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The E-Mail Newsletter for Bench Jewelers
July 2000
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<> <> <> <> <> TABLE OF CONTENTS <> <> <> <> <> RUN YOUR SHOP WITHOUT IT RUNNING YOU QUOTES WORTH RE-QUOTING SIMON SEZ TRADE SECRETS ON THE BENCH ================================================= <> <> RUN YOUR SHOP WITHOUT IT RUNNING YOU <> <> Show Me the Money “Show Me the Money!” Cuba Gooding Jr. demanded in his Oscar winning performance in the movie Jerry McGuire, quickly becoming the battle cry of workers all across the country. Show me the money, they told their employers. Show me the money, and I’ll improve my performance. Money, after all, is the greatest reward, and the greatest motivator – or is it? Cuba Gooding Jr. played the part of Rod Tidwell, a football player who desired and demanded the multi-million dollar contract the other star players were receiving. Each year I watch these multi-million dollar athletes compete, and I wonder if money is such a great motivator, why do so many of today’s players seem LESS motivated to perform on the playing field than many of the “under paid” athletes of the days of my childhood? This past fall I had the opportunity to speak with two employees from different companies just after they received their "Annual Employee Review" from their employer. These employees received vastly different reviews, however, both were equally outraged at their bosses. The first employee told me she could not believe the review she had received. Her boss had nothing good to say about her. She worked hard all year to get the work out on time, but that wasn't enough. She worked to improve her skills, but he wanted her to do better. She tried to improve the store by doing more and more for the store, but he wasn't satisfied. Nothing she had done seemed to please him and she was heartbroken. I expressed my empathy for her situation and said, "To top it all off, you were probably expecting a raise with all that hard work weren't you?" "Oh, I got a raise," she said. "Quite a large one and an increase in my Christmas Bonus." "Well then, doesn't that show you how much he appreciates your hard work," I responded. "If he appreciates me so much, he should have told me," she exclaimed. "If he doesn't value all my hard work, I'll show him. I'm not going to knock myself out around here anymore." The second employee told me a quite different story. She told me how her boss had expressed his gratitude for her work. He told her how valuable she was to the store and how the awards she won and the accomplishments she achieved had brought new customers to the store. He was certainly lucky to have her work for him. "That's great," I said, "I bet you're going to try even harder next year aren't you?" "You’ve got to be kidding," she shot back. "I didn't receive a raise! If he doesn't pay me some of that extra money I made for him, why should I work so hard? I'll show him. I'm not going to try nearly as hard next year." What is an employer to do? Both of these employers had valued employees. Both showed their appreciation, one through a pay increase and one though sincere praise. However, both employees were upset and vowed to quit working so hard. To find an answer, I turned to numerous management books and found Frederick Herzberg. He is considered the father of job enrichment and one of the major management philosophers of the twentieth century. Through his studies of management thoughts, he divided work issues into two categories: Dissatisfiers and Motivators. Dissatisfiers are the primary cause of dissatisfaction and de-motivation on the job. Motivators are the primary cause for satisfaction and motivation on the job. Dissatisfiers include: Motivators include: Dissatisfiers will not motivate workers. Although you can achieve satisfaction in these areas, satisfaction does not increase motivation. However, when any of these areas fall below the level that an employee feels is acceptable, dissatisfaction will occur. For example, if poor working conditions exist, workers may become dissatisfied and unmotivated to work. By improving conditions morale will improve and workers will no longer be dissatisfied. However, a level of satisfaction is all you can achieve with working conditions. You cannot continually improve conditions beyond this level to create an environment to motivate workers to excel. These levels of satisfaction are subject to change over time. They are dependent on the laws of diminishing return. For example, a salary level that is acceptable today may not be satisfactory in five years from now. Motivators are the primary cause for worker motivation. They are the stimulus for job enrichment. They provide opportunities for challenge and growth, and develop the desire to excel and achieve. According to Herzberg, achievement is the single strongest motivator. Achievements motivate a person to go on and try to accomplish a little bit more. This achievement can be accomplishing something for the first time or doing something better than ever done before. The second strongest motivator is recognition. This occurs when a person achieves something and someone else recognizes that accomplishment in some way. The job situations of the two employees I spoke about is a classic example of the Herzberg Theory of Dissatisfiers / Motivators. The