There are some challenges associated with working as a virtual IT manager for small businesses.  The following two tips can help IT consultants navigate the waters of the industry.

Tip #1:  What Do Small Businesses Think of Themselves?

Even though regular, full-time IT managers in larger companies network with peers in other companies, virtual IT managers working for small- and medium-sized businesses have cannot do the same thing easily with each other.  The reason virtual IT managers don’t often network with each other is because most SMBs do not consider themselves “small- and medium-sized businesses.”  Typically, small businesses will align themselves with a specific industry – public accounting, manufacturing, construction, or any other.

If you are a virtual IT manager, you need to build your network of IT managers by participating in industry-specific trade groups.    

Tip #2:  The Ability to Outsource

Most virtual IT managers for SMBs tend to be generalists.  Therefore, the ability to locate, screen, hire and manage independent IT contractors when you need to outsource specialty projects is a critical skill.  This means you need to have very strong interpersonal and project management skills and not just tech knowledge in order to be an effective virtual IT manager.

The Bottom Line about Virtual IT and SMBs

If you intend to be a virtual IT manager for small- and medium-sized businesses, you have to be prepared to operate differently from full-time IT managers of larger companies.  You need to look towards industry-specific trade groups for networking opportunities and also be prepared to outsource specialty work, a process which will require strong project management and interpersonal skills.

Added By:  Joshua Feinberg