Feb. 4-9
MARKETING If you’ve been dispensing the same proposal advice for the last 20 years, it’s time for an update. Check out the AGS’s Perfect Proposal Toolkit (https://americangemsocietyblog.org/category/proposal/) , which provides tips for romantic, funny, adventurous, “2.0” and simple proposals, as well as ideas to ensure you get in on some of the selfie action.
PERSONAL If you want your business to stay healthy, you’ve got to keep yourself healthy, first. Says Ellen Hertz of Max’s (St. Louis Park, MN): “I block out certain days and times on my calendar to support my workout schedule. If I put it on my calendar, I’m more likely to make it happen.”
MERCHANDISING Draft your kids, your staff’s kids, anyone’s kids to create some Valentine’s Day cards on simple card stock. Put them in the showcases with a small sign identifying each young artist. “While you are at it, have them make a few tent cards with product info on your best V-day gift ideas,” says display expert Larry Johnson.
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E-MARKETING Send out two slightly different e-mail blasts to your database, distinguished by gender. The message for men: we will solve your V-Day headache. Check out our “can’t miss” gift ideas. For women: share the love with friends.
Feb. 11-16
TRAINING Reinforce the need for sales presentations to highlight the emotional aspects of jewelry buying. Valentine’s Day is a straight emotional play.
E-MARKETING Resend e-mails to all those customers who opened last week’s V-Day blast. They’re interested.
STAFF Share the love on Thursday morning. Buy chocolates for your employees this Valentine’s Day. Inscribe the card, “Love your work!”
Feb. 18-23
DISPLAY Write a “designer profile” for each designer you carry. Put on “cue cards” left near the appropriate line of merchandise.
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MANAGEMENT Ask staff to write out their answer to this question: “Why do you get up in the morning and why should our customers care?” You may just find a new mission statement in those answers.
Feb. 25-Mar. 2
FINANCES There’s no one correct way to arrange the information on a profit-and-loss statement. If you have trouble easily understanding yours, ask your accountant to arrange the information so you can tell instantly what went right (or wrong) in the previous month.
FINANCES Check with your bank to see if they offer payroll assistance. Many banks now provide a service that allows you to log onto their website and enter your workers’ hours. The bank then makes a direct deposit into employees’ checking account as well as paying your federal and state withholding taxes.