Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Coach’s Corner: My Favorite Soundbites
The “Jewelry Coach” compiles a list of her top maxims for the fourth quarter.

Anyone who has attended one of my workshops or has worked with me knows I love soundbites. I believe the best lessons are short, sweet and useful.
The attendees of my presentations are remarkable when it comes to telling me what they like most about my workshops; of course, I am honored when they tell me they have learned from them and even use them in their own presentations.
So, for the fourth quarter, I decided I would compile a list of my favorite morals and soundbites.
-- Whatever you are selling at the counter, sell yourself first.
-- Don’t let your weaknesses get in the way of your strengths.
-- Build relationships with your customers and they will become lifetime customers.
-- People buy from people whom they like.
-- It’s easier to look for the good things in life than the bad.
-- Humor always wins. (This one is from my mom.)
-- Selling isn’t rocket science, it’s people science.
-- It’s not your wallet.
-- Don’t presume what you assume is correct.
-- Your job is always to make someone else’s job easier.
-- You are only one question away from success, if you ask it. (Ask more questions to get to know your customer.)
-- Make the best of it when the worst of it is happening.
-- The hardest sale you’ll ever make is to yourself. But once you’ve convinced you can do it, you can.
-- If it’s to be, it’s up to me. (This one is from my dad.)
-- Real is rare.
-- No one ever regrets giving the best.
-- Try to shoot straight from the hip without shooting yourself in the foot.
-- Never underestimate the power of a woman.
-- Negotiation at the counter is not just about winning, it’s a win-win.
-- Actions speak much louder than words.
-- Some of the best lessons we learn from are our mistakes.
-- To launch something new it doesn’t have to be perfect.
-- Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.
-- Be respectful or be regretful.
-- You are only as happy as you want to be.
-- When you talk to yourself, make sure you listen carefully.
-- Find your customers pain points and you will be helpful.
-- Remind your customers that ... you got this!
Pat Henneberry is vice president of global learning and development at Hearts On Fire. She also is founder of The Jewelry Coach, a sales
The Latest

The 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.

The West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

This past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.


The brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.

JSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

Located on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.

The new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.

The online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.

She will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.

Working with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.

The jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.

The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

Rocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.