The Sistas Guide to Implementing Next Generation Checkered Cube Shops
The month of March is Women History Month and also Black Business Month. With that said, we decided to mix the two and create an article for Black Women doing Black Business. We are going to revisit an article I wrote in March of 2010 that discussed “micro-mall” and update this business model for the sistas to consider. We are going to give sistas a background on the original concept, we are going to discuss our improvements to the business model and introduce to the sistas how to implement the micro-mall business model in the hood and worldwide.
The Business Model
A micro-mall is a concept we discovered in Asia while researching patterns and practices for the hood. Keep in mind that in order for African-Americans to progress, we must seek patterns and practices worldwide that we can apply to our hoods. Doing our own original research for Black communities allow us to create new business models that will work in our best interest and create true growth and empowerment.
I want to show you sistas some pictures and videos so you can see how this business model works in China as well as throughout Asia. Remember that you are doing global research right now and being fed business intelligence for the hood and I will be quizzing you on this stuff.
In addition, we found a document some Chinese computer students did research on this business model. Just read it and get an understanding but it is not worth downloading as we will be introducing our own concept and technology.
<font size="1"><a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/46786069/Cube-Shop-VTC-Shopping-for-Cosmetics">Cube Shop VTC Shopping for Cosmetics</a></font><br /><object id="_ds_46786069" name="_ds_46786069" width="630" height="550" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://viewer.docstoc.com/"><param name="FlashVars" value="doc_id=46786069&mem_id=4107922&showrelated=1&showotherdocs=1&doc_type=null&allowdownload=1" /><param name="movie" value="http://viewer.docstoc.com/"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="opaque"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /></object><br /><script type="text/javascript">var docstoc_docid="46786069";var docstoc_title="Cube Shop VTC Shopping for Cosmetics";var docstoc_urltitle="Cube Shop VTC Shopping for Cosmetics";</script><script type="text/javascript" src="http://i.docstoccdn.com/js/check-flash.js"></script>
The Takeaway of Existing Models
We really want sistas to learn how to gather business intelligence from these videos. I mentioned several times on this blog how we need to start paying attention and look for business patterns worldwide we can extrapolate and use in our hustles. For example, take a look at the following picture from one of the videos above:
In this photo, you should realize the bottom level cubes should focused on children impulse items such as toys they like at their age and will ask their parent to get down to look at. This is information you mention and sell to your prospective cube renters in terms of placement of items. This is also how you can become an expert on this topic – how many cube shop experts are out there in the whole wide world?
If you listened to the videos when they talk about the business model, you should noticed that they stated they have 200 cubes and charge about $50/month which is a base rate of $10,000 a month. But they probably have larger cubes, consignment percentages and other fees that increase that rate. Others cost about $100/month and that would be about $20,000/month or $240,000 year operation.
Look at the photo from the video above – do you see the $600 deposit? So they have deposits where you can probably have a $100 deposit of 200 cubes or $20,000 of deposits. Now in other videos, you should see the empty cubes have a sign on the glass that probably stated “for rent” and you should have documented this as a business process to put up a “this cube is for rent, inquire at desk”. So again sistas, this is how you create your business model by studying and looking at things that reveal a process and document that process.
Next Generation Features
So after you sistas see the videos and the business model, let’s go over some of the things I looked at. The first thing I noticed was the cubes were sometimes cluttered with items like stuff on a store shelves. I also saw where the shop assistant had a lock, key and opened the door and pulled an item out for the customer – that is about as slow as getting a video game out of the Wal-Mart glass display with 3 other people waiting to ask.
Now, keep in mind the issue in Hong Kong is the real estate, which is why the micro-malls are in small spaces. Here in America and other countries, we won’t have that real estate problem and we can do more with more space on this business model. And one of the biggest factors is the addition of mobile technology that evolved, we can help customers use their mobile phones inside the cube shop and conduct m-commerce.
Let’s talk about what sistas can do with this cube shop model in 2013:
Diorama Design
This is the most exciting part and we will dedicate articles to this topic. Instead of creating a clutter of products in the cube, we want to change the entire cube shop display to being an interactive diorama people can look at in an impressive manner.
Look at the store image above, do you see the grey wall with the chrome letters against the wall? How about the accent of black on the shelving? Now here is what I want to show you:
As you see, we can create a miniature diorama for a cube that can sell items and have the same color scheme. These are the kind of diorama that will mimic the elements of a real store and display real stuff that can fit in the cube. Now here is the thing, if you sistas got skills creating shadow boxes or creating scrap books then you already have the skills necessary to work on this task at a professional level.
QR Codes, NFC and Interactivity
For each code, we can have QR codes for the consumers and onlookers to scan them with their mobile phone. It doesn’t have to be just a QR code, we can place an NFC tag for people to tap their mobile phone for more information. The goal is to get the consumers to come into the shop and interact with their mobile phone. This will be an instant hit as people love their smart phones and the capabilities and your cube shop will allow them to come in and use their smart phones to the max.