boss of the first lady made the mistake of thinking he could motivate his employees solely through the area of Dissatisfiers, namely money. This, at best, creates contented workers not motivated ones. By itself, this will create satisfied workers producing adequate, mediocre work. In the particular situation given above, the employee was paid a salary that in her estimation was more than adequate. Offering her more money did not (and could not) motivate her to higher levels of performance. The second boss realized that offering sincere praise for accomplishments provides a strong stimulus for motivation. However, the employee’s perception of lack of pay dissatisfied her to the point that nothing could motivate her until the salary level was increased. A compensation method that has gained popularity in recent years is to place bench jewelers on commissions in order to help motivate jewelers to improve productivity. This can be an effective method of compensation provided it is not seen as the only method used to stimulate motivation. Over the past couple of years I have observed a trend developing that during the first year or two bench jewelers placed on commissions work harder and their pay level increases. Then, after this initial period the pay begins to level off. Herzberg's Theory explains this phenomenon. Bench jewelers are typically under paid. Given the opportunity, they work harder to raise their pay. However, once they have achieved a satisfactory pay level their desire stops, until they become dissatisfied with the new pay level. With constant reminders from the industry (and from many of their bosses) that they are now paid above average; dissatisfaction with this new pay level is highly unlikely. So, what's an employer to do when they have a valued employee? First and foremost, make certain they are not un-motivated from lack of pay. If they feel they are under paid for their efforts nothing else you say or do can motivate them. Next, provide an enticement that will motivate them and keep them motivated by offering more opportunities for achievement, and then give recognition when that achievement occurs. Show them the money AND THE PRAISE! ================================================= <> <> <> <> <> <> GOLD SPONSOR <> <> <> <> <> <> Spend a TAX – DEDUCTIBLE weekend at the BEACH! For more information and other dates and locations visit ================================================= <> <> <> <> QUOTES WORTH RE-QUOTING <> <> <> <> Anyone who stops learning is old, whether twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning today is young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Never stop learning; knowledge doubles every fourteen months. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ True wisdom lies in gathering the precious things out of each day as it goes by. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ You must acquire wisdom in addition to knowledge. Wisdom is the power which enables you to use your knowledge to advantage. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ You generally hear that what a man doesn't know doesn't hurt him, but in business what a man doesn't know does hurt. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Knowledge and wisdom must go hand in hand. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Study to show thyself approved unto God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a doubled-minded man unstable in all he does. ================================================= Run Your Shop Without It Running You = => Now On CD ROM <= = You receive the complete text of this best selling book on Shop Management. PLUS 12 additional articles and other information. = => Introductory Offer <= = $ $ $ SAVE $14.95 $ $ $ Purchase this CD ROM by July 31st for ONLY $35 To order send your check for $35 plus shipping B W Simon Order Today – This is a limited time offer! ================================================= <> <> <> <> <> SIMON SEZ SEMINARS <> <> <> <> <> Bradney W. Simon is an accomplished platform speaker and provides Keynote Speeches and Educational Seminars. For information on having him speak for your organization visit us on the web at http://www.bwsimon.com/ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ See and hear Bradney W. Simon at the following Seminars ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ => Where It’s @ How To Win The Battles In Cyber Space This exciting Internet Marketing Seminar by Bradney W. Simon This seminar is * * FREE * * to everyone registered for the Jewelry Show. For more information and to register contact: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ => Trade Secrets Tips, Tricks, & Techniques of a Master Jeweler Making and repairing jewelry encompasses only a few basic techniques. However, there are numerous tricks to use in mastering those techniques. In this interactive seminar you will learn tips, tricks, and techniques on jewelry repair, fabrication, and stone setting from a JA Certified Master Bench Jeweler. Oklahoma Jewelers Association <=> September 24th +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ => Run Your Shop Without It Running You This seminar will help retail jewelers increase profits by operating an efficient jewelry repair shop. It contains innovative and practical information that you can use in your