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Aleah Arundale, a 5th generation jeweler from Olympian Diamonds and creator of the Facebook group phenomenon, “Jewelers Helping Jewelers”, joins us today.
Aleah shares her thoughts and experiences about starting a Facebook group for jewelers and growing it to almost 11,000 members.
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Question 1 – So before I bring someone on the show, I always ask some of our audience members what questions they would ask if they had the chance. The top lead-off question was, “How did she go from being a fifth-generation jeweler to starting Jewelers Helping Jewelers?” What was the initial creative spark and how did she get it off the ground? Timestamp: [3:55]
Question #2 – One of the areas that really impresses me about “Jewelers Helping Jewelers” is their outpouring of support for jewelers in need. The genuineness, the level of compassion, the acts of kindness, are things that we seldom hear about in the news today. Could you share some of those moments with us? Timestamp: [5:53]
Question #3 – I was reading a really good article the other day that Ann Glynn wrote for Southern Jewelry News titled, “The SJG Smart Business Report”, dated December 31st, 2017. Just sort of paraphrasing here, but she mentioned that you get in the neighborhood of 700 requests each week from people who want to join, but only approximately 10% actually get approved for membership. What criteria do you use for membership, why do so few get vetted, and how does that make the group stronger? Timestamp: [8:09]
Question #4 – So when I heard there are “No Rules” for your group I thought to myself, “Hmm, I wonder how that works out?” So looking back on it now, how do you think the “No Rules” policy has developed the group? Timestamp: [9:47]
Question #5 – A friend once told me that trying to control a large Facebook group is like trying to control the river, it just has a mind of its own. The best you can do he said, is to try to keep it flowing in the right direction. With that being said, it takes a full-on commitment both in terms of time and energy to keep this JHJ river flowing in the right direction. What is your typical day like at the helm of this group? Timestamp: [11:06]
Question #6 – Was there ever a moment, you know, a “Field of Dreams” moment, one of those “If you build it they will come” moments early on for you in this project and, looking back now, did you ever imagine JHJ would become so well received among members of the jewelry trade so quickly? Timestamp: [12:28]
Question #7 – JHJ is so much more than simply a place to hang out and commiserate with others in the Trade, it has a robust commercial side to it as well. Can you share a little bit about how that works currently and are there any thoughts in the future about expanding that within the group also, any success stories you could share? Timestamp: [13:36]
Question #8 – There are some great advantages to a group as large as JHJ, especially when it comes to the collective insights and experiences. But sometimes, well you know, people don’t always show off their best side. Can you tell us a little bit about the recently launched JHJ Ambassadors Club, and what it aims to do? Timestamp: [15:45]
Question #9 – Now that you’ve got nearly 11,000 members, what are your plans for JHJ in the future? Is there an agenda you want to pursue, a goal perhaps to rally the members? What does the future hold for this quickly growing force in the jewelry trade? Timestamp: [16:55]
Question #10 We’ve covered a lot of ground today, but is there one question that I should have asked you but didn’t? Timestamp: [18:38]
Show Links
Olympian Diamonds – Olympian is a successful wholesale diamond company in Chicago’s diamond district. “We know that your diamonds must be prettier than the competition. They must be brighter and better priced.” 8 South Michigan Ave. Suite 605, Chicago, IL 60603. Contact them at 1.800.882.8900.
Jay Figler – Ohio based jeweler who offers limited edition bridal, fashion, and custom made-to-order jewelry.
Southern Jewelry News – Serving the Southern & Midwest Jewelry Industry with the best and most current jewelry news.
“The SJG Smart Business Report” Terrific article which appeared on the 31st of Dec 2017. Written by Ann Glynn, the President/CEO of Southern Jewelers Guild.
“Southern Jewelers Guild reviews popular industry Facebook groups” – Article was written by Ann Glynn which appeared in Southen Jewelry News on the 16th of May 2017.
“Jewelers Helping Jewelers” – Article appeared in Southern Jewelry News on the 17th of January 2017. Written by Ann Glynn
Southern Jewelers Guild – “Our organization serves jewelers, vendors, and industry-related tradespeople who are passionate about their businesses and prepared to do what it takes to bring their businesses to the next level and keep it operating at optimal performance.”
Our “Inside the Jewelry Trade” Radio Show Episodes
The host of “Inside the Jewelry Trade” Radio Show – Jewelry Business Strategist – President of Four Grainer LLC. Author of the business books “A Reason To Chant,” and “A Reason to Chant – Jewelry Trade Edition.” Rod lives in Atlanta with his wife and two almost-human cats.