With Internet usage up by almost 133% in North America since the dawn of the new millennium and almost three quarters of all Americans using the internet on a regular basis it is no doubt that the Web has come to be a mainstay of how we conduct life and business.  With the way Websites and Internet based applications have exploded over the last decade and a half, the world has not seen advancement in the wealth and ease of access to information like ever before.  There also seems to be nothing that indicates that the Internet will digress from its current growth patterns.  Its impact on businesses will continue to be greater than anything we have seen, certainly since, if not surpassing the Industrial Revolution.

What is most interesting is how the internet has and will affect businesses and organizations.  It already has greatly impacted the way we do business on a daily basis.  For instance, this morning the internet at our office was down for about an hour and we all sat there at our desks wondering what we were going to do to keep busy!  We even made comments about what people did before the Internet as if nothing was ever accomplished before it!

Our businesses depend on it; our social lives thrive on it; even our governments and infrastructure depend on the ability to transfer information and data rapidly.  The real question lies in what the Internet will bring in the future.  How will Web technology affect hospitals 10 years from now?  How will manufacturing companies be using Web applications to improve production or increase efficiencies within their processes?

I read an article the other day in Inc. Magazine that talked about a whole new wave of businesses that will emerge from the development of electric vehicles.  Many of the needs surrounding the facilitation of such will require Web based applications to make it practical if not even feasible.  They talked about a vast ecosystem of “connected cars.”  Don’t think the Internet will have a huge part to play in that?  Think again.  As we become more and more dependent on technology, our reliance on Web applications will become increasingly relevant. 

We have decided to base our business model around the growth and proliferation of Web based applications and database driven Website development because we believe that the Internet will continue to make an ever growing impact on the way the world does business.  We are more than just a Web design and development company; we want to take Websites to a whole new level with rich, data-driven applications.

My question for you is, “How will the Internet affect your business and what are you doing to prepare for that now?”  Don’t get caught behind the 8-ball; you must begin thinking, planning, and strategizing around Web technology today – the success of your business and livelihood will depend on it!

I have had the great opportunity over the years to meet with so many people who are, unfortunately, seeking employment.  I don’t intend to sound self-centered nor full of hubris with such a comment, but it is truly a highlight of my day when I meet with these individuals.  I seek to never turn down requests for such a meeting because I would hope that if the situation were reversed, others would eagerly and willingly spend 15 minutes with me.  Call it casting bread upon the water. 

For a very long time, I’ve thought about how to best help those I meet.  I have given lots of counsel over the years, likely most of it worth the price paid - $0.  But in recent months, unfortunately due to the training that repetition creates, I have been giving different counsel.  In years gone by, my conversations with job seekers went quickly to: Who do you want to know?   Where do you want to work?  How much money are you accustomed to making?  Etc.  No longer will I be asking these questions to my soon-to-be-encountered friends.  Sorry, if you’re reading this blog post and expecting those questions from me at an upcoming meeting; you’re likely to be disappointed. 

Here’s why:  Without exception, when I meet with job seekers, they are stunned, in shock and confused.  I understand that – I have been there twice before myself.  This stunned mindset brings with it a genuine sense of vulnerability.  I think, perhaps, more so for men than women, at this moment in time there is deep introspection:  Who am I?  What am I good at?  What will I do next?  How will I provide for my family?  How long will I be out of work?  The next question I hope to insert is: Where are you placing your faith and trust?  Is it in another job?  Another employer?  Or with Jesus Christ? 

So, gone are the days of the quick prescription for the next job seeker.  Also gone are the lists of people you need to meet.  In are the challenging questions I mentioned above.  To the next guy or gal with whom I have the pleasure to meet, I hope you’ll come prepared to have these questions asked of you.   I am looking forward to sitting down with you for 20 minutes sometime soon.

Business Development Manager position at BitWise Solutions

Business Analyst position at BitWise Solutions