How to take control of your own ecommerce development

It’s a question we get asked a lot. 

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“What course should I do to increase my ecommerce skills?”

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And as tempting as replying with a simple, 'esuite Learning' we usually recommend looking broader than courses alone. Formal learning is often the cherry on top of a well thought out and structured personal development plan.

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So what does a good personal development plan look like? 

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I was introduced to the 70-20-10 model and it is my go-to structure. It is flexible enough but encourages individuals to take control of their own development. The 70-20-10 breaks down your efforts into three areas.

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1. Learning from experience - 70% of your time 

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These are daily activities and projects which stretch you beyond your comfort zone. 

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Examples in eCommerce include: 

• Analysing conversion rate and coming up with new solutions to implement
• Leading a project to implement a new technology you’ve never used before 
• Taking on additional responsibilities like developing a whole of business eCom report
• Contributing to the business strategy with your specialised viewpoint 
• Shadowing the work of someone you look up to or who has a skill you want to understand

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2. Learning from others - 20% of your time 

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This is the continual learning you get from broadening who you interact with and how. 

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Examples in ecommerce include: 

• Co-solving customer issues with other teams such as merchandising, supply chain or marketing 
• Taking on additional responsibility with direct reports, coaching and management 
• Attending eCommerce networking events where you go out of your way to meet new people 
• Reading business books or listening to eCommerce podcasts (like Add To Cart 😉)
• Seeking out a short-term mentor who can help you work your way through this stage of your career

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3. Formal learning - 10% of your time 

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These are structured programs or courses that develop skills in particular areas and in a defined time period. 

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Examples in eCommerce include: 

• Online courses such as , Google Digital Garage or your ecommerce platforms training modules 
• Events featuring accomplished speakers for relevant topics such as Retail Global, Online Retailer or our Ecomm Socials
• Internal training programs offered including soft and hard skills 
• Further tertiary studies in areas that complement existing skills such as an MBA, data or development 
• eCommerce community challenges and workshops such as the MI Academy Hack Games 

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See, personal development is MUCH more than doing a course. 

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My advice is to map out these three areas and dot point out what you can learn on the job, through others and through formal programs. Once you do this and take control of it, it’s unlikely you’ll ever go a day without some form of learning and self-improvement activity!

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