EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
ColumnistsDec 21, 2020
Coach’s Corner: ‘Tis The Season to Set Goals for 2021
Pat Henneberry is all about setting goals for her physical therapy sessions, and she wants to help you do the same for your business.
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.
We are coming to the end of the year, a year that many people will be happy to see draw to a close. But, before we turn the page on 2020, I have some questions for you.
I was at my physical therapy appointment recently. I’ve been in PT for three years. I’m starting to see results and am anxious to start doing more—longer walks, swimming, spinning … the list is a long one.
I realized it’s time for me to have some goals. For the longest time I’ve been focused on getting stronger but with no specific end game in mind.
So, I mentioned to my physical therapist that I wanted to have some goals to work toward.
He agreed and asked me what I thought they would be. I made a list of them and he immediately put me on the stationary bike for five minutes, which I paid for the next day.
It feels good to have a goal in place. I’ve always been an athlete. My days were always training for the next triathlon or open-water swim.
With the difficult year everyone has had, I ask you: Have you been able to stop and think about your goals for 2021?
Here are some simple questions that, I hope, get you thinking.
— What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
— Is your business prepared for it?
— What are your business goals for the year 2021?
Setting business goals might seem daunting when there is uncertainty, but trust me, I’ve learned that answers give you hope. As business owners, you must make the decision that you will not be victims in your story. You must be the hero!
Ask yourself: What did you learn this year that you want to carry into 2021?
You need to think ahead and set your business up for a strong year of growth. Answering these simple questions will help get you started.
Don’t wait for Jan. 1 to make your move. Start now!
There are many areas of your business for which you can define goals.
Some of these might be purchasing new equipment, hiring more staff, joining the American Gem Society, dedicating more time to your marketing, looking for something new that will bring customers into your store (get creative—there are new technologies in our industry), increasing traffic to your website or building a blog.
Your
I was at my physical therapy appointment recently. I’ve been in PT for three years. I’m starting to see results and am anxious to start doing more—longer walks, swimming, spinning … the list is a long one.
I realized it’s time for me to have some goals. For the longest time I’ve been focused on getting stronger but with no specific end game in mind.
So, I mentioned to my physical therapist that I wanted to have some goals to work toward.
He agreed and asked me what I thought they would be. I made a list of them and he immediately put me on the stationary bike for five minutes, which I paid for the next day.
It feels good to have a goal in place. I’ve always been an athlete. My days were always training for the next triathlon or open-water swim.
With the difficult year everyone has had, I ask you: Have you been able to stop and think about your goals for 2021?
Here are some simple questions that, I hope, get you thinking.
— What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
— Is your business prepared for it?
— What are your business goals for the year 2021?
Setting business goals might seem daunting when there is uncertainty, but trust me, I’ve learned that answers give you hope. As business owners, you must make the decision that you will not be victims in your story. You must be the hero!
Ask yourself: What did you learn this year that you want to carry into 2021?
You need to think ahead and set your business up for a strong year of growth. Answering these simple questions will help get you started.
Don’t wait for Jan. 1 to make your move. Start now!
There are many areas of your business for which you can define goals.
Some of these might be purchasing new equipment, hiring more staff, joining the American Gem Society, dedicating more time to your marketing, looking for something new that will bring customers into your store (get creative—there are new technologies in our industry), increasing traffic to your website or building a blog.
Your
business is as unique as you are and only you know what achievements would make a real difference to its success.
Below, I share the three important steps in business goal-setting for the new year.
Discover. What do you want to achieve in 2021? Define your business goals. You might want to ask your employees for help with this.
Create a Roadmap. It’s simple—write down what you want to achieve.
Write it in a number of places. Put it up in the kitchen, next to the cash register, on the back door as you walk out. Dream big.
When I was a competitive swimmer our coach made us write down the time we wanted to beat. I had it on my locker, on the front of my notebook, I even wrote it on my hand (thank God tattoos weren’t popular back then, I’d be walking around with 56.10 on my arm!).
Get to work. Make the commitment to stay on course. Stay on top of these goals all year.
Now, it’s time for me to get back to my PT. I’ll be swimming soon, and then running up and down the show floors in 2021.
Best of luck!
Below, I share the three important steps in business goal-setting for the new year.
Discover. What do you want to achieve in 2021? Define your business goals. You might want to ask your employees for help with this.
Create a Roadmap. It’s simple—write down what you want to achieve.
Write it in a number of places. Put it up in the kitchen, next to the cash register, on the back door as you walk out. Dream big.
When I was a competitive swimmer our coach made us write down the time we wanted to beat. I had it on my locker, on the front of my notebook, I even wrote it on my hand (thank God tattoos weren’t popular back then, I’d be walking around with 56.10 on my arm!).
Get to work. Make the commitment to stay on course. Stay on top of these goals all year.
Now, it’s time for me to get back to my PT. I’ll be swimming soon, and then running up and down the show floors in 2021.
Best of luck!
More on Columnists
The Latest
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
Lab-GrownAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
