Holiday Topics to Avoid When Talking to eCommerce Pros

The holiday season is in full-swing, meaning it’s only a matter of time before you have a big get-together. Whether your get-together is work related or just for family there are a handful of topics everyone knows to steer clear of; politics and religion. But, there are some more topics you may want to avoid, especially if you have any eCommerce-related guests sipping your eggnog. 

Topics to avoid during the holidays if you’re talking to an eCommerce site developer

Dinner will be late: If there will be a delay in the meal please do everything you can do to keep from bringing it to your Developer’s attention. Developers live in a world of constant delays and inputs, often coming from unexpected stakeholders. Reassure the Developer that everything is under control and offer them another drink, perhaps something with Red Bull in it. 

Topics to avoid during the holidays if you’re talking to an email marketing manager

SPAM – There are many people that incorporate SPAM into their holiday meals and appetizers. If you are one of those people then please just don’t bring up SPAM to the email marketing manager in your life. It’s just too much of a sore spot.

Topics to avoid during the holidays if you’re talking to a CEO

“May I be excused from the table?”. The CEO in your life just can’t handle another walk-out. The CEO at your party just had their lead developer quit without giving notice this last Friday and they have three proposals out that haven’t even gotten a reply, not even to confirm receipt!  With all of that on their plate  they definitely don’t need to hear you proclaim that you’re done early too! Now sit down and finish your mashed potatoes.

Topics to avoid during the holidays if you’re talking to an eCommerce manager

SALES!!  – Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Hanukkah, Christmas Eve, End of Year, and New Years  – the eComm manager in your life has already had their entire life revolve around ‘sales’ for weeks now. This person has been responsible for coding more coupons into databases and emails than you can imagine. Every day of December is a new opportunity to screw something up and cost the company countless revenue. At any moment the party could be over for your eCommerce manager as they have to return and take care of some customer service. Please avoid this topic at all costs.

Topics to avoid during the holidays if you’re talking to a copywriter

Grace – The Copywriter in your life lives and dies by their word. But just because they’re great with words doesn’t mean they want to give a speech today. Saying ‘Grace’ really isn’t that much different from client facing work; you have to string together some buzzwords and empty platitudes to play to a room full of people you’re forced to care about.

… On second thought, considering how much writers love words and especially their own words, the Copywriter in your life may want nothing more than to be the center of attention and say Grace. Please confirm with your Copywriter before proceeding.

Topics to avoid during the holidays if you’re talking to a content creator

Posting to Social Media – Content creators spend all day everyday taking shots, writing copy and posting to social media. With that in mind please give them 1 day off and ask someone else to take and post the family/company photo.

Facebook misinformation – The content creators in your life don’t control the social media algorithm. They can’t ‘fix the country’ or ‘save democracy’. Enjoy your pie and leave them alone. They just don’t want to hear it.

Topics to avoid during the holidays if you’re talking to a salesperson

Robocalls – this topic hits a little too close to home.

Topics to avoid during the holidays if you’re talking to a Designer

Family/Company photos – If you used the wrong lens, filter or camera the Designer in your life will know. If you arranged everyone in the wrong order for the photo the Designer in your life will most certainly notice your poor positioning and will probably have to fix it in Post.