John Sheldon
Director, eBusiness Architecture
DiaLogos

1. Define eBusiness Strategy.

Defining eBusiness Strategy is like describing the shape of an amoeba. Here's the best thinking DiaLogos has on it today…

Complete eBusiness strategy capabilities come from the intersection of five different skills:

The web offers a unique, and temporary, opportunity for companies to rethink their fundamental business models with the goal of redefining the very nature of competition in their industry. For dot-com companies, this means finding opportunities where traditional competitors are vulnerable to new business models. For traditional (old economy) companies, they can use the new information architecture and capability to leap frog their traditional competition or to defend against the new breed of information-based competitors. We have only begun to see the shift in competitive dynamics to take advantage of these new capabilities.

2. What do you like to see on the resume of a strategic professional?

On the resume… I like to see broad exposure to different aspects of a business. Consulting background is key. The most important aspects of a good strategy professional aren't actually on the resume. To be successful the key attributes are:

3. What is a typical career path for someone in strategy?

One of the best parts of consulting at a growing firm is there is no "typical path". Often people specialize in one of the five areas above while deepening the other skills. Then, if (and I have heard it happens) they leave consulting, they move into high-impact positions - usually at a former client. If they stay, the goal is for a talented person to manage a practice and develop the critical intellectual capital for their firm.