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Peter is the President of VIBHOR, author of “Hiring Squirrels” and “Sell Something”.
He is a frequent columnist for National Jeweler magazine and The Jewelry Book.
Peter has 30 plus years in leadership roles with Hearts On Fire, Tiffany & Co, Montblanc, Colibri, and several others.
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Question #1 – Peter, you’ve been in the jewelry business since 1977, including 8 years with Tiffany & Co, 11 years as Executive Vice President of Hearts on Fire, as well as, working with Colibri and Mont Blanc. Clearly, you’ve got the skill set to be successful in many different fields. So how did you get into the business, and what’s kept your passion burning for the jewelry trade for so long? Timestamp: [3:11]
Question #2 – There’s so much that I want to ask you, but I have to start with your column on the “Future of Retail” from, well…almost two years ago now. I understand you gave a series of keynotes and talks on that column as recently as this past Fall, so it’s still a hot button for many of us. Can you share some of the highlights of that presentation? Timestamp: [5:14]
Question #3 – Several sources are projecting growth in the retail sector, but aren’t we going to see more and more of the sales going to online businesses such as Blue Nile? Are retailers wrong to worry about the impact of online sellers? Timestamp: [10:02]
Question #4 – So, you’ve touched on the need to have a clear point of view that is consistently communicated across all of their touchpoints. What other things can retailers do to ensure relevance in this rapidly evolving retail landscape? Timestamp: [16:09]
Question #5 – Let’s switch gears for a moment and talk about your great book titled, “Hiring Squirrels”. You wrote that six in ten salespeople working at retail jewelers should not be in sales. First off, I’d love to know where the book title came from? Secondly, 6 in 10 shouldn’t be in sales? Why do you say that? Timestamp: [28:27]
Question #6 – So, staying with your book “Hiring Squirrels” for a moment. If it’s all about a person’s wiring, does training not really matter, and can someone eventually change their wiring? Timestamp: [41:12]
Question #7 – Let’s talk about your other popular book titled, “Sell Something.” What was the motivation for the book, and why do you think it resonates with retailers so strongly today? Timestamp: [47:40]
Question #8 – So Peter, I understand that you have heard from many jewelry stores who are using “Sell Something” as a book club. How are they doing that, and are there any thoughts of expanding this book into a comprehensive training system for retailers? Timestamp: [52:20]
Question #9 – On top of presenting keynote speeches and writing books, you’re actually the president of VIBHOR. VIBHOR is a family-owned US manufacturer of premium diamond bands and core-jewelry based in New York City. Can you tell us more about the core concepts and offerings of VIBHOR, and what does your company do to help retail jewelers in today’s demanding environment? Timestamp: [54:56]
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: [58:39]
What You Should Know About Peter Smith
Currently: President of VIBHOR.
VIBHOR specializes in Core Diamond Essentials, including die-struck bands, pendants, earrings, and bracelets. Their products are available in 18kt white (
Experience: 30+-years in leadership roles with companies such as Hearts On Fire, Tiffany & Co, Colibri, and Montblanc.
Columnist: National Jeweler and The Jewelry Book.
Public Speaker: Retail, Branding, Sales, Hiring and Personnel, AGS Global Guilds Speaker.
Education: B.A. from Boston College and Harvard Business School’s Key Executive’s program.
Author Peter Smith’s Books:
Contact Information
- LinkedIn Account
- Email: Peter@VIBHORGEMS.com
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.