As my office continues its struggle to find the right candidates to fill a couple of  Analytics Consultant positions, I’m learning first-hand how much the analytics field is still in its infancy. I have a strong sense of deja-vu as I see companies ask that their analytics workers be jacks of all trades. I remember back when a web designer not only had to layout a site, but also had to know how to code the mark-up, set-up the domain and maintain the servers. They after all  ”webmasters” then.  Specializations didn’t really exist – at least not like they do today. There weren’t any Ajax developers, dedicated usability specialists or analytics professionals. Like the WAA, I also remember early attempts to create a web designer certifications. But the web design field was and still is so splintered that no certification process could cover every aspect. I fear this will be the fate that WAA’s certification may face.

I can’t help but think the days of the web analytics professional are numbered. Read more…

Life Lessons, Web Analytics

I have a minor reputation on taking on volumes of work and setting lofty goals on a regular basis. A fact that my wife and friends would not only agree to, but would probably, in all likelihood, attest to in court. Twice.

My days are often long, full, and often trying. My time is short and down-time rare. I don’t know what’s playing in the theatres, nor do I know what’s on the top 10 charts, or the names of the Jonas brothers.

Some call me a workaholic. Others… crazy. You know who you are. Well let me just say I disagree (surprise!). Read more…

Life Lessons Balance

Many write about articles about “finding your calling” and “living your dreams”. The basic formula reads something like this, “Find something you love to do, and do it for a living”. Easier said than done, in my opinion. Finding your calling is pretty straight forward if you like to act, cook, or design cars. There are set paths for those career-choices, and plenty of university degrees available.

But like many web-folk, my career has taken a zig-zag path to where I am now. The web just wasn’t a career option back when I was in university. Had it been, things probably would have worked out differently. Not that I’m complaining. Over the last decade, I’ve worn several hats and enjoyed the fit of each one. I’ve been an engineer, a photographer, an entrepreneur and a lead web designer. And each role along the way has taught me countless lessons which I continue to benefit from today.

Some may view my career shifts as a product of indecision and uncertainty. Pfft. I believe it to be quite the opposite.  Fifteen years ago, I knew I wanted to create something. I just wasn’t sure what. I tried my hand at a bunch of stuff but none of it felt perfect. So I kept listening, kept working hard, and kept pushing my limits.  I knew my calling would make itself heard, it simply didn’t exist yet. It took me a while, but I’m certain I’ve found it in web marketing intelligence. Unfortunately, this journey can take a very long time for some. That’s the harsh reality of life; for many people:

The world hasn’t caught up to their dreams. Read more…

Life Lessons Switching Careers