Jewelers Fast Forward

Hangout with the Designer: Jacey Nierman, Casuso Designs, a 30 minute recorded webinar

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Retailers:

Are any of your customers Cowboys?

Did you ever know that beautiful, natural,

organic jewelry can be carved

from the horn of a cow?

Watch this video and see!

Want to sell Casuso Designs in your store?

Contact me for more information or go to Casuso Designs

Is there a designer
you want to meet...

Send them our way!

Designers:

Here is another example of how a jewelry designer can speak directly to the retail stores sales staff about their inspirations.

Better business, better sales!

Click the link below to watch

Hangout with the Designer;

Jacey Nierman, Casuso Designs

Hangout with the Designer: Zina Sterling Silver, a 30 minute recorded webinar

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 15:38:00 +0000

Making Better Sales
(using V-By Technology along the way)

Retailers:

Are you carrying Zina Sterling Silver in your store?

Or, are you interested in finding

a quality, dependable, hip

sterling silver line to sell in your store?

Have your sales staff meet Zina

and learn more about her in this recorded webinar.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Designers:

Wish you could
meet the retail sales staff that sells your jewelry?

Or, want to find new stores to carry your jewelry?

Matt and I would be happy

to set up a webinar for you to
speak directly

to your extended sales team!

Contact us today at:

Hangoutwiththedesigners.com

What do Texas, Oregon & Barbados have in common?

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 15:59:00 +0000

It's days like yesterday that make my work both exhausting and exhilarating!

While sitting in my office, I had three separate appointments to show & sell jewelry for holiday orders. And, one of these appointments was with a woman I'd never met or done business with before.

At first glance you might think that this fact was quite normal, after all I do sell jewelry. But this feat would never have been possible 10 years ago.

Each appointment was conducted live, over the computer in three different locations; Portland, Waco & the West Indies! Tell me, is that something you could do?

Since I created V-By technology I've been waiting for the jewelry business to show no fear and go for it. Today it looks more possible than ever! Our industry seems to be finally accepting the assistance of the computer to make safer, more cost & time effective choices. Hip Hip Hurrah!

It was using smart technology (V-By) that allowed me to meet, schmooze, show new collections and model the jewelry from the security of my own home office. I was even able to attend my daughter's high school open house after!

I realize I've been writing and speaking about how to conduct better, smarter business for a long time. Thank you for finally listening and trying it out.

Contact me and I'll show you how to do it as well. :)

Designers, have you considered using webinars to brand your collections?

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Designers:

Click link below to read the entire blog post:

http://tiny.cc/ngmjix

Retailers, have you considered using webinars to brand your designers?

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 19:43:00 +0000

Retailers:
Click link below to view entire blog post:

http://tiny.cc/fzkjix

Selling jewelry on the road as a rep by myself!

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Sat, 05 Jul 2014 19:01:00 +0000

OK, one of my long standing customers called and asked me to come show her new merchandise face to face instead of over V-By technology. Recognizing that she had (thankfully) purchased jewelry from me using V-By for three years, I decided once again to hit the road by myself and offer a face to face, hands on jewelry sales experience.

And, after having traveled with the rep on the east coast without much success, I wanted the chance to see what I could do by myself. Was the road really that different? And there started plans for my trip to New Mexico.

I was a bit worried about carrying two bags and began by consolidating my merchandise into only one. My concern was having both hands compromised while pulling the bags in and out of the trunk and the stores. New Mexico is known for a fair amount of security issues with gangs kidnapping reps and stealing their lines (I know a guy that was thrown into a van with his line by four guys in ski masks. He was only carrying shanks of pearls!) and it felt safer to have one hand free for emergencies, should they arise. Looking back on the trip, one bag might have been heavy, but was a wise call from both a physical standpoint as well as piece of mind.

