Ethics for the Internet Developer

Originally I was going to write an article about SEO and Ethics, but as with all things in my journey through the world of web business, things evolved. I have worked with a variety of web building activities from hosting and web design to software development and internet marketing. As I talked to staff about my latest rant, it became quickly apparent that SEO is not the only place that my feelings would be suited to.

…and yes, I did say MY feelings. As with all things in the DubDubDUb, this is all In My Humble Opinion. I often RANT just to get things off my chest. I am an excitable fellow and would be doing my own personal impression of Mount Vesuvius if I didn’t.

Should you read this rant?

I am generally targeting my fellow service providers and those whom serve the interests of the small and medium sized business community. Truly anyone can find some use from the discussion and most entrepreneurs will certainly find interest if they value their companies and customers. Ready now?

So start with a quick background on myself. I have been working building and consulting with SMBs since the late 80’s, yeah I am an older, transformer geek. We started building web businesses (web development and consulting) in 1998 and have 3 core companies with 30+ employees. My core interest has always been small businesses and they are always at the core of my thinking and I defend them will all my abilities. I have always enjoyed that I work directly with the owners of the company, not through red tape that is associated with larger corporations.

Know thy customers

That is a great place to start. Due to the fact that I work closely with our clients I can’t help but feel a ‘part’ of their family and they, a part of mine. My work may dictate the success or prosperity for that family in the years ahead. I am not merely responsible to my own set of needs (revenues, staffing, liabilities and the like) but my actions can have a direct affect on the lives of my clients and their family. I do not take decisions lightly. I am not at the whimsy of ‘fads’ nor do I ‘test’ new ideas on my clients.

It doesn’t stop there. It is a common theme throughout my companies because the leaders of each have heard my passionate rant on this many times. I have my own ‘personal’ trickle down effect in my companies… more of a raging river actually. If you are a manager or owner, it is your duty to instill a sense of ethics to those around you that you are responsible for.

This goes deeper than merely ‘towing the company line’ It is something you should be acutely aware of because you are a fellow human being. Do it because you care and would like the same respect shown to you and yours. Don’t be shy either. Be sure to remind a co-worker the next time they want to take shortcut. Remind them of the potential chain of events and the harm it can have in the larger picture of things. Is it really too much to ask?

Tell it like it is

I am no saint, let’s get that straight. It’s probably further the other way, especially if you ask those closest to me. I am supposed to ‘fight’ for my clients, right? I often wind up fighting ‘with’ my clients if I am passionate about what I see as ‘the wrong direction’

I run a few firms, including a SEO and Web development company. Contrary to what one might think we simply do not take every project that comes along. While there are a few parameters involved, the business model of the site does come into play. We do not do porn, (adult toys etc… fine). I am not a fan of MLM, Mega Affiliate sites, Made For AdSense and other business models. I am neither criticizing nor endorsing them. I simply do not have the palette for them.

Set out what you believe into your policies and stay strong. If it’s Human Resource Development or Customer Relations Management, have an ideal to ‘try’ and live up to. Have restrictions in place that ensure a quality environment within the company and with customers and your Brand will build itself.

In the end no matter what, the blame runs uphill. The owners and managers of a business must ultimately take the responsibility for shortcomings. Have a strong code of ethics within your policies, instill pride in one’s workmanship and treat customers with the respect they deserve and you’ll likely be responsible for a success not failure.

I try to always remember there is always another human being at the other end of ‘the wire’. I figure it is the least I can do, we’re related by more than technology.

So there you have it. Just some food or fodder for thought