Tag: sipnthink

An Open Space to Gain Attention

Recently on Sheri’s Dream Catcher’s My Business Journey Journal our topic of discussion was about an open space to gain attention . In other words, a storefront. Stemming off of our previous My Business Journey Journal Topics, we decided to focus on where we are going to sell our merchandise or services for a profit.

What is a storefront?

When researching the definition from the dictionary, we defined a storefront in three ways. First, we found out that it is described as a façade of a store. More specifically, a façade is the face of a building where the principle front looks onto a street or an open space. Second, we read that it is a room or set of rooms facing the street on the ground floor of a commercial building, which is typically used as a store. Third, we uncovered that the function is to attract visual attention to a business and its merchandise.

Storefront
An Open Space To Attract Visual Attention

So then, what is an e-commerce storefront?

An e-commerce storefront has the same function as the dictionary’s definition for attracting visual attention for a business and its’ merchandise. However, instead of having a physical location in a building, your business and merchandise can be seen on a virtual storefront. Also known as an electronic storefront or online storefront. In particular, this is a solution for merchants who want to host a website that advertises their products and or services. In turn, the consumer can make a transaction generated online. Specifically, the transaction of money, funds, and data.

Transactions can be done in 4 Ways

Just like entrepreneurs have 4 ways to set up their business, an e-commerce can perform in 4 different ways. Unlike the business set up, the transactions can be done business to business, business to customer, customer to customer and customer to business. Of course, you have the ability to conduct your transactions in all 4 of these ways.

  1. Business to Business (B2B)
  2. Business to Customer (B2C)
  3. Customer to Customer (C2C)
  4. Customer to Business (C2B)
Virtual Transaction
Virtual Transactions

Common Skills for an Electronic Storefront?

To boost competitiveness in an increasingly digital marketplace, companies are searching and hiring in-demand e-commerce skills. Basically, an individual could possess 1 of the 4 skills or preferably all 4 skills would be highly beneficial. Software Development is the key to an e-commerce success as with Search Engine Optimization, Data Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence.

  1. Software development
  2. SEO
  3. Data analytics
  4. Artificial intelligence

Can you save money with e-commerce?

If I was to answer this question, I would say why yes, you can save money with an e-commerce. Keep in mind, it has both it’s advantages and disadvantages. So, how can you save money? Well, you won’t have to worry about large overhead costs. For example, money spent on rent, utilities and other physical store front costs. I have read that it’s a big expense for running a physical retail store. When you create and open an online store you gain the advantage of gaining more customers virtually by engaging with them. As a result, an e-commerce store has become an important tool for both small and large businesses worldwide.

Successful façade and online stores will have:

Since businesses want to save money and gain money at the same time, we have dissected the 10 rules for having a successful storefront design whether it’s a façade or online. Ultimately, you would like your vision to tell a story that will guide your design, your service ethics, the mood and the experience of your store.

  1. Create a vision
  2. Polish your storytelling
  3. Design for engagement
  4. Make it look like your concept
  5. Meet the sidewalk
  6. Let people sit
  7. Be transparent
  8. Send a loud and clear message
Envision Dream Head Wrap and Neck Cover
Envision Dream Versatile Head Wrap/Neck Cover

The Top 10 E-commerce Platforms

When finding a platform to display and sell your merchandise on, you might want to review the top 10 e-commerce platforms named for the year 2021. They are ranked highest to lowest. Importantly, these platforms include both an easy online store launch and website builder. It should be noted, e-commerce sites will allow your online shop to flourish as you sell online.

  1. Wix
  2. Square Online
  3. Go Daddy
  4. Big Commerce
  5. Woocommerce
  6. Squarespace
  7. 1&1 Ionos
  8. Shopify
  9. WordPress.com
  10. Network Solutions

Should I start an Etsy Store?

