Everybody has a different opinion on what they consider freedom. Freedom from what or for what?
Freedom means different things to different people. It can be freedom from constraints, financial limitations, or pursuing hobbies. But how do you attain that freedom?
First, ask yourself...what do you consider freedom? How does your freedom look? Here are some ideas or tips on how to create your own freedom.
Starting on the journey to create your freedom involves these S.T.E.P.S., guiding you toward your objectives.
1. Step out of your comfort zone.
Leaving behind the comforts of routine is crucial. Instead of passively engaging in leisure activities, invest substantial time in planning and developing your business.
With each step taken outside your comfort zone, you're inching closer to your business goals, making strides in personal development, and forging a path to a life of fulfillment and accomplishment.
As you embark on this journey, remember that discomfort is a sign of progress.
Break a habit or routine by changing your normal behavior.
Alter a habit or routine by modifying your customary behavior. For instance, rather than spending time watching TV, I initiate the process of compiling a list of ideas or pending projects. I allocate a brief period to jot down ideas and then enjoy TV.
Changing a habit does not have to be...
If your routine involves starting the day with a cup of coffee and reading the news, consider an alternative such as sipping tea while journaling. The early hours of the day provide an opportune time to generate fresh ideas.
If your tendency is to immediately delve into emails, allocate time to devise a plan for the day before immersing yourself in email correspondence.
This describes my personal transition from a routine involving tea, writing, and then initiating daily tasks like client work or meetings. Presently, I begin with tea, followed by a walk within half an hour, paving the way for one to two hours of focused writing before tackling the day's responsibilities.
Another habit I've cultivated involves reviewing my tasks at day's end, assessing completed tasks, and identifying those that need attention the following day. I also opt to concentrate on one to three key projects for the day.
If establishing a business was without challenges, there would likely be a higher number of individuals achieving success.
2. Time is such a precious commodity.
Time, once lost, cannot be regained. Allocate time daily to your business, regardless of your primary commitments. Establishing a routine helps manage your schedule efficiently. Optimize moments that could be wasted on trivial tasks to focus on nurturing your business idea.
Create the time every day to devote to your business.
You can keep a time schedule because if you are socializing, it can take up a lot of time to read ALL the posts.
Rather than adhering to your regular daily schedule, seize every available moment to strategize and advance your concept.
3. EXECUTION
Every day you have to take ONE action, one step for your business.
Action creates forward momentum. And before you know it, you are taking several action steps toward building your business.
If you don't start, nothing will happen.
4. PLAN
Planning is probably the MOST important part of your business.
You will get mired in all the daily minutia of living and doing stuff. When you have a plan, you know the next steps of action.
Plan your week, month, and year. You will have a global view of your activities and not feel overwhelmed thinking about all the details you need to take care of.
5. SELL
If you don't sell, you don't make money.
Selling is not easy or an inherent skill. It is one of the skill sets that you need to learn and practice a lot.
But it is a necessity to move my business forward. I have to sell, and so do you if you are in business. So I decided that creating a business that will support my cruising life is my ultimate aim.
It is important every once in and while to be reminded of what to concentrate on and how to move our business or goals forward.
TOOLS:
With so much research for my new book and updating my 'Shopify Made Easy, Launch Your Shopify Store' book, I have created an amazing resources page on my website with all the changes in Shopify.
Here are some free tools on my website on my Resources Page - Click here to check them out.
(This page is an ongoing project, and I update the page whenever I can.)
I hope you can use some of the steps - let me know if you did.
Leave a comment
Also in eCommerce Success Blog
What is the difference between Shopify CSV and Matrixify Products import and export?
By Veronica Jeans, Bestselling Author November 16, 2024
Shopify CSV vs Matrixify Excel: A Comprehensive Guide to Product Management
Managing product data in an e-commerce platform can be a complex task, especially when dealing with large inventories. This article compares two prominent methods for handling product data in Shopify: the native CSV system and the Matrixify Excel approach. We'll explore how these tools differ and why choosing the right one can significantly impact your workflow efficiency.