store. Topics include: Pricing, Take-In Procedures, Productivity in the Shop, Employee Development, and Much More. St. Petersburg, Florida <=> July 14 Fort Lauderdale, Florida <=> July 15 Virginia Beach, Virginia <=> August 12 For additional Seminar Dates and Locations visit +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If a seminar is not offered near you contact Bradney Simon For information on hosting a seminar in your town. ================================================= <> <> <> <> <> <> GOLD SPONSOR <> <> <> <> <> <> Place Your Ad Here Over 650 Bench Jewelers will see your message, plus it will remain in our permanent archive at http://www.bwsimon.com/ For Information and rates on placing an Ad mailto:E-BENCH@BWSimon.com?subject=Sponsor ================================================= <> <> <> <> <> TRADE SECRETS <> <> <> <> <> Many ring mandrels measure ring sizes differently than the ring sizers used to measure the customers’ finger, resulting in an improperly sized ring. One method to avoid this problem is to purchase several sets of plastic ring sizers. Take apart the sets of sizers and organize them by finger size in a plastic compartment box with a snap close lid. Then measure the customers’ finger with these sizers and place the correct sizer in the job envelope with the ring to be sized. Then the bench jeweler will have no questions as to the size to make the ring. When finished, return the ring sizer to the tray for future use. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ When setting channel set anniversary bands, use pliers with one half-round jaw and one flat jaw (the kind used to bend ring shanks while sizing). Place the half-round jaw in the finger hole of the ring and the flat jaw on the top of the channel. With the flat jaw of the pliers you can smoothly squeeze down the channel onto the stones, and the half-round jaw will not mar or nick the inside of the ring. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Cut a perpendicular notch across the tip of a pair of self-locking soldering tweezers. This will then easily grasp and hold wire, jump rings, earring post, etc. when soldering. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ On heavy prongs, use a small ball bur to carve a hollow area on the inside of the prong. This will make it easier to bend the prong over fragile stones. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ When rounding out the rings from sizing use a double face mallet, brass on one side nylon on the other. Use the nylon side to straighten out the ring shank. Like a rawhide mallet it will bend the shank but not stretch it. Then if the ring is a little too small turn the hammer around in your hand and tap up with the brass side. This saves time from putting down the rawhide mallet and picking up a steel hammer then going back to the rawhide mallet. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Placing a section of a bamboo skewer in your flex-shaft can make an excellent wood lap polishing point. File the protruding end to a point, and use your favorite rouge. The bamboo skewers are approximately 3/32” in diameter, which makes them easy to use in a quick-change handpiece. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For additional Bench Tips check out the New Fully Illustrated ================================================= <> <> <> <> <> ON THE BENCH <> <> <> <> <> <> Polishing Your Act Many jewelers see polishing as a mundane task. However, it is one of the most important operations in the process of repairing or making jewelry. The final appearance of the jewelry, to a large extent, will determine the acceptability of the work by the customer. Although a good polish cannot cover up poor workmanship, a poor polish will make even the most expert workmanship look sloppy. Buffing and polishing are the two procedures used to produce the final high luster on jewelry. Although often used interchangeably these are two separate operations. Buffing is an abrasive process where a small amount of the surface is removed. Tripoli is the most commonly used compound for buffing. It will remove minor scratches left from sanding and smooth out all surfaces, however it will not bright polish. The final high luster is achieved by polishing. Polishing uses harder compounds such as rouge. Varieties of rouges are available for different uses and are distinguished by their color. Yellow rouge is fast becoming the preferred rouge for gold, as it is less messy than the traditional red rouge. With rouge, there is almost no cutting action; it burnishes the metal, moving the surface layer around to smooth the fine scratches left from buffing. NEVER mix the rouge and tripoli buffs. You can easily contaminate the rouge buff. Once contaminated with even a slight amount of tripoli, the rouge buff will not produce its normal mirror finish. Always wipe or wash off the jewelry and your hands after using the tripoli buff. It is possible to "carry over" tripoli on the jewelry to the rouge buff. Any discussion of the polishing motor should begin with a warning to respect its capability for inflicting serious personal injury, as well as damage to the article of jewelry. Because the buff wheels are so soft, it is hard to imagine that they can do any damage. This misconception can lead to problems unless you follow certain procedures. More serious