Red Jewel Inc.

Here's To Not Being A Lemming

2008-07-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

Remember always that you not only
have the right to be an individual,
you have an obligation to be one.

— Eleanor Roosevelt

Getting Your Customers To Your Website

2008-07-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

I watch with interest as I see the various - creative - ways that companies find to drive traffic to their websites.

One recent, creative example is TBS. There's an original show on there that I like and in order to find out what's happening on next week's show (a half hour comedy) one must go online to view the preview.

Nice, eh? This concept really works for me as I don't want to go online to get something that should be included in my television viewing experience -- I'd rather either see a bit of a show I like early online or just wait until the regularly scheduled program to see it all. Either way is acceptable.

I do remember one incident trying to get me to the web last year that failed miserably. One program I watch is a mystery/crime drama; I can't remember the plot specifics, but there was a letter that contained clues to the crime or the sub-plot on the show. However, at the end, instead of unveiling the letter on the television show, one had to go on line to view the text. I was annoyed at that. Since I haven't seen anything like that since, I guess I wasn't the only one!

The lesson I took away from all this was that for driving traffic to your website, having extras online is the way to go. Whether your customer is watching you on TV or connecting with you in your store, don't diminish the main experience by making them visit the web to finish their interaction with you. But do give them an extra reason to visit you online - a little bonus.

Thought Provoking Quote

2008-06-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Service to others is the rent
you pay for your room here on earth.

— Mohammed Ali

Shrinking Products

2008-06-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

Further to my post last week about "getting nickled and dimed to death," here's a concrete example using....ice cream! One brand's ice cream packaging is getting smaller, offering less dessert for your money. Of course, this isn't the first time something like this has happened nor will it be the last. The article is here.

I've noticed it locally -- our favorite Japanese fast food place now does not fill the rice bowls up to the top (where before it was packed full) and you have to ask for chopsticks (when before they were on the counter).

I do realize that inflation is having an impact -- I'm waiting for it to "un-supersize" the meals at the major fast food chains. In that case, I think the lesser economic value of a "value meal" or the equivilent may be in our nation's best interest.

One place I've seen this type of behavior over the last few years is in the clothing department at our local discount and department stores. I'd buy a particular style of a "staple" clothing -- something I'd be wearing for a long time (white t-shirts to exercise in is a prime example). I'd decide to purchase another one or two in other colors and go back to make the purchase. Voila, I'd end up with the same LOOKING top, often for the same price, but not in the same quality. Time after time this happened, where the material was thinner and less expensive. Annoying. Of course, that practice has kept clothing prices very low, much longer than I thought they'd be low.

In the jewelry world, we see this type of thing as well. It's not about putting less pearls on a strand, for example, but reducing quality of manufacturing or materials so that profit margins can stay up.

I think all consumer know, in the back of their minds, that one must pay for quality and the old saying "if it's too good to be true, it probably is" is quite correct. I have a friend who says all this is because MBA's run the world, not the people that are passionate about what they sell -- maybe he's right.

Not The Same Old, Same Old

2008-06-09T16:28:00.001-07:00

So many commerials are similar. Or even the same. Right now, the animated Mrs. Butterworth is on at least three (and yes, she's a bit creepy). But not as bad as the plastic-headed Burger King - King! However, for now, one commerial stands out.

The new Ethan Allen one. Makes me think they are rebranding themselves (or actually I guess they have been, as I am reading their releases). Their new commercial is a departure from what I remember their commercials to be.

Do you agree? I cannot find a link to send you to it...yet! I'm sure one will be up shortly.

Getting Nickled-and-Dimed To Death

2008-06-04T15:29:00.001-07:00

It's happening everywhere, from charging for food and bags on airlines to service charges from your bank or cell phone provider on anything that moves. Small additional charges that leave you feeling nickle-and-dimed to death.

It's not surprising that this happens, given the state of our economy. Corporations are trying to make ends meet and keep profits up and we consumers are left feeling as if we're getting hit with additional costs coming and going. And often we are.

