eCommerce - First Day on the Road to Success

On the first day of class, I typically challenge students to think of an industry that does not use the web for assistance in conducting business. It's always fun to hear what they come up with; things like fast food, Amish country, and farmer markets always are mentioned right away. Then I offer the same challenge back ...see if they can come with ways that these same industries COULD use eCommerce strategies. A few students offer some examples, but largely the classroom comes up short with ideas for ways these industries and operations participate in eCommerce activities.

Fast forward a few months and students are finding ways for several revenue models to support their own business ideas. Small businesses in automotive repairs, raw food lifestyles, tattoo designs, and sporting goods are finding ways to not only create a web presence, but also increase their income. Additional eCommerce activities are helping expand operations for non-profit charities, retail of religious items, and geneology projects.


It is most rewarding to see the growth of students, who on the first day drew blanks and silence in trying to come up with ways for eCommerce to impact their ideas...and now I see them implement some of these ideas in so many areas. The orginal challenge is now child's play for the students who are excited and passionate about their ideas - and using eCommerce in way they never imagined on that first day.