Knowing that it only works to make calls one week in advance, I started by making my plane reservations and tentative hotel schedule. Then one week before take off, the "smiling& dialing" (making phone calls) began. The A call list consisted of the customers I used to visit and then those unknown JBT, decently rated stores I felt could pay their bill if they decided to purchase. Because I do have decent phone skills, their reception was warm, but not too promising. And, after speaking directly to 15-20 store buyers in both Albuquerque and Santa Fe, I was able to confirm only 2 appointments with stores I had sold in the past.

Before freaking out, I had to take a deep breath and remind myself that this was how it always went. So I wasn't too worried...after all I had done this for 20+ years. I knew that things would start cooking once I hit the ground.

When scheduling appointments I try to fill from the beginning of the week. I find that it builds a momentum for the rest of the week. So my 2 scheduled appointments were Monday and Tuesday mornings. After each appointment I asked to leave the line (which makes the stores feel like you're not selling every where in town.) That gave me a breather from the line as well as making room to walk around and check out the changes in the town, its current foot traffic and other possible stores to sell.

I want to mention that I have always been careful not to over sell a city just for the initial business. Repping is all about the relationships you build with your clients. My initial conversation over the phone always includes a comment like "I'm looking for a home for this line." or "I'm about long term relationships, not one time sales." If you over sell a market, your reputation can get tarnished and cause your relationships to eventually shrink and disappear.
After first being discouraged about doing much business at all, I was able to place non competing merchandise in five different stores (2 standing customers and three new ones) with the possibility of a new sixth for holiday!
This trip was successful for several reasons. (First and foremost I had no security issues, phew!) I also went into it with a positive attitude, good product, a logical strategy and used good phone skills in advance. Even though Willy Loman is dead...a good old fashioned road trip can still be alive!

Interested in being a traveling Independent Road Rep?

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 00:29:00 +0000

I used to be a traveling road rep selling merchandise door to door through out the 11 western states for many years. Three years ago, due to cost and danger, I transferred my business from the road onto my computer screen.

Last week I was given the opportunity to revisit that “road” experience. I went for a 3 day ride alongside one of the few veteran road reps still turning the key in his ignition to make a buck. He picked me up in his work car and was ready to visit 15-20 stores in a 3 hour driving radius.

His back seat was stocked with everything you would need to stay alive for 5 days after the apocalypse (let alone a sales road trip!): Bottled water, an ice chest filled with snacks, well ironed shirts, sales brochures and small plastic bottles of red wine for day's end at the local Comfort Inn.

It only took a minute for me to fall back in the mindset needed when carrying valuable merchandise. Remember to watch behind you at all times! We both know several road warriors who’d been held up, stabbed, tied and shot doing just what we planned to do; Drive door to door showing & selling merchandise to retail stores.

The first thing I noticed was that some technology had changed. He wasn't using a paper map but instead OnStar technology. Every time he wanted to drive to a store he’d phone a live service who would feed directions to his car’s GPS system. That service costs him $365/year. I suppose if you didn't have a set route of stores to visit regularly, this system would be of use. But, once familiar with the territory, it may not be necessary… and would cut one of the many costs he incurs.

Most everything else about his traveling business was the same as mine had been for more than 20 years. He had his obsolete red book (with store names and old credit ratings), his telephone & his company’s lists of current and past customers to call.

The biggest problem I found with this particular rep’s MO is that he wouldn't use the phone to call before dropping in on a potential client. More often than not, the drop-ins we did created zero sales…And I'm not sure they were great relationship builders either.

Personally, I have always felt that walking in unannounced is both ineffective and a bit rude (not to mention a waste of my time & money!) When I was on the road I found that owners/buyers liked that I called first. That way I wasn't saying “Stop what you’re doing because I've arrived.” When I questioned his “drop in” methods, he said “I don’t call ahead because they always say they won’t see me.” There it is, the reason he won’t get on the phone first is because he was never taught successful phone etiquette!

Again, in my opinion, it is no longer possible for a road rep to drive and stop without making money. When I was out on the road, my sales had to make me a living! Every drop of gas I burned, every dollar I spent on hotel and food had to more than cover my sales. As an independent sales rep, I no longer had the luxury of driving around and visiting stores who didn't buy from me.

