SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
ColumnistsDec 21, 2020
Coach’s Corner: ‘Tis The Season to Set Goals for 2021
Pat Henneberry is all about setting goals for her physical therapy sessions, and she wants to help you do the same for your business.
Pat Henneberry is president of consulting and sales training company The Jewelry Coach. Reach her at 512-203-3414, or on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
We are coming to the end of the year, a year that many people will be happy to see draw to a close. But, before we turn the page on 2020, I have some questions for you.
I was at my physical therapy appointment recently. I’ve been in PT for three years. I’m starting to see results and am anxious to start doing more—longer walks, swimming, spinning … the list is a long one.
I realized it’s time for me to have some goals. For the longest time I’ve been focused on getting stronger but with no specific end game in mind.
So, I mentioned to my physical therapist that I wanted to have some goals to work toward.
He agreed and asked me what I thought they would be. I made a list of them and he immediately put me on the stationary bike for five minutes, which I paid for the next day.
It feels good to have a goal in place. I’ve always been an athlete. My days were always training for the next triathlon or open-water swim.
With the difficult year everyone has had, I ask you: Have you been able to stop and think about your goals for 2021?
Here are some simple questions that, I hope, get you thinking.
— What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
— Is your business prepared for it?
— What are your business goals for the year 2021?
Setting business goals might seem daunting when there is uncertainty, but trust me, I’ve learned that answers give you hope. As business owners, you must make the decision that you will not be victims in your story. You must be the hero!
Ask yourself: What did you learn this year that you want to carry into 2021?
You need to think ahead and set your business up for a strong year of growth. Answering these simple questions will help get you started.
Don’t wait for Jan. 1 to make your move. Start now!
There are many areas of your business for which you can define goals.
Some of these might be purchasing new equipment, hiring more staff, joining the American Gem Society, dedicating more time to your marketing, looking for something new that will bring customers into your store (get creative—there are new technologies in our industry), increasing traffic to your website or building a blog.
Your
I was at my physical therapy appointment recently. I’ve been in PT for three years. I’m starting to see results and am anxious to start doing more—longer walks, swimming, spinning … the list is a long one.
I realized it’s time for me to have some goals. For the longest time I’ve been focused on getting stronger but with no specific end game in mind.
So, I mentioned to my physical therapist that I wanted to have some goals to work toward.
He agreed and asked me what I thought they would be. I made a list of them and he immediately put me on the stationary bike for five minutes, which I paid for the next day.
It feels good to have a goal in place. I’ve always been an athlete. My days were always training for the next triathlon or open-water swim.
With the difficult year everyone has had, I ask you: Have you been able to stop and think about your goals for 2021?
Here are some simple questions that, I hope, get you thinking.
— What are you most looking forward to in the new year?
— Is your business prepared for it?
— What are your business goals for the year 2021?
Setting business goals might seem daunting when there is uncertainty, but trust me, I’ve learned that answers give you hope. As business owners, you must make the decision that you will not be victims in your story. You must be the hero!
Ask yourself: What did you learn this year that you want to carry into 2021?
You need to think ahead and set your business up for a strong year of growth. Answering these simple questions will help get you started.
Don’t wait for Jan. 1 to make your move. Start now!
There are many areas of your business for which you can define goals.
Some of these might be purchasing new equipment, hiring more staff, joining the American Gem Society, dedicating more time to your marketing, looking for something new that will bring customers into your store (get creative—there are new technologies in our industry), increasing traffic to your website or building a blog.
Your
business is as unique as you are and only you know what achievements would make a real difference to its success.
Below, I share the three important steps in business goal-setting for the new year.
Discover. What do you want to achieve in 2021? Define your business goals. You might want to ask your employees for help with this.
Create a Roadmap. It’s simple—write down what you want to achieve.
Write it in a number of places. Put it up in the kitchen, next to the cash register, on the back door as you walk out. Dream big.
When I was a competitive swimmer our coach made us write down the time we wanted to beat. I had it on my locker, on the front of my notebook, I even wrote it on my hand (thank God tattoos weren’t popular back then, I’d be walking around with 56.10 on my arm!).
Get to work. Make the commitment to stay on course. Stay on top of these goals all year.
Now, it’s time for me to get back to my PT. I’ll be swimming soon, and then running up and down the show floors in 2021.
Best of luck!
Below, I share the three important steps in business goal-setting for the new year.
Discover. What do you want to achieve in 2021? Define your business goals. You might want to ask your employees for help with this.
Create a Roadmap. It’s simple—write down what you want to achieve.
Write it in a number of places. Put it up in the kitchen, next to the cash register, on the back door as you walk out. Dream big.
When I was a competitive swimmer our coach made us write down the time we wanted to beat. I had it on my locker, on the front of my notebook, I even wrote it on my hand (thank God tattoos weren’t popular back then, I’d be walking around with 56.10 on my arm!).
Get to work. Make the commitment to stay on course. Stay on top of these goals all year.
Now, it’s time for me to get back to my PT. I’ll be swimming soon, and then running up and down the show floors in 2021.
Best of luck!
More on Columnists
The Latest
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans ApprovedThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
