What is next? Looking Ahead… Why retail? The world of retail is changing constantly, fluid, spinning fast…this is my passion and expertise, therefore my starting point. Retail is global, influenced by world economics. Retail is local, creative, inspiring, passionate. Retail is selling, brand development, is leadership, takes courage, is entrepreneurial, is big business, is infancy, is maturity, is technology, is logistics…therefore this expansive topic gives me lots of latitude in reporting. I’m excited!
What’s inspried me? This summer my husband and I went to shows in NYC. The stories of two Broadway plays were about what happens to the next generation of business and how to reinvent products and leadership for success. “Motown” was the story of Berry Gordy, and his success in Detriot with his music company, but as his music groups became famous and moved on, he had to redefine his company. “Kinky Boots” was about a leather boot factory that had lost its customers and was revived by the son of the owner by making shoes for cross-dressers. Maturity of organizations for their next life is so interesting to me and what comes next…I love to identify new adventures and crazed about missed opportunities that seem so obvious.
What’s in the name? Connections & Dots evolved for me in realizing what I love to do…connecting people, connecting ideas, sharing unrelated topics to realize the aha moments. I love meeting new people, sharing what I know with others, realizing there are six degrees of separation. The dots are always showing up in different places. There is energy in connections, fluid, always changing, and the dots exploding. The ampersand joins topics, clarifying words with sentences that have meaning, joining ideas and allowing for more.
Why have a blog? I did not have time to explore the universe of blogging until now, and wanted to learn how to do it. I asked everyone under 35 what blogs they like. This is big for me! I want to stay current, I have opinions, I want to share my discoveries in life with a community that would think it was interesting. This taps into my passion of “Just sell stuff and make the customer happy”! There are aha moments of discovery, light bulbs going off, hopefully you will learn with me…we can do this together. I might share things you already know, but bear with me for a bit as I stretch to learn. I am also a news junkie, curious about the world and opinions. Will share that too. I will bring you into my world of discoveries in my reporting . I like pictures for inspiration and bought a new camera. What in the world am I doing now? Let’s have fun exploring together!
Reference: Filene’s site slated for $7.8m tax deal–Seeding a new Boston at Filene’s site– Boston Globe 9.17.13
Good luck with your blog. I look forward to seeing what you will have to share with us all!
So excited – I knew you would do it. Just like your communique, looking forward to reading about what you’re up to and your perspectives…
This is great Carol! Will be following your future blogs for sure!
You’ll do great Carol! I was always so inspired working with you at Crate & Barrel, admired your passion & loved hearing about your life’s stories…now that can continue! I’m looking forward to hearing what you have to say & learning about new things with you
GREAT Carol!!
I look forward to “going along for the ride”. Sharing in your experiences. Living vicariously through you , as you record all your adventures,. thoughts,. ideas,..feelings. etc!
xo
Congratulations Carol! I’ve already leaned so much about cheese. Very fitting photo of Filene’s. The original Basement is part of my youth. Looking forward to what you have to report to us next.
Congratulations on getting your blog up and running!!!
Your photo of Filene’s gives me mix feelings. The feeling all good retailers know, which is to grow and move forward with new trends and a sadness for a company as large of Filene’s that couldn’t re-invent in a new market and died. What a great shot!! Looking forward to lots of thought provoking conversation!
Great start, keep ’em coming!! Love the photo, you look so happy – enjoy and I can’t wait to read more.
Finally something worth looking forward to reading on the internet. Great start Carol! xo
You did it! You are officially a blogger now. Nicely done.
Love it so far. Lots of commas, makes it easy to read. Smooth and conversational.
Hope to see you soon.
It is so sad to see Filene’s like this. I attended the Chamberlain School of Retailing from 1970-1972 and worked at Filene’s as a White Flower during the Christmas season of 1971. They were an amazing company to have worked for.
And one can’t ignore the fact that the ampersand will always have a deeper connection for many of us. The ampersand will always be…Crate&Me.
Having just discovered your blog, I am enjoying catching up on all your thought-provoking entries.
I never had a chance to thank you for leading my last Crate region with dedication, passion, and class. Thank you.
Thank you Barb for your comments and appreciate your kind words. Hope you are doing well and happy. Best to you.