Shopify vs Matrixify Comparison
Detailed Comparison between Shopify & Matrixify Product Management & Uploads
File Format and Basic Handling
Shopify CSV
Matrixify Excel
Data Management Capabilities
1. Product Export Features
Shopify CSV
Matrixify Excel
2. Image Handling
Shopify CSV
Matrixify Excel
Advanced Features
3. Metafields Management
Shopify CSV
Matrixify Excel
4. Product Updates and Maintenance
Shopify CSV
Matrixify Excel
5. Inventory Management
Shopify CSV
Matrixify Excel
6. Template Management
Shopify CSV
Matrixify Excel
Special Features
Matrixify Exclusive Capabilities
1. HTML Code Optimization
2. Variant Management
3. Publishing Control
Best Practices and Recommendations
When to Use Shopify CSV
When to Use Matrixify Excel
While Shopify's native CSV system provides basic functionality for smaller stores, Matrixify Excel offers a more robust, flexible, and efficient solution for managing product data. The choice between the two largely depends on your store's size, complexity, and specific needs. For larger operations or those requiring detailed control over their product data, Matrixify Excel presents clear advantages in terms of functionality, efficiency, and scalability.
Remember that investing time in learning the more powerful tool can save significant time and reduce errors in the long run, especially as your store grows and your product management needs become more complex.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Questions
What's the main difference between Shopify CSV and Matrixify Excel?
The main difference is that Shopify CSV is a basic file format with limited functionality, while Matrixify Excel offers advanced features like real-time tracking, multiple sheets, and partial updates. Matrixify also allows you to work with pure Excel files instead of CSV format.
Which option is better for my store?
It depends on your store size and needs:
Use Shopify CSV if:
Use Matrixify if:
File Size & Limitations
What are the file size limitations?
Shopify CSV: 15MB maximum
Matrixify: Can handle gigabytes of data (600,000+ products)
How many products can each handle?
Shopify CSV: small catalog
Matrixify: 600,000+ products in one import
Features & Functionality
Can I update specific fields without replacing entire products?
Shopify CSV: No, you must replace the entire product
Matrixify: Yes, you can update individual fields
How do multiple images work in each system?
Shopify CSV: Requires separate rows for each image
Matrixify: All images can be in one row, separated by semicolons
Can I manage metafields?
Shopify CSV: No metafield support
Matrixify: Full metafield support with column-based management
Import/Export Process
How do I track the progress of my import?
Shopify CSV: No tracking wait for email notification
Matrixify: Real-time progress bar with estimated completion time
Can I cancel an import once it's started?
Shopify CSV: No
Matrixify: Yes, at any time during the import
Data Management
What happens to product IDs during import?
Shopify CSV: Creates new IDs, breaking collection references
Matrixify: Maintains existing IDs and references
How are variants handled?
Shopify CSV: Each variant requires a separate row
Matrixify: Can generate variants from combinations using semicolon separation
Technical Questions
How does each handle HTML in descriptions?
Shopify CSV: Leaves escaped HTML code as is
Matrixify: Automatically fixes escaped HTML code to normal HTML
Can I manage inventory across multiple locations?
Shopify CSV: Limited location support
Matrixify: Full multi-location inventory management
Best Practices
What's the recommended way to update product prices?
Shopify CSV: Must upload full product data
Matrixify: Can update prices alone using a simple price column
How should I handle large product catalogs?
Shopify CSV: Split into multiple files under 15MB
Matrixify: Can handle in single file with filtering options
Troubleshooting
What if my import fails?
Shopify CSV: Check email for basic error message
Matrixify: Detailed error reporting with specific row/column information
How do I fix broken product references?
Shopify CSV: Manually rebuild collections and references
Matrixify: No action needed references are maintained
Integration & Compatibility
Do these work with all Shopify plans?
Both work with all Shopify plans, but Matrixify requires a separate subscription.
Can I use these with other e-commerce platforms?
Shopify CSV: Shopify-specific format
Matrixify: Designed for Shopify but Excel format is more universal
Support & Resources
Where can I find documentation?
Shopify CSV: Shopify Help Center
Matrixify: Comprehensive documentation with tutorials and examples
Is there technical support available?
Shopify CSV: General Shopify support
Matrixify: Dedicated support team with Excel/import expertise
Cost & Efficiency
Which option is more time-efficient?
Matrixify is generally more time-efficient due to:
Faster processing of large files
How do they compare in terms of cost?
Shopify CSV: Free with Shopify subscription
Matrixify: Requires separate subscription but offers more features and efficiency
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