RJOmeet.Me: A “Wiki” Just for RJO Jewelers?

By Andy Boundy VRB Internet

Solutions Ltd.

IN THE LAST ISSUE of In The Loupe, I wrote about a new feature allowing RJO members to get new business with RJOmeet.Me. It’s a fortuitous coincidence, as an RJO jeweler posted on Facebook just today asking other members how to find an RJO jeweler in a different state; the information was for an established customer who was moving. Without rewriting the post, let me just say it’s easy to find your fellow RJOers online via a simple search for referrals to a known quality store, using RJOmeet.Me. So, what other new features did we launch recently?

One of the features I am personally very excited about allows vendors to write articles particular to their specific expertise, for the benefit of all RJO retailers. If you are familiar with Wikipedia, then you’re aware it is an online resource to find relevant information on a wide variety of topics. Inspired by the success and usefulness of this basic model, we launched the “RJOMeet.Me Knowledge Library.” This library is a “Wiki” by definition, as it is in fact collaboratively edited and maintained by the users. In our case, we get straight to the valuable information by going directly to the experts.

It’s all very new, and we have only a few articles posted right now. All are worth reading by the way; some diamond info, marketing info, gemstone, and financial, too. What better way to get vendors interested than having their customers—you—suggest them as contributors? If you have a vendor you work with—and you know them to be experts in a particular field you think the RJO group would benefit from learning—let them (or me) know.

The issue with a lot of systems is informational articles turn into sales pitches. Indeed, RJO does an amazing job with Show seminars, keeping them educational and not promotional. I know, as I do several presentations, and the rules are well drilled into me. Our goal is to keep this same approach with the library on RJOmeet.Me. As such, what you’ll find—and what you’ll keep finding as we get more and more articles—is a rich resource of ideas, information, learning, and sharing that benefits the whole group, without being subjected to a constant sales pitch.

Another advantage of having an exclusive online library of information and facts is finding the information when you need it, without hunting around. RJOmeet.Me is smart enough to know if an article is relevant to a search you are doing. Say you search for “opal.” RJOmeet.Me shows which vendors can help–along with all their info–but the result also will display matching informational articles on opals that may help you in the store.

The RJOmeet.Me system is getting smarter every day. It remembers things it could not find, advises vendors, adapts searches to find resources you never thought were there, finds you business, connects you, and even helps you find products you’re looking for. It’s as advanced as a system gets in this industry, and it keeps getting better. Come join the fun if you haven’t already. Many already have.

And don’t forget: If you’d like to suggest a vendor as an article contributor, let RJO know, and we’ll get in touch.

RJO’s Trip(s) to Antwerp Expand(s) Due to High Demand

THIS YEAR’S RJO ROCK TOUR ADVENTURE initially offered members a single trip to Europe, from October 5-13. Demand turned out to be higher than anticipated, however, and the first trip is now sold out. So, a second trip has been developed. The dates for this second trip are October 8-18.

This annual RJO trip includes two packed days filled with gem buying, education, and exploring in IdarOberstein, the color capital of the world (hosted by RJO's own vendor partner, Rolf H. Muller). In Antwerp, you'll enjoy the world famous Diamond District, as well as many hosted receptions and dinners, and finally an extended trip to London with your RJO hosts.

This year's hosts—Nancy Marchell, of Signature Jewelers in Grand Forks, ND, and Erika Godfrey, of Hawthorne Jewelry in Kearney, NE—are eager to answer questions about the trip and share their stories to encourage you to sign up! is open now. If you have ever thought about traveling to Europe with RJO, sign up today!

To learn more about the 2023 trip, visit this page at: rjomembers.com, or contact Jodi at the RJO office at: jodi@rjomembers.com or: (800) 247-1774.