Every fall, HOF takes its retailers back to school in Las Vegas. Below, select selling strategies from 2010:

1. Avoid canned patter

Never ask shoppers if they’re looking for something specific; you risk losing the right to show them anything else.

2. Reach out to customers

Be sure to set appointments for things like ring cleanings.

3. Never rely on jargon

Use the phrase which means when talk gets technical; it acts as a bridge for explaining a product’s benefits.

4. Use social media proactively

If someone posts a negative comment about your store online, deal with it immediately.

5. Be real

“If you have a problem, be humble,” says CustomerBliss president Jeanne Bliss. “A hollow apology doesn’t connect with people.”

Source: Hearts On Fire global trainers