Editor's Note

Stuck in a Rut? Take the Advice of Nike, and ‘Just Do It’

Our editor-in-chief’s favorite strategy to move from knowing to doing is “ready-fire-aim.”

Published

4 years ago

December 30, 2019

Trace Shelton Instore January 2020 Issue

ARE YOU stuck?

As a writer, I know the feeling. The colloquial term is “writer’s block,” but the truth is that one can’t find the right word, the right metaphor, the right way to begin, or maybe even the right idea.

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For business owners, it can be similar to get “stuck” when you know you need to start a particular initiative, but you don’t know exactly how, so you put it off and go about business as usual. The problem is that your business suffers if the initiative is never initiated.

That’s why we asked our resident research buff, group managing editor Chris Burslem, to put together this issue’s lead story on how to bridge the gap between knowing and doing. Chris is a voracious reader, and he has pulled tips from the latest books on how business owners can best move from theory to execution.

My favorite is the concept of “ready-fire-aim.” When you’re not sure how to start, it’s best to just start somewhere, with the knowledge that you’ll revise your plan as you go. Digital strategy seems to be the area that is causing the most headaches for jewelry retailers at the moment.

Those who are willing to constantly fine-tune or even make radical changes are the ones who are finding the most success online.

When you know you need to make a change, take the advice of Nike: just do it!

Stuck in a Rut? Take the Advice of Nike, and ‘Just Do It’

Trace Shelton

Editor-in-Chief, INSTORE
trace@smartworkmedia.com

Five Smart Tips You’ll Find in This Issue

1. Preplan your front window displays and themed in-store displays for each selling season. (Manager’s To-Do, p. 26)
2. For idea generation, use brainwriting, wherein participants rotate between eight-minute individual writing sessions and three-minute group sessions to read over each other’s ideas. (The Big Story, p. 34)
3. Break your staff into groups and rotate store responsibilities each week. (Ask INSTORE, p. 58)
4. When planning your marketing for the year, come up with promotions to boost sales in slow months. (Andrea Hill, p. 52)
5. Post pics to social media of any pet dogs that visit your store. (Do You or Don’t You, p. 61)

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.”