WIS = Watch Idiot Savant

Anyone who knows me knows me is well aware my husband and I are avid watch collectors. It all started when we got married back in 2014. Who knew the acquisition of a Rolex Yachtmaster 16623 would turn into a robust collection of Rolex, Tudors, Omegas, AP & Patek. Fast forward 4 years later, over a dozen special pieces and I’ve managed to turn this expensive hobby into business.

How so? Well, for starters, it’s not everyday you meet a female who’s into watches. I’ve learned to appreciate certain pieces more than others, and when I see an individual wearing a rare/inconspicuous watch, chances are they know a thing or two about watches. Needless to say, it’s a naturally easy conversation starter for me.  Once we start talking shop, I drop the “you can easily find me on social media by using the hashtag #WISWife” and suddenly they realize I’m not just smoke and mirrors.

There’s two lessons to be learned here. Firstly, No, you don’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to start buying watches, but if you’re a salesperson, find a few things you love that you can turn into conversation starters at networking events, trade shows, dinner hell even at bars. Say you love fashion, learn special collections released by certain designers within your target audience, and the next time you’re in a large crowd drop a line on someone you see wearing a possible item by your favorite designer. Watch how quickly the conversation can turn into a thirty minute convo on four different topics.

The second lesson is more for men (or women if you play for the other team). Men, if you love something, cars, scotch, boats, whatever it may be, get your significant others (SO) involved and include them in any activities you might be involved in surrounding that “hobby” item. You never know what your SO can do with that hobby. Also, it’ll make you life a lot easier whenever you want to spend money or time away from the house and family participating in an activity surrounding that hobby.