Buzz Session

Here’s What the Brain Squad Wishing They Had Spent More Time On Five Years Ago

Many said family, travel and time off, but some wished they’d spent more time on an aspect of their businesses.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 16, 2024

INSTORE Staff Instore May 2024 Issue Online Extra

question:

What do you wish you had spent more time doing five years ago?

Building myself to be a better leader to build a better stronger team. — Brenda N., El Segundo, CA
Having fun. Taking trips. Living life outside of work. — Andrea R., El Dorado Hills, CA
Building my email list! — Janne E., Cocoa, FL
Paying more attention to my health. — Jennifer H., Bozeman, MT
Bringing someone on board to help take over appraisals for me. — Bill E. Terre Haute, IN
Learning the Edge inside and out sooner. — Holly M., Astoria, OR
Planning for retirement. — Jim C., Modesto, CA
Growing production and exploring outsourcing opportunities. — Nellie O., Christiansted, VA
Investing in e-commerce. — Allison L., Myerstown, PA
Improving our website. Finally did a big upgrade two years ago and has helped a lot. — Hugh H. Jacksonville, FL
Actually building my own standalone building. Interest rates have jumped, and even though I am ready, I wasn’t prepared for the interest rates. — Amber G., Katy, TX
Focusing on running my business and not letting my business run me. — Scott M., Phoenix, MD
Nothing. I am doing whatever I think is important every day and not looking back. — Susan E., El Paso, TX
Learning SEO. — Beth C., Dublin, OH
Learning to keep up with new technology and equipment. Hard to change after 40 years. — Ila Manner S., Block Island, RI
I wish I had spent more time researching my options for education five years ago instead of assuming that I needed a diploma from a private university to be deemed “successful.” While I don’t regret that experience, I’ve learned more applicable skills in the last three years via trade magazines, educational workshops and seminars, team clinics, and hands-on experience than I did from textbooks in college. — Beth G., Binghamton, NY
Less formal teaching, more producing my OWN work and going to workshops. — Susan M., Dunedin, FL
Working on CAD program and studying music. — David B., Calgary, AB
I wish we had invested earlier in our own lines. We have some lines that we love, but others have shifted to be more focused on selling direct and competing with us rather than working with us. — Becky B., Peabody, MA
Understanding and getting used to social media and how to use it better and more effectively for my business. — Rick S., Gainesville, FL
Learn more about social media. Today, I take a class once a week on what’s in and what’s out with social media! It has really paid off!! — Patty Gallun H., Cedarburg, WI
Playing with my daughter. — Zdena J., Solvang, CA
Not having to stay late or go in early; taking a day off and enjoying it instead of either working from home or thinking about everything that I’m not getting done. — Erika G., Kearney, NE
Podium. I looked into it and didn’t pull the trigger. We have had it for a year and we are building reviews like crazy. It’s a gamechanger. — Michael K., Yardley, PA
Networking and doing more CRM with current customers. — Stephen K., Chelsea, MI
Traveling the world! — Tom D., Warren, OH
Focusing on family and friends. — Brenda M., Palo Alto, CA
Getting rid of our earth-mined diamonds while there was still some chance of recouping our original investment. — Gretchen S., Sherman Oaks, CA

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.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”