I really don’t have an answer for you at this moment in time. Currently, I do not have an Etsy Store. However for this blog, I found out that Etsy is a marketplace similar to eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Except, the merchandise you sell on Etsy is for handmade goods and vintage items of 20 years or older. It does provide an easy way for talented crafters and artists to sell the fruits of their labor.  Keep in mind, it will limit your sales to only Etsy clients. For exposure and brand awareness, I could possibly have an Etsy store in the future. As of today, I am still focusing on building my personal e-commerce business site foundation and its growth.

Have you heard of the three S’s of E-Commerce?

In addition to the 4 ways you can conduct transactions with your e-commerce site, there are 3 S’s of e-commerce. First, you will need sufficient storage space. For instance, the best e-commerce platform will let your virtual shop sell online without any limitations. Specifically, it will offer inventory space and bandwidth to fit your growing needs. Second, you will need to make sure your site provides safety for both you and your potential customers. Indeed, having safety is a must for all e-commerce websites. Third, you will want to invest in a user-friendly interface. Of course, the best sites will have tools to help you select your desired options easily.

Undoubtedly, a top-notch site builder will make it easy to continue to build your online store as you grow. As a result, having well-designed menus, filters, and sorting options will minimize the amount of time it takes to find a product and purchase it. Clearly, saving money and gaining money at the same time is your ultimate goal, right?

  1. Storage space
  2. Safety protocols
  3. Site Design

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AN OPEN SPACE TO GAIN ATTENTION, WATCH OUR FULL MY BUSINESS JOURNEY JOURNAL VIDEO DISCUSSION BELOW- STOREFRONT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmE_zujyFFw

Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago

Warren Buffett

If you enjoyed reading An Open Space to Gain Attention subscribe to our e-mail list at Sheri’s Dream Catcher to stay updated with new blog posts

Opinion Disclaimer-This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual

The Desire to be A Dreamer but Rationally Realistic

Recently on Sheri’s Dream Catcher’s Instagram Sip N Think Live Chat held on January 13th, 2020, our topic of discussion was on The Dreamer. Do you have the desire to be a dreamer but rationally realistic at the same time? This was a fun and interactive chat. As a matter of fact, we discussed the meaning of a dreamer. By the same token, the engagement, thoughts and opinions of those who were able to join us made it joyous and interesting.

What is a dreamer?

First, the dictionary says a dreamer is a person who dreams or is dreaming. The second definition says that a dreamer is a person who has lived in the US without official authorization since coming to the country as a minor. Furthermore, people of this description who met certain conditions would be eligible for a special immigration status under federal legislation first proposed in 2001. Watch our full video below on “The Dreamer” to hear the criteria for the second definition.

What does it mean to be called a dreamer?

So, to be called a dreamer it means a person spends a lot of time thinking about and planning for things that they would like to happen but which are improbable or impractical. Why is this so interesting to me? It is so interesting to me because, I feel like it is saying that if I am a dreamer than that means my dreams are impractical. I don’t completely agree with this statement. Furthermore, I believe we need to be able to dream and if we think our dreams are negative than we will never go after those dreams. So, I guess the question is, am I impractical? And is it ok to be impractical? Basically, I have to be ok with the fact that I am impractical and yes, I am a dreamer.

The Dreamer
The Eye of the Dreamer

Is being a dreamer a bad thing?

No, I do not believe being a dreamer is a bad thing. Do you? In fact, one cannot be a doer if at first they are not a dreamer. Clearly, dreams are comfortable because we do not share them. To clarify, this makes it easy to be a dreamer. However, when we decide to act on making those dreams a reality, it means we need to step out of our comfort zone. Which means, we become uncomfortable.

Should you dream big or just be realistic?

Well being realistic will give you a better chance of accomplishing the dreams you want to make into a reality. On the contrary, some will say that just dreaming big will be a waste of time. So, would you say that it is better to dream big, just be realistic or do both? In our video “The Dreamer” below we really got into the thoughts on being either or being both.

Envision Dream
Envision Dream, LLC

Why is it important to have a dream in your life?

The reason it is important to have a dream in your life is because it is important for all of us and all ages. Furthermore, dreams encompass our goals. Specifically, they give our life a purpose, a direction and a meaning. They help shape who we are, what we want and where we go. For instance, they shape our life choices, help build towards our future, give us a sense of control and hope. You don’t need to ask me twice why dreams are important. It should be noted that, I created a company called Envision Dream, LLC based on the philosophy of visualizing possibilities for future opportunities which came from a dream.

