The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
The 11-year-old who’s wired for sales
A few weeks ago, the prologue to the über-popular podcast This American Life featured the story of an 11-year-old girl from west Detroit named Asia Newson who owns her own company, SuperBusinessGirl, and is known as the city’s youngest entrepreneur.
After hearing this episode, I decided to see how Asia’s sales moves--you can see a video of one of her pitches on Facebook--stack up against those outlined by Leo Schachter & Co. executive Peter Smith in our recent interview on his book, Hiring Squirrels: 12 Essential Interview Questions to Uncover Great Retail Sales Talent.
When we interviewed Smith, he outlined his three “absolutely essential characteristics” the very best salespeople possess: drive, empathy and resilience. (Asia has her own list of the qualities that make a good salesperson. They should, she says, speak loudly--which I am not sure is always the right tactic in jewelry sales--be articulate, make eye contact, use hand gestures and “give energy.”)
Looking at No. 1, drive, I would say that yes, Asia has drive. In addition to being known as the youngest entrepreneur in Detroit, she has her own office, in a business incubator space in Detroit that is otherwise used exclusively by adults. She likes what she is doing and already has a track record of success even at her young age.
The second characteristic, empathy, refers to the ability to listen to what the customer is, or isn’t saying, and respond to that. Having listened to Asia’s sales pitch on This American Life and watched her on Facebook, I would say that Asia is not a great listener but she does have the ability to connect with the people to whom she’s selling. She also seems to be a natural at knowing whom to approach with her candles or Charms Blow Pops and how exactly to approach them in order to close the sale.
The third is resilience, which, as any resident of a big city knows, you have to have when pedaling goods on the street.
In my seven years in New York, I have been approached by countless young people selling candy bars, Skittles, etc. for team uniforms and other school purposes, and
Whether you agree with Peter Smith, Asia or have your own list of traits you look for when hiring salespeople, there is one conclusion both Smith and the reporter who did the story for TAL come to and that is: The best salespeople are those who are inherently wired for sales.
Case in point: Asia tried to train her cousin in sales during an afternoon of candle peddling, with poor results. “It is,” the journalist who reported on Asia notes, “a hard thing to teach.”
The Latest
“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Concerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
May’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
The brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
Tim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
Sales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
The retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
Gifts that are unique and thoughtful are top of mind this year, according to the annual survey.
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.