Augmented Reality
Now the diorama does not have to be static, we can put in “markers” that when someone view it though their mobile device, they can get augmented information or 3-d characters on their mobile phone that can explain the product more. That can happen right on their mobile phone as they looking at a specific cube.
Digital Signage
One of the things I noticed in the video is there are cubes that are above the adults heads. It is obvious adults cannot see all the way in these cubes but I had a better use of that space above their head. See, I know the cube shop want shelving that is 8 feet but what I’m thinking is to have 5 feet for the shelving and above that, use that for display video on a small screen above the cubes or static sign with QR codes.
This is additional income to run advertisements with fixed signage and digital signage. Now the digital signage can run commercials for many of the products displayed in the cube and can also run instructions on how to set up the cubes as an entrepreneur, how to use the mobile phone to scan a QR code or use NFC and other video content – keep that in mind.
Interactive Table Top
In the middle of the store, we can have interactive table tops for people who do not have smart phones to enter in a corresponding cube number and they will get an interactive screen to place an order right there! They can also view the same information on the table top display that mobile users will see and this will be an advantage for disabled or people who do not have smartphones to interact.
Relaxation Lounge
Create a place for people to be comfortable as this cube shop is really an exhibit of products and service offerings like a museum setting. Have comfortable seating and also have free wi-fi for mobile phones to access the web to place an order. Also, have charging stations where consumers can charge their phone and walk around and browse at cubes in the meantime.
A Lot of Opportunity Here
I want the sistas to understand all of the possibilities in creating next generation cube shop or checker box shops for our community. See, you sistas can enable other sistas to rent out cubes and become entrepreneurs themselves. Sistas in the community can rent out a box to sell beauty supplies, sell crafts like customized Black dolls or jewelry and you are giving them a place to showcase.
Now another thing I want you sistas to realize – can you think hard on this? Did you realize you can take the improved cube shop model back to Hong Kong and Asia and sell your own products or charge existing cube shops to upgrade to your next generation system? They already got smart phones better than our phones and know how to use them well. Singapore, Taiwan, Seoul..this are all the markets you sistas can enter with this business model and it is wide open.
There is way too much to cover and to be honest, you sistas are going to have to see it to believe it and very soon, I will be hosting sessions here in Atlanta to show how to setup cube shops, dioramas and enable the interactive features for mobile phones. I will be releasing more information very soon but this is pretty much going to dominate the March topic on this blog as we work to help sistas become global entrepreneurial leaders using next generation technology and techniques.
http://dreamandhustle.com/2013/03/the-sistas-guide-to-implementing-next-generation-checkered-cube-shops/
The month of March is Women History Month and also Black Business Month. With that said, we decided to mix the two and create an article for Black Women doing Black Business. We are going to revisit an article I wrote in March of 2010 that discussed “micro-mall” and update this business model for the sistas to consider. We are going to give sistas a background on the original concept, we are going to discuss our improvements to the business model and introduce to the sistas how to implement the micro-mall business model in the hood and worldwide.
The Business Model
A micro-mall is a concept we discovered in Asia while researching patterns and practices for the hood. Keep in mind that in order for African-Americans to progress, we must seek patterns and practices worldwide that we can apply to our hoods. Doing our own original research for Black communities allow us to create new business models that will work in our best interest and create true growth and empowerment.
I want to show you sistas some pictures and videos so you can see how this business model works in China as well as throughout Asia. Remember that you are doing global research right now and being fed business intelligence for the hood and I will be quizzing you on this stuff.
In addition, we found a document some Chinese computer students did research on this business model. Just read it and get an understanding but it is not worth downloading as we will be introducing our own concept and technology.
<font size="1"><a href="http://www.docstoc.com/docs/46786069/Cube-Shop-VTC-Shopping-for-Cosmetics">Cube Shop VTC Shopping for Cosmetics</a></font><br /><object id="_ds_46786069" name="_ds_46786069" width="630" height="550" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://viewer.docstoc.com/"><param name="FlashVars" value="doc_id=46786069&mem_id=4107922&showrelated=1&showotherdocs=1&doc_type=null&allowdownload=1" /><param name="movie" value="http://viewer.docstoc.com/"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="opaque"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /></object><br /><script type="text/javascript">var docstoc_docid="46786069";var docstoc_title="Cube Shop VTC Shopping for Cosmetics";var docstoc_urltitle="Cube Shop VTC Shopping for Cosmetics";</script><script type="text/javascript" src="http://i.docstoccdn.com/js/check-flash.js"></script>
The Takeaway of Existing Models
We really want sistas to learn how to gather business intelligence from these videos. I mentioned several times on this blog how we need to start paying attention and look for business patterns worldwide we can extrapolate and use in our hustles. For example, take a look at the following picture from one of the videos above:
In this photo, you should realize the bottom level cubes should focused on children impulse items such as toys they like at their age and will ask their parent to get down to look at. This is information you mention and sell to your prospective cube renters in terms of placement of items. This is also how you can become an expert on this topic – how many cube shop experts are out there in the whole wide world?