Why is it hard to follow your dreams?

The reason we sometimes feel our dreams are hard to follow is because we start reflecting on the dreams we haven’t fulfilled. This can make us frustrated and give up all together. Ultimately, dreams help us to move forward and grow as people. Remember, our dreams don’t have to be big to be considered an achievement.

WATCH OUR FULL SIP N THINK CHAT DISCUSSION BELOW ON THE DREAMER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR8UzS3Vm_I

Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground

Theodore Roosevelt

Our Next Sip N Think Chat is scheduled for January 28th, 2021. Topic: Dream Deadline You can Join us live on Instagram @sherisdreamcatcher 8pm est.

If you enjoyed reading The Desire to be a Dreamer but Rationally Realistic subscribe to our e-mail list at Sheri’s Dream Catcher to stay updated with new blog posts

Opinion Disclaimer-This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual

A Dream You Want To Achieve In The Future

A dream you want to achieve in the future begins with the process of writing your own thoughts and ideas down onto a piece of paper. For instance, have you ever heard someone say “keep a journal next to your bed”? Well, I have plenty of times. What’s the reasoning behind it? Well, they say that if you journal about your dreams, you are more likely to turn those thoughts and ideas into a reality. Remember a dream is just a dream until you’ve given commitment to the vision you created in your mind. The execution of that dream becomes a goal to achieve once you put a date to it.

A dream to achieve
A Dream You Want to Achieve

Why Must We Create A Dream Plan?

For starters, you do not have to do anything. As a result of doing nothing, it means you have achieved nothing. Am I correct? As a matter of fact, most of the time I tend to use my vision to focus on the dreams I’ve envisioned for myself to achieve. By the same token, to continue to move forward with my dream process, I tend to ask myself questions. For example, “How am I going to achieve my dream?”

Evaluation of the current situation

  • Where am I at now?
  • Where do I see myself in anther 1, 3 or 5 years from now?
  • What resources do I have available to me now?
  • What can I do on my own?
  • What do I need assistance with?
  • Who can I learn from?
  • Who can I rely on?
  • How will I take my first step?

Research, Research, Research!!!

Indeed, you have started the process of your dream foundation. Another way to look at your foundation is to think of it as creating building blocks that will formulate your plan which is connected to your goal that links to the dream you want to achieve.

A dream to achieve
What are you thoughts and Ideas?

A Plan is only a plan similar to a dream is only a dream.

In order for the dream to materialize we must put forth “Action“. For instance, sitting in a dark room visualizing our dreams is only going to produce the visualizing. Not only is “Execution” vital to achieving our dreams but “Action” also is a key component to activating our dreams into a reality. For example, a football team doesn’t win by standing on the field waiting for the referee to scream touch down. Likewise, a basketball player doesn’t stand on the court holding the ball in his hands saying “did you see that shot I didn’t take”?

A dream to achieve
Create Your Own Vision with a Vision Board

Always Try. If at first I don’t succeed, try, try again.

For this reason, I believe it is imperative to at least Try. As a consequence to our actions, it will either make or break us. Such as, not taking action will leave us at square one, just visualizing. The choice is yours really. You take the direction that is best for you, as it should be.

WATCH OUR FULL SIP N THINK CHAT DISCUSSION we had on January 28th BELOW with THE topic: Dream deadline

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgzMdMk1yNk

Dreams don’t work, unless you do

John C. Maxwell

OUR NEXT SIP N THINK CHAT IS SCHEDULED FOR February 12, 2021. TOPIC: Undecided. YOU CAN JOIN US LIVE ON INSTAGRAM @SHERISDREAMCATCHER 8PM EST.

If you enjoyed reading A Dream You Want to Achieve In The Future subscribe to our e-mail list at Sheri’s Dream Catcher to stay updated with new blog posts.

Opinion Disclaimer-This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company or individual