My customers did look forward to my calls. Partly because they made money with my merchandise and partly because they liked me. Both important elements to the repping life. And, it wasn't just one phone call that made the difference. Over time, I trained my stores/customers to expect my call and make an appointment (most of the time any way), review the merchandise and then write an order. It took time to develop this understanding, but that was my job!

While riding shotgun with my traveling rep, I began to make those very calls and did find some buyers receptive. He even commented on my phone skills. It took several years to make those calls effective! I told him that every call I make had a strategy connected to it. I had a plan of action (POA) each time I picked up the phone. I call it "smiling & dialing." (To learn more about cold calls refer to my earlier post at: http://www.jewelersfastforward.com/2013/08/do-i-still-have-to-make-cold-calls.html ) In my opinion, it does make a difference!

Over those three days, there were a couple of important lessons learned. 1) Planning in advance can be the difference between wasting gas and making money. 2) Sometimes you do need to show the merchandise on more than one occasion to build the relationship and make the sale.

I can't wait to hear how his follow up trip goes!

I miss you Mom.

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 01:54:00 +0000

I'm noticing that it doesn't matter what business you're in, there are always going to life occurrences that will interfere. Sometimes those things are simple and can be handled simultaneously with your business and then there are those whoppers that halt all business no matter what.
Recently I had one of those whoppers fall squarely into my lap. My mother, age 85, was diagnosed with brain cancer (after contracting lung cancer last spring.) I knew that I was going to spend as much time with her as I could til the day she died. I needed and wanted to do that. Therefore, my business took a back seat and I'm so glad it did. It was the right choice for me.
My Mom took facing her end with an open and peaceful mind. Thankfully she was not in any pain up until the day she passed.

She was so clear about what was happening that her view gave me a new respect about facing my own demise. During the very private times I got to spend with my Mom, I came to appreciate the process of moving on from this life. And what ever was going on in my business just didn't hold a candle to that realization.
All I really want to say is that relationships are what makes up our lives. Remember that and take advantage of every moment you have with those important to you. They really are all we've got. Take the break from work to see what's going on around you. We never know what time we have left... I love you Mom...

Creating New Opportunities in 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 15:21:00 +0000

95% of my work experience has been as an entrepreneur working for myself. So far this year, not including my V-By business, I've contracted with one company and am in conversation with 3 others to do a variety of jobs. My work has never come from the traditional method of job searching with a resume. But something feels different to me this year. Like there are more possibilities. So, I've decided to do something different and hired a professional resume writer!

Julie Walraven is a Certified Professional Resume Writer at Design Resumes, http://designresumes.com/. She was referred by reliable sources and after speaking to her the first time, I knew that I wanted Julie to assist in the writing of my resume. Since hiring Julie, we have spent several appointments working together over video conferencing technology tweaking what is now a ready to print resume.

It was an eye opener to see how much my additional skills with technology added to my resume. The past 6 years spent reading, learning and experimenting with whatever technology offered has given me a leg up on information and how to move with the pace of its growth. These new skill sets and the fact that I am a "mature" woman places me in an unusual category. So, I've got to admit that this new approach (for me :) of putting out a resume has got me excited at the possibilities ahead. Once again, opening those new opportunities for myself trumps staying in one place!

It's time to review 2013!

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 00:33:00 +0000

OK, the year is coming to an end (again!) and it's time to begin gathering information so we can review what happened. Not always an easy or comfortable task. But, if we want next year to be better, we have to know what happened this year. Starting with the numbers...

My brother-in-law who manages a sales team says (besides the fact that the numbers don't lie) "If you can stay detached from the numbers and just look at them they'll give you a whole lot of good information. Like what's working and what isn't."

When you do examine the numbers, there can actually be some relief in knowing them and the truth they tell. Like how are you going to know if you're ahead or behind last year? Where was the growth? Where wasn't there growth and what stayed the same? What changed and why? What made parts of your business grow and others not so much? Was is due to the inventory selection, the staff or the economy? All of these questions and their numbers need to be asked and answered in order to make a plan for 2014.

