Keeping your staff happy and motivated is a key factor in increasing sales per employee. David Peters, director of education for Jewelers of America, offers these tips at right:

• Institute a reward and recognition program. Give out prizes for weekly top salesperson, highest weekly increase, etc. Be creative with prizes. Consider time off with pay or other work-schedule-related perks.

• Use the “Wall of Fame” concept. Name a weekly and monthly top salesperson, and post their picture in a visible location.

• Share best practices. Have the top weekly salesperson share his or her ideas and techniques in a five-minute presentation at your weekly store meeting. At each store meeting, allow sales staff to discuss ongoing sales challenges and brainstorm ideas and solutions.

For more tips from Jewelers of America, sign up to receive the “Tips to Thrive” e-newsletter at www.jewelers.org.