This week the spotlight is on Ethan Giffin, CEO of Groove Commerce, a Baltimore-based, e-Commerce consulting agency.

Ethan Giffin is well-known in the online media space as an energetic personality, knowledgeable panel speaker, and overall great guy. Ethan is considered an industry expert in e-Commerce, e-marketing and the dynamic technologies behind them. The Online Beat asked him to share his personal entrepreneurial story as well as any advice he can provide those starting out in the online media & marketing space.

So how did it all start for you?
“At 24 years old, I started literally at the bottom of the ladder for a 5 billion dollar privately held company. Nine years later, I left as the Director of eCommerce to start Groove. It was an amazing growth experience that taught me the building blocks for my role today. By being a part of the web 1.0 push (did I just say that…) I was able to be apart of conversations that I wouldn’t have normally been a part of at that age. Before that I owned a nightclub, hosted a television show and was extremely involved with electronic music. I have always been entrepreneurial, starting my own company at 8 years old – and even used those skills to pitch new ideas and concepts within the walls of a large international company."

Now that you are working for yourself, what does your average day look like?
“Start around 6:30 am on the Elliptical and listen to a little Howard Stern, shower, answer some emails then off to the office at 9. Once I get into the office, things get hectic with little time to focus on long tasks. Usually I try to get away for a lunch meeting… Never eat alone, right? My most effective time of the day tends to be between 4 and 7pm. Then, depending on the day, I hit either a networking event or the gym.”

Wow that sounds like it can make for a long day! What is your favorite part of the day?
“My favorite part of my day is usually between 5pm and 7pm when I get a second wind and get a lot accomplished. The office is typically quieter and I can think through any issues that need to be solved. My favorite part of my week is ‘free lunch Fridays’ - that’s when I get to take my entire team out for a long lunch, kick back and talk about the events of the week.”

When you do have some free time, what resources do you check out to stay up to date on the industry?
“With things moving so quickly in the Internet marketing industry, I tend to read a lot of blogs and magazines. I tend to lurk around Search Engine Land and Sphinn. I also like Marketing Pilgrim and the Top Rank Blog.”

And what was the last book you read?
“I just read my cousin, Emily Giffin’s, book, “Love the One Your With’ on a cross country flight. I just started reading ‘Always Be Testing’ by Bryan Eisenberg.”

We have been trying to get a sense what qualities leading industry professionals look for when hiring new employees. What traits would you consider important?
“I tend to look for entry-level staff that have unique qualities and teach them from the ground up.”

And what advice would you give someone getting started in online media and marketing?
“My best advice would be to learn – and execute… Too many resumes that come across my desk seem to get the concepts, but no real experience. If you’re trying to jump into online marketing then read as much as you can. Then find someone – uncle, aunt, spouse, etc… who you can help with their web site. Be your own case study and document the results.”

Now we know you love your current gig as CEO of Groove, but if you had pursued something completely different, what would you have liked to try?
“For me it’s tough to think about not running a company… But if I wasn’t doing this I would love to be in the entertainment business or be a superstar DJ in Vegas.”

That’s great! Well for what its worth we are glad you went with the first road. Thanks Ethan for taking the time to answer a few of our questions, and share with our readers your story!

To connect with Ethan directly, check out his social media profiles: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ethangiffin http://www.new.facebook.com/people/Ethan_Giffin/505487312

To learn more about Groove Commerce, Inc.: http://www.groovecommerce.com/

INSIDE SCOOP-- For a limited time, Groove Commerce will be offering free website consultations to provide insight for businesses as to how they can maximize their online exposure and sales. Keep up with these offers and other industry news by reading the eCommerce blog, which focuses on marketing for the eCommerce industry.