I tell you what. You do your analyzing and I'll do mine. I'll meet you back here early next year and we'll compare!
Have a healthy New Year!
Regards, Deborah

Out of retail for 1 1/2 years now...

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 01:03:00 +0000

Karen worked in the retail jewelry industry for several years. She was a fabulous sales woman and loved the business for the beauty of the merchandise to the connection with the clients. Karen wanted every sale to live up to the meaning of the holiday it represented.
The store she worked for knew her value...they just were not able to offer a compensation package that gave Karen the security she felt she needed as she aged. And she knew that if a move in careers had to happen, it better be soon!
Three years ago, after seeing the writing on the wall, she began to look for an alternative career path. She lives in Oregon in a small town so there were few possibilities which made the task of finding a new career daunting. It took some doing, but because of her great people skills and her attention to detail, Karen found her new career path in healthcare! I shared a meal with her recently to hear how the shift from jewelry to healthcare were going...
She loves (just about) everything her new position provides. The fact that she can leave at 5pm, doesn't work on the weekends, has great team support around the office and still is caring for someone's personal experience made Karen's move to receiving a decent steady compensation package effortless! Even though she misses the jewelry business, security in a job makes up for it all!
Personally I miss what Karen brought to our industry. Like Karen, it seems that there are many others who are looking for a safer way to earn a living. The question is will they find one with as happy an ending as Karen?

Buying jewelry online "live" with an expert's advice!

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 17:54:00 +0000

Are you a busy person? Need to buy a special birthday gift? V-By is a new way to work with an expert, the retail jeweler, "live", online, without having to travel into their store. You'd be able to make the right gift choice from the comfort of your home or the convenience of your office!
Tell your favorite retailer to use V-By technology.

Do I still have to make cold calls?

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Sun, 04 Aug 2013 21:17:00 +0000

Yep, for me cold calls are still a part of every day business. I can't think of any business where attrition (the loss of business) doesn't play a part in the equation. So we always have to add new customers. And the phone is the handiest and still that most reliable way to do that...Voila, cold calls!
I learned how to make cold calls when I worked in San Francisco on the phone banks for EST & Werner Erhert back in the mid 70's. We used to refer to it as "smiling and dialing." It's a challenge every time I'd pick up the phone.

Mind you there is a mindset you have to put in place if you really want to get through the calls successfully. You can't be attached to what's going to happen each time you dial and someone answers... In fact, I'm always prepared for rejection every time someone answers the phone. Cold calling is the quintessential "improvisation."

When I'm getting my daily fix of cold calls done for the day I notice it becomes a meditation. I focus on my breathing and begin dialing calmly. Interestingly, there are many times that the person on the other end of the phone thinks I'm some one they know. Recently someone even told me that I gave the best "cold call" they had ever received! Cold calling is an art and needs to be cultivated through practice over time.
These calls are a means to an end and need to be scripted and planned with a result in mind. They are ineffective without that plan. But picking up the phone with that script doesn't mean it'll go the way you think it should. That's probably the part that terrifies people and excites people like me the most!

This is exactly where the art of improvisation comes in handy. I always have to listen to the person on the other end and respond accordingly. For example, when making calls into retail businesses, I always begin by asking "Are you busy with a client at the moment?" More often than not they are so shocked by the courtesy I show them that they are happy to speak further with me! Will I accomplish my goals while accommodating the listener on the other end of the line? I never know, so I just pick up the phone and dial again.... :)
(PS- Contact me if you want to get your cold calling up and running.)

ATTENTION WOMEN!

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 15:30:00 +0000

I read this on the flight to Charlotte last week and liked it so well that I tore it out of the SW magazine and have it at my desk right now. It was written by Karen Finerman, CEO of Metropolitan Capital Advisors. She really did a nice job of unveiling yet another issue we women still face today. I was inspired by how she worded it!

