Should You Approach 4-Star Before 5-Star Hotels for Practice?

When we’re aiming to secure major hotel accounts as florists, a common question arises. “Should I practice my approach 4-star hotels before targeting the big 5-star clients?“. While this might seem like a safe strategy, it can often end up delaying the real connections and opportunities we’re truly after. Below, let’s explore the pros and cons, and determine how to decide what’s right for you. If you read this and want to dive deeper, be sure to check out the full podcast episode here.

Why Practice with 4-Star Hotels?

Testing out your pitch or gaining experience with smaller clients is like a “rehearsal” approach that can help build confidence and let you refine your process in lower-stakes settings. If you feel like you’re still developing your brand story or don’t feel fully ready to impress the high-end market, this can be helpful. You’ll get to see how your proposal flows, how receptive hotel managers are to your ideas, and identify where adjustments may be needed.

But let’s look at this mindset closely. Are you choosing practice with 4-star hotels out of genuine preparation or are you avoiding taking a chance with your ideal clients because of fear of rejection?

Going Straight for the 5-Star Hotels

Consider this scenario: If your dream is to land a major luxury hotel, putting yourself on a path toward that vision will save you time, energy, and resources. Waiting for an imagined “perfect time” often leads to spending months on opportunities that aren’t fulfilling and don’t propel your business where you want it to be. Working toward your goals directly, even if it means facing rejection, may actually get you closer to the work and clients you’re passionate about.

When you put yourself forward with confidence, knowing that you’re still learning and evolving, you allow potential clients to appreciate that you’re both ambitious and adaptable. Remember, confidence comes from action—not perfection. 

Embracing the Fear of Rejection

Human nature makes us shy away from rejection. If we shift our view of “no” from a reflection on our worth to simply a signpost, each interaction, whether successful or not, moves us closer to the ideal outcome. When you decide to approach your dream hotels, remember that setbacks are stepping stones that shape your skills and confidence. If the fear of rejection is holding you back, our meditation series will help with adjusting that mindset.

In my early days, I had to overcome fear and self-doubt. I received some advice from mentor, a hotel owner who was featured on this podcast. He said, “If you’re not falling on your face every day, you’re not trying hard enough.” This idea transformed how I approached risk-taking. Falling doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re pushing your limits. Over time, those falls become fewer, your confidence builds, and you’re prepared for the opportunities that align with your ultimate goals.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path

Ask yourself: Do you need practice, or do you need to decide you’re ready? If you want practice, seek it. But if you know your goals, be bold and go for it. Show up with confidence, be ready to learn from each interaction, and celebrate every step you take. Whether you’re approaching 4-star or 5-star hotels, aim to be authentic and align with the vision you have for your business.

Already a florist and eager to expand into luxury hotels and create consistent income? Come join over 125 florists in the 7 Day Challenge! It’s packed with actionable insights to help you succeed.

Keep blooming, Franceska

PS: Did you know I have a bestselling book on working with hotels? It’s available on Amazon! If you’re on a budget you can learn more about what flowers to use, design mechanics and more with this!