injuries have probably occurred while polishing than all other jewelry related procedures combined. The spinning buffs have a tendency to snatch at anything touching them. The down draft created by the blower may pull loose clothing or hair into the wheel. The following procedures will help you produce a professional looking finish and minimize the risk of personal injury. Always work just below the center of the buff wheel. Never raise the jewelry above a horizontal line even with the motor spindle, or lower it too far below. Both of these situations will cause the wheel to grab the item from your hand. Work should be pressed firmly against the wheel so that you feel the cutting action. Never press so hard that the motor slows down. Excessive pressure will not give a better polish or polish faster. Light pressure is also ineffective. A firm even pressure throughout the operation is preferred. Do not use too much tripoli or rouge on the wheels. It is not necessary to apply more compounds each time the buff is used. Apply the compounds when the results indicate it is needed. Move the jewelry constantly. Holding it for too long in one position may cut undesirable grooves in the metal. The excessive cutting may also remove details and change the shape. Press the jewelry against the wheel, then move it downward, sideways, roll, rotate, and position it so that the wheel reaches all possible areas of the metal. Then all areas will receive uniform polish, and the cross buffing will result in a higher shine. Buff across solder joints rather than with the joint. Solder is softer than the surrounding metal. If you buff with the joint, the solder will polish away quicker, leaving a groove in the metal. Always hold the jewelry in a breakaway grip. Never interlock your fingers into the piece. Never put a ring on your finger to polish. Tie long hair back so that it cannot tangle up in the wheel. Always roll up or button your sleeves, and wear an apron or smock to keep loose clothing away from the wheels. Use a face shield on the dust collector or wear goggles. The buffing room is no place for vanity, your eyesight is far more important. Protect your lungs by always wearing a respirator. Place a cardboard or carpet pad under the wheels to protect the jewelry from possible damage if pulled out of your hands. Never take the wheel for granted. Always keep your mind on what you are doing while polishing. If interrupted, stop polishing and turn the machine off. Then come back when you can concentrate on polishing. Never walk away leaving the machine running, even for a few seconds. Always use a dust collector to keep the dust from blowing around the shop. The money received from the refiner will pay for it in a short time. A more intricate, controlled polish may be performed using the flexible shaft. An analogy can be made to mowing lawns. The polishing machine is to polishing what a lawnmower is to cutting grass and the flex-shaft is comparable to a trimmer. You can mow your lawn with a lawnmower without using a trimmer, but the edges of the lawn are left ragged. You could also mow the entire lawn with just the trimmer. However, the results would be uneven and choppy, not to mention it would take a very long time. For a professionally looking lawn, you need to use both the lawnmower and trimmer. For a professional looking finish, you need to start with the flex-shaft. Its small wheels and brushes will allow you to polish prongs and other delicate areas without damage, and reach areas inaccessible with the larger wheels. Then buffing and polishing on the larger polishing machine will result in a smooth even high luster, the work of a true jewelry professional. ================================================= <> <> <> <> <> SILVER SPONSORS <> <> <> <> <> Place Your Ad Here Over 650 Bench Jewelers will see your message, plus it will remain in our permanent archive at http://www.bwsimon.com/ For Information and rates on placing an Ad mailto:E-BENCH@BWSimon.com?subject=Sponsor ================================================= <> <> <> <> <> Thank You for Reading <> <> <> <> <> We are now on the World Wide Web. A complete archive of back issues of E-BENCH is located there. Visit often, as we will be making changes to our site, adding additional useful information for bench jewelers. <> <> <> SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION <> <> <> We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. To subscribe, send an E-Mail with Subscribe as the subject If you do not wish to continue receiving this newsletter send an E-Mail with Unsubscribe as the subject If you change your e-mail address PLEASE let us know. Each month we have several newsletters returned to us because the e-mail address is no longer in service. We have no alternative method of contacting you, and cannot send you future issues unless you notify us of your new e-mail address. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Information provided in this document is provided ‘As Is’ without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information concerning the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that the author or publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For editorial suggestions, comments, ideas or requests, please send an E-Mail to Bradney W. Simon Copyrighted, 2000, B W Simon. All rights reserved. |