Module 4, IT Job Research

I’ve got a friend who, up until a few months ago ran his own web based company. So when I got the assignment to interview someone that worked in, on or around computers, I knew he’d be a good one to interview. Basically, Danny owned his own online aftermarket muscle car parts store. Times got tough so he ended up selling his company and started working for the guy he sold his company to. I had no idea the amount of things his job entails. Because he works for a small business it is literally him and the owner that have to do everything.

I asked him what his official job title was and he said, “Internet, web guy” after I told him why I was asking, he adjusted his answer and said either web developer or webmaster. He built and developed the website from nothing, he takes tech support phone calls, as well as sales phone calls.

He does product research, for instance, they are going to start selling short tube headers on their website, so he needs to know the ins and outs of short tube headers so that when a customer calls and has a question about the product, he can answer it, then and there. As part of that, he needs to know about all the different engines in all the different cars and the components so he can help his clients in a more, personal, customized way.

In addition, he posts inventory to the Google website search engine, as well as update negative keywords for their Google products. He handles loss prevention, and the returns department. Finally, he handles the website and the Ebay store they created as another channel to sell parts.

I asked if he had weekly sales meetings or product development meetings, he said that they never have meetings because he is in constant contact with the owner and they answer questions and fix problems as they come up. Danny works from home and has the work phone system linked to his and the owners phone, so that when someone calls to place an order or ask a question, the phone rings at his house, and the owner’s house simultaneously. During all business hours they are on instant messenger so they can communicate even while on business calls.

As I researched the job, webmaster from americasjobexchange.com, he definitely fits into that category, as well as 14 other jobs. That’s an interesting part about working for a small business, you have to be a jack of all trades to keep the business afloat. It reminds me about an article I read about Southwest Airlines. They encourage any and all employees to help in every facet of the job. Pilots, help unload the luggage, the stewardess helps clean the plane restrooms, etc. This has a two-fold benefit. Number one, everyone feels invested. If you are accountable to how the company looks and performs, you will work harder. Number two, the airline runs more efficiently which keeps the cost of flying down. With a small business it’s, all hands on deck, everyone pitch in and get the job done. I like that. However, it's very hard to specialize in any one field if your focus has to be on the whole company.