How can women better sell their ideas? "I once asked a money manager why he has no women analysts. He said, 'If a man pounds the table and is confident about how much money I can make, and a woman who is just as smart tells me what could go wrong and how much I could lose---well, I'm a sucker. I fall for the upside every time.' Women have a natural aversion to risk, and we do ourselves a disservice by presenting the downside. Lead with the good stuff. Tell me what could go right. Our real strengths shine when we use our concern about risk to prepare for the tough follow-up questions. Go in strong. Sell the positive. And then close the deal by having all the details to support your case."

It's one of those reads that just resonated with me as a woman with an idea. Thanks Karen!

Wireless Technology... :)

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 15:27:00 +0000

Yea, and they're still doing it aren't they?

How do you add technology into your business?

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:12:00 +0000

     I know many of you (wholesale or retail) are interested in using V-By (smart technology) in your businesses but don't know how to begin the process of actually doing it. This post is going to give you some ideas of ways to work into it with effectiveness and success.
     Your first step will be to examine how your business runs now. Writing down (in your computer or on a piece of paper!) the tasks that each person has in your organization is a good way to start. Then review that list and critically decide if each of those actions is actually bringing the business what it is meant to bring... today. If that action is not doing (or bringing to the business) what it used to do and bring, I call it "Dead Wood."
     An example of "Dead Wood" is what one of my V-By members and I spoke about recently. He is a wholesale diamond dealer who gets call from different stores sometimes hours away by car. Every time he was getting a call for a diamond, he would jump in his car and drive that diamond (or 2 or 3 or 4...) to that store in hopes of a sale. Then he'd spend the time driving back to the office to wait for the sale to (hopefully) take place. If the sale never took place, he'd have to drive back, pick up the diamond (or 2 or 3 or 4...) and drive back. Too many times these special deliveries did not turn to sales. He used all that gas and wear on his car, worried about being exposed with high value merchandise and most of all of the time it took him in traveling on the busy stressful freeways back and forth! That is "Dead Wood!"
     Did you know that V-By has the capability of recording videos?   That's exactly what this member is doing. Today he is using the time to record a brief video of each of his important diamonds along with their certificates. Now when a store calls about a diamond, he shoots them a video (or 2 or 3 or 4...) Not only can the retailer look at the video, but it can be passed onto their customer with ease and show that customer how "hip" that retailer really is!
     My member is lessening his cost, his exposure and his wear on his car and his body! He has begun the process of getting rid of the "Dead Wood" and is replacing it with V-By, smart technology! This member is working diligently to rid himself of that "Dead Wood" scenario so he has more time to work smartly.
     It may take time to educate his retailers to accept this new way to work. But if you really want your business to succeed into the future, you are going to have to change it up! The question is why would you continue doing what isn't effective? Even if it takes awhile for you to gain momentum using technology, you already know it will work for your future!
I'm offering a discounted first year V-By membership right now. If you are ready to get rid of the "Dead Wood" in your business, now's the time to get V-By, smart technology!
     What's your "Dead Wood?" Call me and we can figure it out. Deborah e. Hecht, g.g. (702) 524-3883

I went to JCK and this is what I saw...

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:38:00 +0000

Zina Sterling Silver with 2 happy clients!

My sense of this year's Las Vegas shows were over all more positive than the last 4 years. I felt a flitter of a buzz and I'm glad. Every time I had a chance to chat with a seller in an elevator, in the ladies room or at the food court, I asked how they felt the show was going for them. Each one seemed a bit relieved. As though they too found business on an upswing. But, like usual, that doesn't mean everyone wrote good business. Just perhaps "better" business.
When I visited my V-By customers they each had a different story to tell. One of them told me that he had the best day ever at this show. Another mentioned that his location was less than desirable and interfered with the traffic he felt he could have had. Which did correlate with some the booth movement I noticed. Some designers changed shows. Moving from Luxury to JCK. Or from one room to another at the Luxury show. I think that was because some designers who work with silver or alternative metals found the Luxury booths too expensive for their product mix. I also heard that downstairs, where the less expensive merchandise is located, was busier than upstairs (where Luxury and The Design Center are located.)

