Internet Store Managers and Entrepreneurs

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that the number of sales management positions will increase by 6 percent through 2033, faster than the average for all jobs. Internet sales managers may be in higher demand, since the number of Internet companies and opportunities for Web businesses is continuing to increase.

Online commerce is an exciting field with tremendous potential, and it is likely that growth will continue over the long term. However, it is important to keep in mind that the failure rate for new businesses, even traditional ones, is fairly high. The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy reports that about seven out of 10 new businesses survive for the first two years, and only about half make it to the five-year mark. The Office of Advocacy also noted that the pandemic negatively impacted small businesses in 2020 and 2021, with supply chain issues and business lockdowns. Since then, the economy continues to rebound, more businesses have been hiring, and new supply chains have developed. The long-term survivors will be businesses that are able to find niche markets, anticipate trends, adapt to market and technology changes, and plan for a large enough financial margin to turn a profit. Analysts also anticipate that the amount of business-to-business e-commerce will surpass business-to-consumer sales.

Internet entrepreneurs with the most thorough education and experience and who have done their research will have the best opportunities for success. For those who are adventurous and interested in having their own business, the Internet offers many possibilities.

For managers, positions are fewer and competition for them intense. Managers who can point to successful track records running online retail operations for other companies or themselves will be most attractive to employers.