I love the places I can still go and not feel as if I'm being nickled-and-dimed to death! Like my local jeweler. Most local jewelers are places like this.....generally they don't charge for ring cleaning or prong checks. Most jewelers I know many who would rather not get paid for something than charge just a buck or two for it, thus earning good will from their customers who return to shop again and again.

While I realize that attitude isn't generally one that larger corporations can embrace, as consumers we're getting smarter. We're learning to ask what the ENTIRE cost of a service plan or a plane ticket is, so we can compare prices in a smart way instead of thinking we've saved money until the itemized bill comes in.

The point? That corporations will have to be accountible for ALL the fees they charge and that we as consumers are getting wiser. And also a note for jewelers: make sure your store is a nickle-and-dime free zone for your customers. :)

Ssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

2008-03-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

I must be the only person who doesn't want their computer to talk, sing or otherwise entertain me with audio.

I say that as it seems that EVERYTHING today on the computer seems to have sound.

I have gotten used to commercials/ads that I click out of the way, but they are especially annoying when they have sound. So, I mostly use my computer with mute on, unless I can sneak in a bit of time playing music I choose with iTunes if I'm doing some repetitive work.

And the news! If I wanted video news, I'd watch the news on TV. I LIKE reading my news. Many times, if I can only watch a video to get news, I'll click on, away from the video, and read it from another source in text.

I guess my age is showing........now I'm having thoughts of Andy Rooney.

Quotable Quotes

2008-03-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I loved that page of Reader's Digest called Quotable Quotes. I thought that everyone had something interesting to say and my love for quotes continues today. Often I find a quote so smart that I find myself incorporating the idea or thought behind one into my daily life. One such one is:

"Start as you mean to go on."

No idea who said it, but it really speaks to me. I find myself referring to that one often and the concept works for me.

Today's other great quote cracks me up, but also really speaks to me as well. Enjoy.

"You're only given one little spark of madness.

You mustn't lose it."-- Robin Williams

Women Owned Businesses

2008-03-12T17:50:00.000-07:00

There's a great article today on MSN.com about women owned businesses, written by the fabulous Nan Mooney.

It's located here.

You should read it because it's a good article, not just because my name is in it. :)

Love This Quote!

2008-02-28T09:11:00.000-08:00

Life shrinks or expands
in proportion to one's courage.

— Anais Nin

The Power of What If

2008-01-21T14:03:00.001-08:00

My wonderful coach often says to me, "what if?"

What if X is not true?
What if you COULD do that?
What if you did do that (the thing you don't want to do)?
What if you're assuming something that isn't true?

What if you're right?
What if you're wrong?
What if it just doesn't matter?

Essentially the use of "what if" has made me look at situations differently and then react differently to them than I otherwise would have.

It's a powerful thought, that of "What if."

It's a very helpful tool. You can ask my friends -- I'm great now at "what iffing" them. :)

Wardrobe Concept - Not Just One

2008-01-17T12:14:00.000-08:00

Note: This blog entry originally ran on JCK's website on May 24, 2007. The blog was based on concepts from the book Jewelry Savvy (link to left). It's especially relevant to salespeople. Enjoy! :)

Not Just One
May 24, 2007
Today’s blog by Caroline Stanley

You don’t have to have just one of anything. This includes your wedding band.Tastes change over time. Why not go with what you like?

As you’ve been reading, we believe there are six guiding concepts to any jewelrywardrobe. # 5 is especially important to retailers and sales associates.

Selling the “just one” concept is how many of us increase sales when working behind the counter. If a couple is looking at an engagement ring or wedding band that’s a bit above their price range, generally if you make the point that they’ll wear it everysingle day for many, many years, you can get them to spend a bit more. It’s a proven method and actually I believe it is generally in the best interests of most customers to have this pointed out.

For the opposite concept of “you don’t HAVE to have just one of anything,” well, suddenly you have to reverse this thinking, or at least think of this sales concept as a progression throughout a customer’s buying cycle.

