Hi,

I am excited by the opportunity I see in building e-businesses on the net and would like to join a consulting firm to do so (BEA system or such).

While Medicine, that I viewed as my calling, is getting more and more frustrating and driven by the HMOs to a down spiral the net is an exciting, powerful-revolution and I want to be a part in it.

I took a sabbatical and dove into a Masters in E-Commerce. I am building up additional knowledge on the technical aspects of Database (Oracle) and web technologies.

How should I go from here?

I will love to get some ideas, thoughts, perspectives that will help my move.

Thanks a million,

Ted

-- Ted I Weitz (tedweitz@rcn.com), November 14, 2000

Answers

Ted, you have already given an indication of where you want to go and given your background there should be no shortage of people wanting you on their interview candidate short list. The best bet is for you to do some research regarding the different work cultures and philosophies out there and ask yourself what kind of company would you personally fit in with. Once you make that assessment that also allows you to create a check list that will allow you to evaluate whether the organization that interviews you is right for you. Think of it this way, with what you have got, you have to start thinking in terms of interviewing them, as much as they may want to interview you.

As for the consulting trade, this article at Business2.0 is one I bookmarked sometime ago and I think you will find it helpful, conduct your research on similiar lines:

E-Business Consultants http://www.business2.com/content/magazine/indepth/2000/08/08/15568

Fast Company also has a career section at http://www.fastcompany.com/launch/

I think in your case it is simply a question of packaging and research, that is learning to brand yourself to enhance your impressive credentials and research so that you can create a system to cherry pick and manage your recruiting and networking drive. In many ways, in this economic climate in particular the biggest danger you may face is the danger of selling yourself short.

-- Mark Zorro (zorromark@consultant.com), November 14, 2000.

Outstanding respond Mark, thank you.

I will study the articles.

I feel a need to get connected with the actual businesses, as now I am somewhat secluded in my intensive studies.

The ability to connect and be advised directly by the Oracles of the industry through this group is priceless!

Thanks again,

Ted

-- Ted I Weitz (tedweitz@rcn.com), November 14, 2000.

Hiya Doc...... David here.

Whoa..... slow down. First off try not to get TOO excited. I spend my days hand holding clients that had 'delusions of grandure' about the internet and the so called 'new economy'. As anyone who's been following events of late would know the hangover is hitting hard right now. I would certainly try a combination of your old love and your new one. It' gives you a sound base to start from.

You seem to be heading towards 'tech' aspects at this point. Is that your desire?? Be a little more specialized. As the owner of a bcusiness development consulting firm, I hire specialists; Designers,Java folks,Data base pro's, marketers, etc.... I really don't use 'jack of all trades'. Why would I when I can use a specialist? Do you know a second language?? Big demand there as the web expands throughout the world. Find a niche.

The reality of e-commerce is no different than BNM (brick and mortar) business, 80% of them will go broke in the first 5 years. Though much is being made out of the emerging web economy in Europe and Asia, what you don't hear a lot about is the fact that all these countries have lots of talent, and a cultural understanding that gives them the edge. If my client is in Russia, I use my 4 man crew from Russia or 3 man crew from Belarus.... I have people in Malaysia etc.... Not only do they speak the language an have the 'low down' on local cultural issues, but there less expensive.

My point is simply this; Don't govern yourself with excitement, find something that you can do well, just like you did in your first incarnation. Do your homework, plan for your foray into e-commerce. Just as before, don't believe everything you read. Trust your own instincts. check out the ecommerce times ( www.ecommercetimes.com )

Best wishes Any help you need feel free to e-mail me. David

-- David (TheGypsy) Harry (cds@thebeachers.com), November 19, 2000.

OK well I'd say if you understand health care and you understand the Internet then you're doing pretty well already! I wouldn't try and become an Oracle (or whatever) technical guru - it doesn't make best use of your existing skills, and (whisper it!) the techies are the builders not the architects. Any (competant) oracle-head can build a database, but it takes a rich understanding of the Internet, the Health industry, and what technology can do to e-enable the industry (in a genuinely beneficial way). And you might be one of the few people that can do this..

Anton

-- Anthony Lockwood (anthony.lockwood@boots-plc.com), January 11, 2001.