Exploring eCommerce Mindset and the Enneagram: Insights from A Store Owner

Explore the mindset shifts crucial for e-commerce success in our latest podcast with Amanda, an e-commerce entrepreneur with a unique perspective. Unlike many in the industry who build their businesses from scratch, Amanda acquired an existing e-commerce store just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. This unconventional entry into the world of online retail has given her valuable insights into the mindset required for success in e-commerce.

— In This Article —

The Importance of Mindset in E-commerce

Amanda emphasizes two key aspects of mindset that have been crucial in her journey.

1. Humility and Continuous Learning

"The overall mindset that has been the biggest umbrella from the moment we closed on it to currently in 2024 is just willing to be humble and admit that you have no idea what you're doing and fake it till you make it," Amanda shares.

She stresses the importance of being open to learning and not being afraid to admit when you don't know something. This approach has allowed her to navigate the complexities of running an online business, from understanding KPIs to mastering various marketing channels.

2. There's No Such Thing as Passive Income

Amanda debunks the myth of passive income in e-commerce: "There is nothing truly passive." She highlights the need for constant adaptation and active participation in your business to stay competitive in the rapidly changing e-commerce landscape.

The Enneagram and E-commerce

My favorite part of the conversation is Amanda's passion and knowledge of the Enneagram, a personality typing system. Amanda is the eCommerce business friend who introduced me to it. She has a depth of knowledge from studying it through courses and of course her own life experiences. Whenever I have a difficult interpersonal situation, she is now my go-to person to discuss a solution through the lens of the Enneagram!

Enneagram Types and E-Commerce: How Self-Awareness Can Drive Your Business Forward

In all there are Nine Enneagram types and we discuss how understanding your type can benefit your business approach.

"It was so powerful in my life," Amanda says about discovering the Enneagram. "It provides so much context and was so helpful and enlightening."

Amanda suggests that certain Enneagram types may be naturally suited to e-commerce entrepreneurship:

- Type 3 (The Achiever): Success-oriented and driven

- Type 1 (The Reformer): Principled and detail-oriented

- Type 8 (The Challenger): Powerful and self-confident

However, she also notes that every type can bring unique strengths to business ownership. For example, as a Type 7 (The Enthusiast), Amanda finds her optimism and adaptability to be assets in facing business challenges.

I am is a Type 2 (The Helper) and sees it as a the gift that has made me an in-demand business coach and eCommerce store owner with a focus on helping artisans have a market for their goods. My business model and choices make perfect sense in the context of my Enneagram type.

Applying the Enneagram to Your Business

Understanding your Enneagram type can help you:

1. Recognize your strengths and potential blind spots as a business owner

2. Improve relationships with employees, vendors, and customers

3. Align your business strategies with your core motivations

Resources for Exploring the Enneagram

For those interested in diving deeper into the Enneagram, Amanda recommends:

- Books: "The Road Back to You" by Suzanne Stabile and Ian Cron

- Podcasts: "The Enneagram Journey" by Suzanne Stabile and "Enneagram 2.0" by Beatrice Chestnut

- Website: enneagraminstitute.com

Listen to the full episode here:

Interestingly, Amanda advises against starting with online tests, suggesting instead to learn about the types first and see which resonates most with you.

Whether you're new to e-commerce or a seasoned entrepreneur, cultivating the right mindset is crucial for success. By embracing humility, continuous learning, and tools like the Enneagram, you can gain valuable insights into yourself and your business approach. As Amanda's journey shows, these insights can help you navigate the challenges of e-commerce and propel your business forward.

Interview by Tina Bar

eCommerce Strategist and Mindset Coach

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