My dad always told me that if I was going to be successful, you have to get out there and shake hands and kiss babies. In other words, get to know as many people as possible. That means getting involved in something outside of the work environment. Jewelers should get involved in your community as well.

Whether you are a business owner, manager, or salesperson it is essential that you get involved in the community. The opportunity to network through organizations is a tremendous advantage to you and your business. Having the opportunity to shake hands and rub elbows with other people in the community can do you a world of good and give you a fabulous resource for leads and potential customers. If you are in a mall get involved in the merchant association. The mall just may tend to give more free publicity to the store and person that is active in the organization. Become involved in your church, the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, Lions Club, or in your children’s parent teacher association. Become an active part of the Distributive Education program and/or the Junior Achievement Program at your local high schools, Junior Colleges and Technical Schools and Universities.

All of these avenues are fabulous resources to where you can meet and network with people in order to get more leads and potential customers. In addition, you just may have an opportunity to give back a little something to your community and the people that are your meal ticket, your customers. As an additional benefit you might just learn something as well and find some wonderful resources for finding terrific employees. I know time is a factor but if everyone in your company just gets involved with one organization the benefits will be outstanding. You will feel terrific about your contribution and the community will reward you for your time and effort.

Author, trainer, consultant, and speaker Brad Huisken is president of IAS Training. He publishes a free weekly newsletter called “Sales Insight.” For a free subscription or more information on training, contact IAS Training at 800-248-7703, info@iastraining.com, fax 303-936-9581, or visit the website at iastraining.com. 

JCK