Key Competencies For Ecommerce Professionals

As an ecommerce professional, it’s important to understand the expectations and responsibilities that come with the role. Gone are the days of simply answering phone calls and scheduling appointments; modern ecommerce professionals are expected to be advisors, problems solvers, and even leaders within their organizations. But with all of these added responsibilities, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s where the key competencies come in. These responsibilities, including appointment management, manager support, and professional development, are essential for success as a modern ecommerce professional.

But what does this actually look like in practice? A good example is the competency of manager support. Today’s inner circle ecommerce professionals don’t just wait to be told what to do; they are initiators. For example, an ecommerce professional might set up a trip for their manager, not just booking the flights and hotel rooms but also looking for additional speaking opportunities while they are there. This kind of proactive approach shows initiative and a willingness to go above and beyond to support the success of the team.

It’s important to remember that the role of the ecommerce professional has changed dramatically in recent years, and it’s up to us to keep up with these changes and continuously improve our skills. If you’re looking to take your career to the next level and become a valuable member of your company’s inner circle, it’s worth considering brushing up on these key competencies.

Attitude Management

Being able to maintain a positive attitude and approach to work, even in difficult or stressful situations, is essential. However, it’s also not easy. An analogy we like to use is the similarities between eggs and attitudes. An egg is fragile and susceptible to outside forces, just like attitudes. A heated encountered can fry it, or an overload of activity can scramble it. Because our attitude can be so easily influenced and because it has the power to impact not only ourselves but those around us, it needs to be managed and protected carefully.

Business Acumen

Having a deep understanding of how businesses operate and the ability to use the knowledge to make informed decisions is a trademark of an advanced ecommerce professional. An intimate knowledge of your company’s policies, procedures, finances, etc. as well as an awareness of how key leaders operate within these realms, will allow you to make wise decisions. You are able to provide valuable direction and make choices that help your executive team with strong business acumen.

Career Management / Professional Development

Take an active role in planning and managing your own career development, including setting goals, seeking out learning and deveopment opportunities, and building a professional network. Seek out learning opportunities as well as chances to network, whether it be through a conference or online via LinkedIn or another social media platform, such as a Facebook group for ecommerce professionals.

Manager Support

Proactively assisting your manager and taking on additional responsibilities to support their success required you to think ahead of the game. Don’t be reactve and scramble to pick up the pieces. Think ahead and anticipate what’s coming down the pipeline. You will make your life, and that of your executive, much smoother.

Managing Office Technology

Staying up to date on the latest technology and using it effectively to support the team is essential, especially with the rate at which AI is developing. A few years from now, things will likely look very different than they do today. Technology is going through constant updates. While you don’t have be a tech expert, you should be able to understand how to navigate the tools you need to do your job well. This is why we encourage the concept of “digital exploration”.

Professional Behavior

You need to be able to manage your behavior well; with no exceptions. Despite your circumstances, behave in a professonal manner at all times, including being respectful, ethical, and responsible in your interactions with others.

Professional Development

Continously learning and improving your skills to stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in the field will become your best friend. Our roles change constantly and it is likely that the ecommerce professional who is investing in ongoing training through courses, webinars, and other resources will outpace the one who is not.

Professional Image / Brand

Present yourself in a professional manner and build a personal brand that reflects your values, skills and expertise. This may include things like maintaining a professional appearance, being active on professional media platforms, and regularly updating your professional materials (e.g., resume, LinkedIn profiles, etc.)

Questions To Ask Yourself

Here are some good questions to set yourself apart and build on the above:

• What are my strengths and how can I use them to excel in my role as an ecommerce professional?

• What areas do I feel I need to improve in and how can i go about doing so?

• How can I better support my manager and the team as a whole?

• How can I make sure that I am using my time and resources effectively to be the most efficient in my role?

• How can I stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in the field of ecommerce work?

• How can I take on additional responsibilities and challenges to continue growing in my role?

• How can I build positive relationships with my colleagues and effectively communicate with them?

• How can I adapt to changing needs and expectations within my organization?

• How can I maintain a positive attitude?