For her annual Halloween story, Associate Editor Lenore Fedow pairs fine jewelry with classic and contemporary Halloween costumes.
The PR Adviser: What’s Your Strategy for the Shows?
Lilian Raji hates to give exhibitors another thing to think about before Las Vegas but … what’s your PR strategy?
Hello My Dear Readers!
We’re taking a break from our regular “Dear Lilian” format for me to just be the PR Adviser today. Fear not, my lovely loyalists, I’m still available to answer all your pressing PR questions, by email or as posted in the comments section. I realize most of you are preparing for Las Vegas, as am I!
I’ll be flitting around the shows, looking for press-worthy dazzlers to feature in this column. If you’re not already following me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, would you take a second to do so now? You can then follow me through my adventures in Emerald City.
Yes, yes, I know Las Vegas is known as Sin City, but when we jewelry people take over, shouldn’t it be called Emerald City?
If you want me to stop at your booth, please send me an invitation. I’d love to meet my readers!
Now, I know it’s simply a madhouse where you are right now. Las Vegas is just weeks away and that to-do list isn’t getting any shorter. I hate to give you another item to add to that list, especially when you’re probably thinking of Googling the health ramifications of not sleeping for 96 hours for the fifth time. But … what is your PR strategy for Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is the time we see friends we’ve only known in Vegas (and oh the secrets we share), and it’s also a time we make new friends. Some of those friends own or buy for stores while others write for magazines. The latter are the friends I want you to consider making as you’re prepping your Red Bull IV drip for another all-nighter of Vegas planning.
You should have a spreadsheet of all the editors and writers planning to attend Las Vegas. You can often get this spreadsheet simply by asking the right people; but sometimes, you must put in some work.
Pull out that growing list of jewelry writers you love, love, love and send each an email asking if they’ll be in Vegas because, OMG, you’ve got an absolutely obscene pendant interpretation of Rihanna’s Met Gala Comme des Garçons dress done in rubies, sapphires and emeralds and it must be seen and Instagrammed in person!
Just like you’re setting up retail appointments, you must also set up press appointments. It’s best for everyone around as attending press understand
Now my new friend is Rebecca Moskal, founder of Communiqué and PR agency extraordinaire for JCK Las Vegas.
I asked Rebecca for three of the most important things you should know in preparation for Vegas (as I realize adding any more than three new things to your 12-page pre-Vegas to-do list may have you contemplating your life choices.)
Rebecca’s wisdom:
1) Have your 30-second elevator pitch ready. Know what your key points are and practice conveying them in a straightforward, engaging manner as you won’t have much time to capture the press’s attention on the busy show floor.
2) Before the show begins, pre-select two or three pieces to show the press. Practice what you’ll say about each piece, such as the design inspiration, the gemstone or a signature look. Make sure the pieces are easily accessible, fingerprint-free, and will leave a lasting and memorable impression.
3) Have professional images taken of your new pieces (on a white background) BEFORE the show. These hi-res image files should be available on branded flash/USB drives for editors to take with them. Include a document with piece descriptions and your contact information.
There you have it! Three simple things to get you closer to your Town & Country spread.
Before you start screaming at your monitor--“Lilian, are you crazy? I don’t have time for this! Don’t you know I’m one UPS label away from express shipping myself to Santorini and saying to hell with Las Vegas?!”-- might I remind you this work is (or should be) already done?
You’re telling the press the exact same thing you’re telling retailers, except you’re not negotiating minimums and buybacks. You’re selling that editor on why her readers (also known as her customers) will want to own your Paraiba tourmaline pavé cuff bracelet.
The only new thing you must do is get your high-resolution photos onto flash drives. And that’s what interns are for!
It’s getting late and those insurance forms won’t fill out themselves. Don’t forget to email me if you’d like me to stop by your booth.
And, as always, post in the comments section or email me with your most pressing PR questions.
Viva Las Vegas!
Lilian Raji is a strategic marketing and public relations adviser who helps luxury lifestyle brands sell more products to luxury buyers. Send questions for The PR Adviser to nationaljeweler@lmrpr.com or contact her at lilian@lmrpr.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
The Latest
Sales fell 15 percent for the luxury conglomerate in the third quarter, led by a 26 percent drop in sales for flagship brand Gucci.
The book features new styles and revived favorites.
From protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
Aimed at a generation that emphasizes self-care and mental health, “Worth the Wait” breaks new ground in the world of diamond advertising.
Editor Lauren McLemore immersed herself in New York Bridal Fashion Week to better understand the role fine jewelry plays on the big day.
The jeweler shared her change of heart on lab-grown diamonds and why she keeps them separate from natural diamonds in her business ventures.
This fall, sharpen your skills in jewelry grading, quality control and diamond assessment.
The New York-based brand is expanding outside of the U.S., with a pop-up shop in London and plans to distribute internationally.
They’re available through a retailer that sells luxury products inspired by the lifestyle of Batman’s billionaire civilian persona.
The watchmaker is selling 1,000 “Waterbury” watches for $1 each in celebration of its 170th anniversary.
Launched by De Beers in 2018, the program aims to develop a responsible sourcing model for the artisanal/small-scale diamond mining sector.
The new “Ouche” collection brings sculptural designs to the brand, while the expanded “Daystar” collection brings a rainbow of colors.
The auction house said the gemstone could fetch up to $5.5 million at next month’s sale.
From prioritizing the customer experience to optimizing inventory, columnist Emmanuel Raheb shares the keys to a successful holiday season.
It marks the first championship win in the team’s 28-year history.
The Arkansas-based jeweler’s first store in the state’s northwest region is set to open next year.
It will start with rough diamonds that are larger than 1.25 carats and later expand to rough diamonds that are above 1 carat.
The capsule collection is inspired by friendship and connection, with a nod to ‘80s fashion.
The New York socialite’s elegant, transformable piece from the 1960s is headed to auction later this month.
Texas jeweler Susan Eisen and NAJA’s Gail Brett Levine discuss how lab-grown diamonds have altered the landscape for jewelry appraisers.
On the verge of retirement, Kennedy recounts the most stressful stretch of his time at JSA and reveals what he’ll miss about the industry.
Signet Jewelers CEO Gina Drosos’ secrets to success are listening to her team and leaning on data to make decisions.
Part of the Welsh singer’s extensive jewelry collection, the bathtub-shaped Cartier watch went for nearly $72,000 at Sotheby’s Paris.
He dedicated his life to researching, writing, and speaking about gemstones in the hope he could inspire others to share his passion.
The event is slated for Oct. 17-19.
12 spots are available for travelers to visit Northern Tanzania and Southern Kenya from July 25 to Aug. 4.