train your customers

#290 How to Overcome Creative Blocks and Get Into Flow State with Dan Clark

By Tracy Matthews / February 23, 2021

Creative blocks are every creative visionary’s nightmare.  When you’re using your creativity to make money – something we’re very passionate about at F&TA – you can’t always afford to hit a creative block. But if you do… there…

Read More

#289 5 Tips for Jewelry Designers to Write Emails That Convert

By Tracy Matthews / February 16, 2021

How often are you emailing your list? The answer is, probably not enough. It might surprise you, but 2020 showed us time and time again that email marketing is vital for making more direct-to-consumer sales online.  The designers…

Read More

#248 6 Online Sales Strategies that Are Working Now

By Tracy Matthews / April 14, 2020

I want to tell you something: it’s OKAY if you’re feeling overwhelmed right now. The changes we’re experiencing are causing a lot of fear and uncertainty and I understand how that might paralyze you and keep you feeling…

Read More

#246 Simple Jewelry Bench Tips with Corkie Bolton of Metalsmith Society

By Tracy Matthews / April 2, 2020

Breaking news: double-sided tape is about to rock your world. At least, that’s what happened to me when I sat down with Corkie Bolton for a second round of podcasting! It’s so great to meet other jewelers with…

Read More

#245 How to Pivot Your Sales Strategy When Your Shows Are Off and Stores Aren’t Buying

By Tracy Matthews / March 31, 2020

“Shows are canceled, stores are closed, and sales are down. How do I sell at a time like this?” This sentiment has been popping up all over the jewelry community. It’s a scary and uncertain time, but you…

Read More

#243 Don’t Panic – Here’s What to Do NOW to Save Your Jewelry Business During the Coronavirus Pandemic with Robin Kramer

By Tracy Matthews / March 24, 2020

We’re in the middle of some rocky, uncharted waters, m’dear. But that doesn’t mean we’re doomed! It’s time to pull together as a community to support one another as we navigate this brand new territory. I’m tuning in…

Read More

Bonus Episode #2: Your Jewelry and Product Business in the Face of Uncertainty

By Tracy Matthews / March 19, 2020

Are you freaking out a little bit? Don’t worry, the voice of reason is here! I’m talking about Jason R. Ayers, of course. In Part 1 we talked about what you can do to protect your mindset and…

Read More

Bonus Episode #1 Your Jewelry and Product Business in the Face of Uncertainty

By Tracy Matthews / March 17, 2020

Breathe in, breathe out. It’s a scary time to be a business owner right now. I’m sure COVID-19 wasn’t a part of your 2020 business plan, but here we are. Although it might feel like the world is…

Read More

#213 Want to Make $100K Salary as a Jewelry Designer? Here’s what it takes…

By Tracy Matthews / August 6, 2019

For most designers, making a $100,000 salary is what it will take for you to quit your job or achieve your goals. I hear it all the time. “Tracy, I want to make $100,000 a year. What does…

Read More

#212 How to Get People to Open Your Emails with Tarzan Kay

By Tracy Matthews / July 30, 2019

Wanna know what’s crazy? Business owners notoriously underutilize their email list. They’re missing out on a HUGE opportunity for growth. This week I chatted with the clever and energetic Tarzan Kay! She might be even more passionate about…

Read More