The Chief Information Officer's Body of Knowledge: People, Process, and Technology

Chapter 28

Overcoming the “Computer Guy” Stigma

A Perspective on Why Being Involved in Your Web Strategy Matters

Kevin L. Soohoo

Opportunities for IT leaders to be involved in the company's customer online engagement initiatives are sometimes few and far between. Instead, some IT leaders are content with handing off the opportunity to the sales and marketing group, stating that they have no budget or resources to support another project. Arguably, this was one of the precursors to what we know today as rogue IT because of the hands-off approach many IT organizations have taken to such initiatives.

Yet among all the other projects IT can undertake, this is one of the few that can really show how IT can be a key player within the business, a way for your peers to recognize that you, the CIO or IT leader, truly understand the company's customers, competitive landscape, and the industry within which you operate.

Being involved in the company's online strategy can be an eye-opening experience on many levels. If you already understand the company's customers, competitive landscape, and industry, you have an excellent opportunity to apply your knowledge and make it known among your executive peers that you understand the business challenges at hand; you are a business partner and can think on their level. For those CIOs who do not fully understand the three dynamics, this is a superb opportunity to engage your peers and take a major step toward shedding the “computer guy” stigma. In ...