VERY HOT FEET!!!

There was also a rumor about the entire venue moving... When I asked why the venue might move, I was told that the number of rooms interfered with the flow of traffic. But I can't imaging that the JCK didn't sign a long time contract, so I don't see a move happening any time soon.
Lastly was the Maroon 5 debacle... The venue at the beach held 1/2 the number of people that stood in line! Needless to say there were loads of show buyers and sellers very unhappy after waiting in line on HOT cement for 2 hours just to be turned away! Not the best way to end our show experience!

Could a Smartphone be the future of medicine?

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:05:00 +0000

Of course it could!

If a smartphone is going to save millions of dollars in healthcare bills...why can't smart technology (V-By) add to the future of your sales! Don't just think about it. Call me so you can do it!

I'm a big believer in responsibly using video to inform and market products. Are you?

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:42:00 +0000

Great article about (and with) video marketing tips. I really appreciated the portion about who your marketing audience is (kids!) and the effect it has on all of us as consumers. Check it out!

http://www.marketingprofs.com/articles/2013/10928/five-killer-video-marketing-tips?adref=nlt061013

Is he really the happiest man alive?

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Thu, 30 May 2013 19:50:00 +0000

Something for each of us to remember.. SMILE! :)

Not going to JCK because…

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Wed, 29 May 2013 18:13:00 +0000

Your kid is graduating, there’s a wedding, you have too much inventory already and don’t want to be tempted to buy more or you just can’t afford the trip?
Things come up every year and each one of us has to really examine what important shows (like JCK) can accomplish. Obviously you can’t do anything about the graduation or weddings scheduled (Mazel Tov!) But, if you aren’t attending shows this Summer, today you can begin to plan for the shows you will (and I believe should) attend next year!
Whether you want to look at the latest trends, hear other retailer’s success and unsuccessful sales stories or listen to smart seminars, shows like the JCK and the JANY can inspire you to grow, change, think newly while giving you a breath away from your brick & mortar. And I believe that that step away from your day to day life is what will give you the impetus to change with the times…
Stepping outside your own store (comfort zone) is what allows you to truly have a perspective. Unfortunately, too many of us forget this fact and spin our wheels inside without walking out the door. There is just too much going on out there that could apply to you and your business growth.
I suggest you begin a list of reasons you want to attend the shows and keep it going all year. Being an important industry that provides pleasure for so many it is your responsibility to answer your customers needs in a current market. So, make yourself smarter and plan for your future today!

Technology: a lesson in humility!

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Sun, 19 May 2013 22:22:00 +0000

As an older American, sitting in front of a computer can seem as impossible as reading street signs in downtown Hong Kong. (Especially if you don't speak or read Mandarin!) But, no matter where you live, whether it be in the USA or China, learning the computer has become a necessary way of life. So, if you plan to stay engaged and current with your business, your family and the world, you have no choice but to get a handle on how to use your computer or smart phone!
Once you understand the part technology plays in your particular life, it will give you the incentive to take on the task of learning something new. It's at that moment that the lesson in humility begins. Humility is the quality of being modest or respectful.
I speak from experience- As I faced the reconstruction of my career over the past 5 years, the humility bug has knocked on my door many times. I've kind of gotten used to the feeling of being brought to my knees with confusion over building a website, tackling a new program or deciding which new platform id best for my V-By members.
My solution: Rather than looking up at that huge mountain of new information, focus on placing one foot in front of the other. Or simply put, take one step at a time. Respecting that overwhelming mountain, instead of fearing it, is the only way I have been able to find humility and reach the mountain's peak.
It reminds me of the PT Barnum song "One Brick at a Time." In fact when I'm faced with a problem on the computer (which happened just today), I look to accomplish something, anything that feels like progress. I know that's easier said than done. Your mind may not be naturally wired the way your kids or your grand kids minds are wired. But no matter the challenge you face, using a computer is a must...even if it's "one key stroke at a time."