If you listened to the videos when they talk about the business model, you should noticed that they stated they have 200 cubes and charge about $50/month which is a base rate of $10,000 a month. But they probably have larger cubes, consignment percentages and other fees that increase that rate. Others cost about $100/month and that would be about $20,000/month or $240,000 year operation.
Look at the photo from the video above – do you see the $600 deposit? So they have deposits where you can probably have a $100 deposit of 200 cubes or $20,000 of deposits. Now in other videos, you should see the empty cubes have a sign on the glass that probably stated “for rent” and you should have documented this as a business process to put up a “this cube is for rent, inquire at desk”. So again sistas, this is how you create your business model by studying and looking at things that reveal a process and document that process.
Next Generation Features
So after you sistas see the videos and the business model, let’s go over some of the things I looked at. The first thing I noticed was the cubes were sometimes cluttered with items like stuff on a store shelves. I also saw where the shop assistant had a lock, key and opened the door and pulled an item out for the customer – that is about as slow as getting a video game out of the Wal-Mart glass display with 3 other people waiting to ask.
Now, keep in mind the issue in Hong Kong is the real estate, which is why the micro-malls are in small spaces. Here in America and other countries, we won’t have that real estate problem and we can do more with more space on this business model. And one of the biggest factors is the addition of mobile technology that evolved, we can help customers use their mobile phones inside the cube shop and conduct m-commerce.
Let’s talk about what sistas can do with this cube shop model in 2013:
Diorama Design
This is the most exciting part and we will dedicate articles to this topic. Instead of creating a clutter of products in the cube, we want to change the entire cube shop display to being an interactive diorama people can look at in an impressive manner.
Look at the store image above, do you see the grey wall with the chrome letters against the wall? How about the accent of black on the shelving? Now here is what I want to show you:
As you see, we can create a miniature diorama for a cube that can sell items and have the same color scheme. These are the kind of diorama that will mimic the elements of a real store and display real stuff that can fit in the cube. Now here is the thing, if you sistas got skills creating shadow boxes or creating scrap books then you already have the skills necessary to work on this task at a professional level.
QR Codes, NFC and Interactivity
For each code, we can have QR codes for the consumers and onlookers to scan them with their mobile phone. It doesn’t have to be just a QR code, we can place an NFC tag for people to tap their mobile phone for more information. The goal is to get the consumers to come into the shop and interact with their mobile phone. This will be an instant hit as people love their smart phones and the capabilities and your cube shop will allow them to come in and use their smart phones to the max.
Augmented Reality
Now the diorama does not have to be static, we can put in “markers” that when someone view it though their mobile device, they can get augmented information or 3-d characters on their mobile phone that can explain the product more. That can happen right on their mobile phone as they looking at a specific cube.
Digital Signage
One of the things I noticed in the video is there are cubes that are above the adults heads. It is obvious adults cannot see all the way in these cubes but I had a better use of that space above their head. See, I know the cube shop want shelving that is 8 feet but what I’m thinking is to have 5 feet for the shelving and above that, use that for display video on a small screen above the cubes or static sign with QR codes.
This is additional income to run advertisements with fixed signage and digital signage. Now the digital signage can run commercials for many of the products displayed in the cube and can also run instructions on how to set up the cubes as an entrepreneur, how to use the mobile phone to scan a QR code or use NFC and other video content – keep that in mind.
Interactive Table Top
In the middle of the store, we can have interactive table tops for people who do not have smart phones to enter in a corresponding cube number and they will get an interactive screen to place an order right there! They can also view the same information on the table top display that mobile users will see and this will be an advantage for disabled or people who do not have smartphones to interact.
Relaxation Lounge
Create a place for people to be comfortable as this cube shop is really an exhibit of products and service offerings like a museum setting. Have comfortable seating and also have free wi-fi for mobile phones to access the web to place an order. Also, have charging stations where consumers can charge their phone and walk around and browse at cubes in the meantime.
A Lot of Opportunity Here
I want the sistas to understand all of the possibilities in creating next generation cube shop or checker box shops for our community. See, you sistas can enable other sistas to rent out cubes and become entrepreneurs themselves. Sistas in the community can rent out a box to sell beauty supplies, sell crafts like customized Black dolls or jewelry and you are giving them a place to showcase.
Now another thing I want you sistas to realize – can you think hard on this? Did you realize you can take the improved cube shop model back to Hong Kong and Asia and sell your own products or charge existing cube shops to upgrade to your next generation system? They already got smart phones better than our phones and know how to use them well. Singapore, Taiwan, Seoul..this are all the markets you sistas can enter with this business model and it is wide open.
There is way too much to cover and to be honest, you sistas are going to have to see it to believe it and very soon, I will be hosting sessions here in Atlanta to show how to setup cube shops, dioramas and enable the interactive features for mobile phones. I will be releasing more information very soon but this is pretty much going to dominate the March topic on this blog as we work to help sistas become global entrepreneurial leaders using next generation technology and techniques.
http://dreamandhustle.com/2013/03/the-sistas-guide-to-implementing-next-generation-checkered-cube-shops/
