Two full-days of educational sessions at the JCK Las Vegas delivered practical and proven strategies to assist retailers in understanding how to make the most of the current economic environment. Topics of the sessions included business strategies, products, consumer trends, style and design and sales associate training. The sessions were presented by a collection of industry-leading educators and consultants, professional educators, media and retailers. %% Robert May, Executive Director of the Natural Color Diamond Industry Association (NCDIA) presented, "The Language of Color" along with a team of retailers and experts. The panel discussion revolved around business opportunities that Natural Color Diamonds presents in today's marketplace. "Some of the most popular and well-attended sessions presented information on how retailers can better manage their businesses in these trying times," said Yancy Weinrich, Industry Vice President, JCK Events. "Recognising many of the challenges that retailers are facing today, we wanted to ensure that their time was well spent and that they were gaining the knowledge and information to provide a real business advantage." %% A presentation on salesmanship entitled ‘Making the Most of Every Opportunity’, was delivered by Shane Decker of Ex-Sell-Ence. In his presentation, Decker said, “The basic salesmanship principles still work in today's economy. The in-store sales person is the strongest connection to the customer and therefore must be well-trained, well-informed and be a master at service." Dave Richardson of Richardson Resource Group echoed those sentiments through his "25 Greatest Sales Tips Ever!" presentation. Mark Moeller of RF Moeller Jewelers and President of the AGS also provided a primer on recession-proofing a business. "Price, value, service and tracking your success are the ways that a business will survive in this economy," said Moeller. "Educating consumers on price vs. value provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your experience, product knowledge, and industry association affiliations. These are differentiators from your competitors. They provide credibility in the minds of your customers and keep track of every aspect of your business including your shop. Twenty-five percent of my business's profit comes from repair and batteries and this is often the most overlooked. In good times and especially in a downturn, I can never say this enough: Service Until It Hurts!" %% Social media and online marketing was also discussed amongst a large attendance gathered to see the presentation of Gregg Towsley from WSI Quality Solutions. "Most companies have an internet presence, but many aren't successful at it. Websites, used in combination with search engine marketing and search engine optimisation and social media outlets such as Twitter, You Tube and Facebook, will offer the rewards of acquiring new customers, creating brand awareness and credibility and ultimately drive sales," he said. %% "Adapting and Evolving Your Business in a Changing World," was another session moderated by Matt Runci, Jewelers of America. Panelists Holly Wesche Conn, Wesche Jewelers; Ken Gassman, Jewelry Industry Research Institute; Jeff Corey, Days Jewelers and Susan Jacques from Borscheim's presented not only the trends and opportunities but shared what they currently do to keep consumers excited about purchasing jewellery.