him to buy two bottles of cologne instead of one. Read more about the study here…and, of course, please don’t try this at home.

Syngenta’s Big Scholarships

Do you know a college student who has shown potential in the fields of plant breeding and ornamental horticulture through academic excellence and hands-on experience?

If so, then the fact Syngenta Flowers is offering two $7,500 scholarships might be worth a second look. The Glenn Goldsmith Breeding Excellence Scholarship recognizes a college student working toward a degree in plant breeding. The Goldsmith Seeds Floriculture Business Advancement Scholarship is awarded to a student working toward a degree in ornamental horticulture business.

Click on the news item below for all the application information.

Instant Star Power

Let me be frank. Time is running out and I so badly want you to enter AND win the 2014 Merchandiser of the Year contest.

Need an incentive … or three? This year’s winner will receive three great, sales-generating prizes totaling over $3,000 provided by the contest’s sponsors Braun Horticulture, Dramm and MasterTag. Click here to check them out and learn how easy it is to participate.

Enthusiastically,

Pete


pmihalek