CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceAs a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
IndependentsMay 06, 2020
Coach’s Corner: Is Your Business Open to Change?
It’s not going to be business as usual when we open up, writes Pat Henneberry, and the jewelry industry will need to adapt.
Pat Henneberry is president of consulting and sales training company The Jewelry Coach. Reach her at 512-203-3414, or on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
How can our jewelry industry, which doesn’t adapt to “new” ways easily (trust me, I know this industry), reshape itself in this unknown, scary time?
How do we adopt new ways of, for example, buying from a vendor, selling to a retail customer, educating our staff and/or attending jewelry shows (or not)?
I would suggest that in order to confront the rapidly evolving world around us, you need to have a system in place to adapt with the changes.
And you need to be open to change like never before.
Look for new technologies and be open to new ways of selling and new products that work in this new place in which we find ourselves.
It’s not going to be business as usual when we “open up,” not for you or your customers.
You need to ask yourself: How are you going to attract your customers back in your store?
Your customers have gotten use to virtual meetings, working from home and buying everything online. So, what’s the pull going to be?
It’s no secret the world has been changing before our eyes. Our industry is a global industry and depends on worldwide business.
So, then, how do you find the best way to handle these changes? To make sure you, and your stores and businesses, can hit any curve balls that come their way?
As a marketing expert, coach and trainer for more than 30 years in the jewelry industry, I’ve witnessed the implementation of many frameworks, brands and sales methodologies to launch new products, expand or simply keep companies afloat during tough times.
I remember when ArtCarved sold the Keepsake name to Walmart and everyone thought that would kill the diamond business, when the big-box stores were going to take over the mom-and-pop shops and put them all out of business.
There are many more stories and industry events we have all endured.
What I’ve found is that those who approach their businesses with a rigid system often buckle under the shifting currents. They don’t last.
But there is one simple thing we can do, and it won’t cost you anything.
The best way to handle an evolving world in this unprecedented time is with a system built around just that: evolution, being open to new ideas and being flexible.
An agile approach is one designed to keep you limber and able to roll with the tides of
How do we adopt new ways of, for example, buying from a vendor, selling to a retail customer, educating our staff and/or attending jewelry shows (or not)?
I would suggest that in order to confront the rapidly evolving world around us, you need to have a system in place to adapt with the changes.
And you need to be open to change like never before.
Look for new technologies and be open to new ways of selling and new products that work in this new place in which we find ourselves.
It’s not going to be business as usual when we “open up,” not for you or your customers.
You need to ask yourself: How are you going to attract your customers back in your store?
Your customers have gotten use to virtual meetings, working from home and buying everything online. So, what’s the pull going to be?
It’s no secret the world has been changing before our eyes. Our industry is a global industry and depends on worldwide business.
So, then, how do you find the best way to handle these changes? To make sure you, and your stores and businesses, can hit any curve balls that come their way?
As a marketing expert, coach and trainer for more than 30 years in the jewelry industry, I’ve witnessed the implementation of many frameworks, brands and sales methodologies to launch new products, expand or simply keep companies afloat during tough times.
I remember when ArtCarved sold the Keepsake name to Walmart and everyone thought that would kill the diamond business, when the big-box stores were going to take over the mom-and-pop shops and put them all out of business.
There are many more stories and industry events we have all endured.
What I’ve found is that those who approach their businesses with a rigid system often buckle under the shifting currents. They don’t last.
But there is one simple thing we can do, and it won’t cost you anything.
The best way to handle an evolving world in this unprecedented time is with a system built around just that: evolution, being open to new ideas and being flexible.
An agile approach is one designed to keep you limber and able to roll with the tides of
change so that once the storm is over, you’ll be floating at the top.
Yes, this might seem too simple in such a difficult time.
Trust me, I am presently looking for my next company to work with, and it’s been a challenge. Timing is everything, and now’s not the best time in our industry to be job hunting. It’s tough on everyone!
But there is not one person in our industry who’s not affected by our world right now. I would advise all of us to stay open to new possibilities.
Be ready to move quickly on new ideas; don’t wait for everyone to jump on board.
Be a trend-setter, be flexible and be open to new product.
Before I sign off, I want to leave you with this recap of the words I most want you to remember from this column. I hope they help.
Evolve, be flexible, stay open, pivot (one of my favorite words), be limber, roll with it, and stay agile.
Also, stay creative and open-minded, for new ideas will come from this.
We have been through tough times before. Our industry is going to get through this and rise up, just as we have so many times in the past.
If there is anything I can do for anyone, please email me at pat@pathenneberry.com.
Peace and prayers, my friends.
Yes, this might seem too simple in such a difficult time.
Trust me, I am presently looking for my next company to work with, and it’s been a challenge. Timing is everything, and now’s not the best time in our industry to be job hunting. It’s tough on everyone!
But there is not one person in our industry who’s not affected by our world right now. I would advise all of us to stay open to new possibilities.
Be ready to move quickly on new ideas; don’t wait for everyone to jump on board.
Be a trend-setter, be flexible and be open to new product.
Before I sign off, I want to leave you with this recap of the words I most want you to remember from this column. I hope they help.
Evolve, be flexible, stay open, pivot (one of my favorite words), be limber, roll with it, and stay agile.
Also, stay creative and open-minded, for new ideas will come from this.
We have been through tough times before. Our industry is going to get through this and rise up, just as we have so many times in the past.
If there is anything I can do for anyone, please email me at pat@pathenneberry.com.
Peace and prayers, my friends.
More on Independents
The Latest
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New ChairmanBrian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
