Do You Read Business Books? 57 Percent of Our Brain Squad Says “Yes”

do you or don't you: Those who do share how they find their favorites.

Published

2 years ago

July 17, 2022

INSTORE Staff Instore July 2022 Issue Online Extra

question

Do you read business books?

Yes: 57%

I get books referred by friends and other businesspeople I respect, as well as choosing to read the books from speakers I find particularly good at seminars and the like. — Jennifer Hornik Johnson, Miller’s Jewelry, Bozeman, MT
I go by the author’s experience and credibility. If this person is teaching how to sell a car … has this person sold cars!? — Bill Longnecker, Longnecker Jewelry, McCook, NE
Various sources: Bloomberg, Peter Diamandis, Singularity University, Harvard Business School, etc. — Mark Rozanski, Goldart, Ottawa, ON
It varies. If I see one recommended by a fellow jeweler in a trade publication such as INSTORE, I am likely to read it. Some are based on seeing the author interviewed on TV, if I happen to connect with said author. — Jane Johnson, RM Johnson & Sons, Salem, VA
I’ve enjoyed Tim Ferriss’ reading list. — Steven Wardle, Forest Beach Design, Chatham, MA
I take everything I read as a suggestion. We have to change on a constant basis to keep up. — Kelli Reinbold, Vernon Jewelers, Salina, KS
I look for books on creativity and also on selling artwork, also gems, how to set up and advertise online. — Sara DeSpain, Sara DeSpain Fine Jewelry, Duck, NC
I read books that are recommended by peers who give good reviews on practical applications of current best sellers. Too many books with “interesting covers” and claims to take a guess on. The Millionaire Next Door
is still one of my favorites. — J. Dennis Petimezas, Watchmakers Diamonds & Jewelry, Johnstown, PA
I start business books and find that usually there are many words to explain few ideas. — Mark Clodius, Clodius & Co. Jewelers, Rockford, IL
Love to read the recommendations in your magazine on new business books. Also, I subscribe to different industries’ magazines and take their recommendations seriously, too. Can never read enough about the pulse of the business world. Still grateful to GIA for the incredible business seminar they had at the Symposium several years ago. Their magazine is loaded with insightful thoughts to ponder as a businessperson. — Susan Eisen, Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry & Watches, El Paso, TX
I choose to read books on direct response marketing. Everyone else seems to concentrate so much on “image advertising” that it makes what I do stand out. — Bill Warren, The Gold Mine, Hudson, NC
I try to read one book a month … some suck and some are great! — Tom Duma, Thom Duma Fine Jewelers, Warren, OH
Most business books are inspirational fiction. I try to find books on a single topic that will encourage me to change one thing. In the end, all I get from broad-based books is a feel-good feeling. — Alexander Rysman, Romm Diamonds, Brockton, MA
One that offers info regarding digital and online marketing! — Kas Jacquot, Kas A Designs, Jefferson City, MO
Whatever turns my crank. — Chip Kuntz, Chippers Jewelry, Bonney, WA
Best-seller list, personal recommendations, favorite authors. Business and personal development are about the only books I read! — Julie Terwilliger, Wexford Jewelers, Cadillac, MI
Good books seem to find me through friends or social media. — Ellie Thompson, Ellie Thompson + Co., Chicago, IL

No: 43%

I read INSTORE magazine … it’s my best resource. — Annette Evans, RD Allen Freeport Jewelers, Freeport, ME
Never saw one that knew anything about my business. — Mark Thomas Ruby, SunSpirit Designs, Loveland, CO
I have read business books, but they don’t hold my attention like the Audible books I listen to all day (mostly dystopian apocalypse and sci-fi). — Josh Rider, Dylan Rings, Montgomery, AL
At 70, I’m still putting in close to 50 hours a week, so I try to keep some balance in my life by avoiding business activities when I’m away from the store. — Bill Elliott, Ross Elliott Jewelers, Terre Haute, IN
I’m 70 years old. At this point, there isn’t much I can read that is going to make much difference in my professional life. Besides, who has the time to read business books? — James Sickinger, Sickinger’s Jewelry, Lowell, IN
I have way too much to do on a daily basis at our store, and by the time I get home, I just want to look at chicken magazines (yes, they exist). — Karen Fitzpatrick, Harris Jewelers, Rio Rancho, NM
I read all the trade publications, print and online. No time for business books too. — Ira Kramer, Diamond Exchange of Maryland, Tallahassee, FL
I mostly read online. That said, on occasion I read books, but usually most of my “page” time is devoted to magazines like INSTORE! — Debbie Fox, Fox Fine Jewelry, Ventura, CA
Other people’s thoughts on how I do business make us look like everyone else. — Tim Wright, Simply Unique Jewelry Designs, Yorktown, VA
I used to belong to TAB, a business forum for many years, reading all manner of books. It gave me some insight, but overall, I still subscribe to the “seat of the pants” school, doing business in a way that makes me feel ethical, centered and excited! — Eve J. Alfille, Eve J. Alfille Gallery & Studio, Evanston, IL

What’s the Brain Squad?

If you’re the owner or top manager of a U.S. jewelry store, you’re invited to join the INSTORE Brain Squad. By taking one five-minute quiz a month, you can get a free t-shirt, be featured prominently in this magazine, and make your voice heard on key issues affecting the jewelry industry. Good deal, right? Sign up here.

Looking for a Seamless Sale? Call Wilkerson

After almost 60 years in business, Breakiron Jewelers in Erie, Pennsylvania, was closing its doors. And the store’s owner, Linda Breakiron, was ready for it. She had run the store as its sole owner since the beginning of the millennium and was looking forward to a change. Of course, she called Wilkerson. Breakiron talked to other jewelers who had used Wilkerson and was satisfied with their response. “They always had positive feedback,” she recalls. With the sales, marketing and even additional inventory that Wilkerson provided, Breakiron insists she could never have accomplished her going-out-of-business sale without Wilkerson’s help. She’s now ready for the journey ahead, but looking back, she’d be sure to recommend Wilkerson. “They just made the whole process very seamless.”