Technology has become an essential part of everything. Fun, work, shopping, research and even your way of communicating! I think the part that makes it so overwhelming for many of us is the fact that there is so much to learn and it's constantly changing. Sort of like a moving target. Scary! But, when you really analyze it, isn't life always changing? We deal with day to day changes all the time.
Learning computer skills is really no different. Concentrating on placing your foot down, laying one brick at a time or biting off a small portion everyday is how you can accomplish your chosen task. Commit to learning something on the computer every day (or every week) and after 6 months you'll look back in awe to realize how much you've learned!
If you're in the retail business and are used to having a brick and mortar that allows you to meet with customers face to face, you know that there are customers you are not seeing any longer and you know why. They have moved, are seasonal or they are the new generation that doesn't want to walk in your door. They are only available over the computer! Why lose their business? Take on the task of building your own computer savvy, get some humility and add a new flow of business over your computer. You can do it if you say so!

Video 2009 VS 2013: Doing something unexpected even better!

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Sat, 04 May 2013 16:25:00 +0000

Have you done something unexpected since this?

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:59:00 +0000

I recorded this video along side the Arkansas River in 2009. It spoke about what I choose to do that was "unexpected" and asked you to do something unexpected as well.
Soon I will be posting a new video showing my personal growth since this video. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Adding Smart Technology for Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Deborah e. Hecht, g.g.) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 02:33:00 +0000

Effectively using technology in your business model can be a daunting undertaking. Our plates are so full with how we (or the generation before us) have always conducted business, that the thought of taking on something new makes our heads spin! But that doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t do it. In fact, if you're reading this post you know we must figure out how to incorporate the right, smart technology.
I know that some of us have already attempted to step into the technology era and fell on our faces. If you're the kind of person that doesn't like to deal with failure (who does!), you may have decided "forget it, technology's not for me, leave it for the next generation!" That's OK if you have the ability to retire, sell your store or give your kids the store and the chance to figure out this technology thing themselves. But for those of you who are not retiring, it's a different story.
The fact that you were an early adapter and failed can be a blessing. It shows that somewhere in that mind of yours you are a progressive thinking person. All you'll need to do is get back on the technology train at the right stop and start again!
No matter your circumstance, if you tried and failed or have never actually dipped your toes into the technology pool, now is the time to jump in! Begin by deciding who in your company is going to take it on. Will it be you or are you going to delegate it? Once you've determined that, it's time to set your pace using deliberate "baby steps." It will make your personal integration of those new technologies more palatable therefore giving you the ability to digest them at a pace you can both understand and handle. If you do try to bite off more than you can chew, it may get too overwhelming. You're trying to build this new avenue of business smartly so that you don't drop the ball like a hot potato.
Once the technology person has been selected, you're ready to begin discussing what you want to accomplish. Are you a retailer with a brick & mortar who wants to grow your local foot traffic? Or are you a designer without sales reps throughout the country that needs access to more retail stores? Or are you a retail store that wants to create a new stream of income outside of your front door by reaching that new kind of consumer that will only shop online?
Making these decisions upfront will focus your technology selection. For example, you might decide to build a Pinterest page, begin producing informative and useful videos for all of your SM platforms, recreate a new website where the analytics are reviewed regularly or use V-By (I'm just sayin'...) for face to face appointments to grow your online customer base. Whichever step you choose, keep track of it's movement on a regular basis with numbers of people, clicks and most important Dollars it generates. This way you will have a better handle on how your choice of smart technology is working.
Know what goals you want to accomplish with each step. Focus on those steps and watch for what works and what doesn't. And be ready to shift gears if necessary. Also make sure you give adequate time to create traction (or allow it to work.) These choices will be what keeps your direction clear and your success visible along the way.
It is most important to keep track as you move through the new maze that technology will create. The ability to identify success or failure is a process that can be not only eye opening but also incredibly exciting and satisfying!