When a couple has less money and is just starting out, that is the time to use the“just one” concept. On the other hand, when they have more money, have given tons of jewelry gifts and don’t know what to do next and want to buy something new, then THAT is the time to use the “you don’t HAVE to have just one” concept. It will help you replace, upgrade or simply add to your customer’s wardrobe.

As a sales technique, you may want to start by planting some seeds with your customer, both the buyer and recipient. Mention that you have multiple wedding bands (or whatever the item) that you wear and how nice it is to have the “original” to wear, as well as something new and fun. See what the reaction is, and move on from there. If the recipient isn’t sure about this, challenge her (or him) to try out the item for a day (or whatever time period you’re comfortable with as a store owner or manager) and see how it feels.

I’m betting if they have the thought, from you – a retailer – that this is a good idea, and permission from their significant other, you won’t be getting it back!

Today’s Jewel
Read the above carefully. Mix gently with customers. Rinse and repeat as needed. :)

Happy New Year

2008-01-06T19:23:00.001-08:00

To us all. May THIS be the year that we all follow our dreams, realize our potential and live fearless lives -- if you're not already.

Peace.

It Only Costs $100 To Be An Idiot....Sometimes

2007-12-12T16:15:00.000-08:00

At least on American Airlines. If you book a ticket for your brother for Christmas and forget to put HIS name on the ticket instead of yours. + 30 minutes talking with AA.com people to fix the problem.

Ugh. Guess I should be happy it wasn't more! So much for the cheap ticket bought with miles! :)

Really Relevant or Strangely Psysic?

2007-12-11T16:53:00.000-08:00

No sooner had I finished the post below than I picked up a few of my many trade magazines to read (some were a few months old).

While perusing the November issue of JCK (Salary Survey), I found this article, by Deborah E. Hecht, G.G.

It's along the same lines as my blog posting, except the details are much better, of course! A good read.

Shrinking Salespeople?

2007-12-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

I was recently chatting with a traveling salesman -- a member of a group whose ranks seem to be rapidly shrinking.

He was saying that if robbed, the salesman get it coming and going. Their goods are gone, of course. Then the insurance company won't want to insure them again, or at least not for a small fortune. Then the police/authorities always think they are involved somehow. And of course, if they can go out again, they have to overcome their own reluctance to do so, after being robbed.

I would not hold up well as a traveling saleperson, at least carrying a live line. There's not many jobs I'd rather avoid -- actually!

Of course, you'd think the Internet would have changed this a bit, and it has. But still there's a preference from most retailers to hold and touch the jewlery they sell to just picking items out on a screen.

Which bring me to my next thought.......are the ranks of the shrinking salespeople indicitive of an increase in attending trade shows?

A Great Quote

2007-11-12T11:04:00.001-08:00

Happiness is not something that someone else can give to us.
We must achieve it for ourselves by developing our
character and capacity as human beings.

Taro Gold

"No Problem" IS A Problem

2007-11-07T15:11:00.001-08:00

My least favorite phrase these days is "no problem."

I have no issue with those two words; just when they are used in place of "you're welcome" as those of a certain (younger) generation tend to do.

And it's catching.

I'm one of those people who generally say "thank you," even in the most casual of circumstances. I'm always thanking someone for something, even if it's handing me change back (that belongs to me after I've made a purchase).

In those cases, I used to expect an "Oh, thank YOU" or a "You're welcome," both appropriate responses.

These days, I'm often getting a "no problem." I know it's the vernacular, but "no problem" is really having someone turn away your thank you, rather than accepting it and acknowledging it with a "you're welcome."

It's particularly bad when it's a sales associate representing a store where I've made a substantial purchase. Or in your own store, when a customer has bought a nice diamond and a younger sales associate has rung him up. Very bad.

On the plus side, this has made me really appreciate it when someone replies "you're welcome."

