Jul. 2-8
MANAGEMENT What’s going to be your big slow season project this year? A new training program, integration of a new software program, cleaning and organizing inventory … or is it to just catch up on your vacation time? Whatever it is, draft a solid plan and get to work.
SALES Combat the summer doldrums by offering a surprise commission once a month on an item through your POS system. At the end of each month, announce the item and the winner.
Jul. 9-15
MANAGEMENT The economic outlook remains uncertain. Create a playbook to ensure you’re not paralyzed should a recession hit. It should include guidelines on how you plan to respond based on different reactions by customers and competitors to a slump. PriceWaterhouseCoopers has suggestions for such a playbook at pwc.com.
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OPERATIONS Streamline your working life. Throw out all the stuff from storage under the showcases, says Ruth Mellergaard, principal at interior design firm GRID/3.
TRAINING Most jewelers now have an online channel themselves, but you still need to be able to deal effectively with “I saw it cheaper online.” Be sure your staff’s Internet defense dialog is sharp and compels the customer to stay and buy. Draw up scripts if need be.
Jul. 16-22
SECURITY The spate of home invasions targeting jewelers in the last few years has highlighted the domestic threat to people in the industry. Install an exterior-door deadbolt to a bedroom door, so if a break-in does occur, you can hide in that room with your family.
BENCH Go green out back. Install a sink trap, capture dust in floor mats or carpets and vacuum frequently with a dedicated vacuum. Use a bucket instead of letting the water run when washing items and switch to environmentally friendly alternatives such as cadmium-free solders, fluoride-free fluxes and maybe citric pickle solution. There’s money to be made or saved as well.
INVENTORY Need to light a fire under sales? Once a week, hold a flash sale on older items.
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Jul. 23-29
MARKETING Create a collection of photography for future use on your social pages. Having a portfolio of images on hand makes it much quicker and easier to schedule posts.
GOODWILL Before long it will be charity season again. This year, choose a group or institution that you can partner with to design a special piece that reflects their cause — say, a pendant for a cancer ward or hospital, or a band to support the high school football team. A percentage of all sales can go to the group or a major piece can be donated to an auction.