In today’s virtual workspace, information is essential for a company’s existence. Not only must it be easily accessible to the company, but protected from unauthorized access as well. An efficient database enables your company to function efficiently. And the people responsible for ensuring this are database managers.
And due to the pandemic, remote database administration is slowly gaining traction amongst companies. An online database administrator job is similar to its traditional counterpart. These information technicians provide database support and maintain their client’s database management system.
Other duties and responsibilities of an online database manager include:
- Establish policies and procedures regarding the security, maintenance, and usage of the data management system.
- Troubleshooting issues that appear on the data management system.
- Ensuring the database meets user requirements.
- Manage the system’s backup and recovery procedures.
- Collaborate with other IT managers, technical staff, and other programmers.
- Produce operating manuals and archive data.
- Make and test modifications to the database as needed.
- Be familiar with using database management tools such as MySQL, DevOps, and SQL Server Management Studio.
Because of the importance of their jobs, the salary range for an online database administrator job is pretty high. An entry-level full-time online database manager can expect to earn Php 30,000 to Php 42,400. Experienced online database managers can earn a staggering Php 90,000.
As an online database manager, your duties don’t end with making sure the company’s database is working efficiently. You also need to communicate with your clients regarding the present status of the company’s database. To help you better communicate with your clients, here are some tips you should remember when talking to them.
Be Punctual in your Meetings
One thing that everyone hates is to appear on time for a meeting and then wait for the other person to show up. When you say yes to an appointment scheduled with your clients, you should be there on time. Not only is it common courtesy, but it also improves your image to your clients as well.
So, how do you become more punctual when attending meetings? The first step is to communicate with your clients when both of you are available. Doing this ensures that there won’t be any conflicts in both of your schedules during meetings.
The next step is preparation. Once you know you have a meeting with your clients during a specific time, be sure to finish all your tasks before meeting them. After all, you won’t be able to answer your client’s questions if you’re distracted doing other tasks.
Limit your Use of Complex Jargon
When you’re communicating with your clients, ensure they understand what you’re saying to avoid confusion. Yes, this should be common sense. And yes, many database managers forget this advice, so I have to mention it just in case. Limiting your usage of IT jargon to your clients also allows them to contribute their thoughts and ideas to you.
What should you do then if your report needs you to use a lot of IT jargon? If this is the case, try to explain what each term means to your clients so they can understand your report. For example, you’re discussing how to improve the database’s design and data extraction. Using simpler terms will allow your client to understand your plans and add their input to them.
Make Sure you Have a Stable Internet Connection.
Another factor that to consider when talking to your clients is the reliability of your internet connection. There’s nothing more annoying than being in the middle of discussing the database’s current status and suddenly being disconnected from your video call. Slow internet speeds will also make communication between you and your client difficult.
One way to ensure that you’ll always have an internet connection is by having backup pocket wifi. Examples of pocket wifi are Smart Bro LTE Pocket Wifi, ZTE MF920T 4G/LTE Wireless Pocket Wifi, and Globe LTE Mobile Wifi. These devices allow you to connect to the internet if your primary source of internet isn’t available.
Communication is a Two-Way Street
Finally, and most importantly, when talking to your client, be sure not to dominate the conversation. At the same time, don’t let your client dominate the conversation with you simply nodding either. Give your client and yourself time to express your ideas so that you can see each other’s perspectives.
For example, you recommended changes to the company’s database to better organize the data stored there. Your client, however, is adamant that things are fine the way they are, even though employees are having difficulty accessing information. By giving each other the chance to speak their mind, you can reach a compromise that works for both parties.
Conclusion
And we’re done! Here are the things you should remember when talking to a client for your online database administrator job. Of course, you may be wondering, “Is that all? Aren’t there more?” Well, you are correct. These tips cover the basics that you should know when talking to your clients.
Of course, these tips will be of no use if you don’t follow them. It’s up to you to follow these tips and see which one works best for you and which ones do not.