And One Group Is Called Designer Retailers

2007-11-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

I must have missed this news from JCK; this is what comes from not closely reading trade magazines (that tend to pile up, so I end up skimming them).

Anyway, further to the last post, the stores that carry designer jewelry and use those lines to help define their image are called, by JCK, designer retailers. And they actually award 50 of them - each year - that particular title.

Here's the article.

Now, has someone come up with a name for the other category?

There Are Two Types of Jewelry Stores...

2007-10-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

.....in my opinion.

I always think it's fun to see the world in a larger picture, in their two types if you will: aisle or window. Smoker or non. Democrat or Republican. (Yes, I know there are usually more than two choices, but it's more fun this way!)

Back to the jewelry store: my theory.......

There are those stores who carry designer jewelry and those various lines that they carry create their personality.

Then there are those who market their own store as the brand and the designer lines they carry (if they carry) are secondary.

Neither is better than one or the other; that's just the two types or store that I often see. If you're a retailer, it's smart to know which category you are in and plan accordingly. Your store's personality can be promoted differently to your customers and should be.

Sort of an apples and oranges thing. Food for thought.

Oh, I'm Sorry. Here, Have A Pearl.

2007-10-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

Reading my email, I was surprised to see that often pearls are given for an apology, at least from one particular site: thepearloutlet.com. They sell jewelry and apparently have found a market niche that I wasn't aware existed for pearls, specifically. (Generally I think the "I'm sorry" gift is big diamonds, etc., as this is the behavior generally exhibited by celebrities when they've screwed up.)

This was not the purpose of the email (it's a Fortune newsletter) but, for me, it was the most intriguing part!

Check out the original newsletter to learn more.

You Can't Do It All Yourself

2007-10-17T13:50:00.001-07:00

Well, actually you can, but then you don't have time for anything else. I've been feeling like I'm a bit overextended lately, then this quote came today in my mailbox and I was struck by how relevant it was, both to me and a few of my clients that came immediately to mind.

No person will make a great business who
wants to do it all himself or get all the credit.
- Andrew Carnegie, 1835-1919
American Industrialist and Philanthropist

Good food for thought -- it's relevant to me, anyway. Now, back to work! :)

Truer Words Were Never Spoken

2007-09-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out --
it's the grain of sand in your shoe.

Robert Service

For Sale

2007-08-21T12:29:00.001-07:00

Jewelry Savvy:

What Every Jewelry Wearer Should Know

by Cynthia A. Sliwa and Caroline Stanley (that would be me!)

For sale here (better pricing if you buy two!) or on amazon.com.

Bulk pricing is available along with other offers, especially for retailers.

Check out our website for upcoming appearances, excerpts and lots of great -- yes, savvy! -- information.

Could Managing My Magazine Subscription Come Into The 21st Century, Pretty Please?

2007-08-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, in this day of tech-savvy, over-the-top electronics and smart people, you'd think there would be an easier way to manage magazine subscriptions.

As an example: I subscribe to several knitting publications. My last issue was delayed SIX WEEKS (as compared to other subscribers in my general neighborhood). It finally arrived with a renewal notice pre-packaged in it, which must be why it took so long.

For other magazines, I'll subscribe, then immediately receive the newsstand issue, which I, of course, already own.

For yet others, immediately upon subscribing, I"ll begin to receive renewal notices. That infuriates me.

Or, VERY WORST CASE, I'll see Vogue Knitting in the store before I receive my issue at home, as a subscriber. I agonize, I debate, I generally try and wait it out so that I only have my one issue that comes via the mail. But really, if I subscribe, then someone had better send me an issue slightly in advance. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Trade magazines I subscribe to don't seem to be much better keeping up with address changes or sending timely subscription notices, but there, I have no choice. I"ll keep subscribing and reading, once the stack of them reaches about 12 inches. :) Not a timely or efficient manner, but, well, it works for me.

For the rest, I'm not renewing my subscriptions. I'd prefer to pay a bit more at Barnes & Noble or wherever so I can have instant gratification.

Ugh.