OVER THE COUNTER EPISODE 15: HONESTY PAYS (9:51 MINUTES)

SOMETIMES THE JEWELRY customers most want, or have even dreamed about for years, simply isn’t right for them. Owing to our professional expertise, many jewelers know when this is the case. But, as often as not, customers don’t.

Whether it’s a hue that doesn’t match a woman’s coloring, a design too gaudy for her personality, or a gemstone too large or small for the wearer’s proportions, jewelers can typically sense when something is or isn’t right for a client. Of course, no jeweler ever enjoys telling someone that the item they covet will make them look awful.

However, when you’re seeking to create lifetime customers, it pays to be honest — albeit as tactfully as you can.

In this episode of Over the Counter, host Kyle Bullock, owner of Bullock’s Jewelry in Roswell, NM, tells the story of Denise Oros of Linnea Jewelers in LaGrange, IL, and what Denise did when a customer entered her store and asked for a very expensive item that simply wasn’t right for her.

Enjoy the episode.

SPECIAL OFFER: Here’s a special offer that fans of Over the Counter and the velvet voice of Kyle Bullock won’t want to miss. The author recently released a new book called Mister Christmas, described as “the story of a white-collar loser who has his life turned around when a mysterious stranger offers him a job creating a real-life Santa’s toy factory”.

For listeners of this podcast, Kyle is offering the audiobook version of Mister Christmas for only $3. To get the deal, go to misterchristmasbook.com to order, then use promo code “OTC” at checkout.

OVER THE COUNTER EPISODE 14: FROM FARM TO FINGER (7:45 MINUTES)

THIS MONTH in Over the Counter, Kyle Bullock has his mind on the environment.

In the latest episode of his podcast, the owner of Bullock’s Jewelry in Roswell, NM, tells a series of interconnected stories related to efforts big and small to make the jewelry industry more friendly to consumers, local communities and the planet.

These efforts range from the high-profile work of the Diamond Producers Association to promote more responsible diamond mining and production to the almost entirely overlooked efforts of one of Kyle’s own employees, Sherri Clark, who hoards used scraps of paper so they can be re-used in the office.

Kyle asks her why she does this.

“To help the environment,” she says. “And to save money.”

“But paper is cheap!” says Kyle.

“Not to the trees,” Sherri answers.

Can’t argue that. 

The critical message here? Every little bit helps. And no matter what your role in the industry, everybody can do something. Want to know how you can help? Kyle shares some ideas in the podcast.

OVER THE COUNTER EPISODE 12: A FLASH OF CASH (7:24 MINUTES)

IN THIS MONTH’S Over the Counter, we’re bringing you a collection of stories aimed at reminding you of what is most important in life.

It is so easy to go day by day, nose to the grindstone, that we lose sight of what matters.

In fact, we may start to believe that what we are doing at work is what is most valuable — that our identity comes from work, or wealth, or from accomplishments.

And the truth is, it doesn’t.

Today’s episode is just one attempt to show you what the word “value” really means. (And it means different things to different customers.)

P.S. If you’ve been enjoying Over the Counter, Kyle Bullock has launched a new series on YouTube about pursuing growth, leadership, and celebrating what matters the most. It’s called the “Brilliantly Inspired Channel”. Visit this new source of weekly motivating and educational videos on YouTube.