You need some computer consulting skills if you want to have a virtual IT business.  But which ones do your competitors have?

The following four points can help you measure which computer consulting skills you will need to measure up to competing firms.

Skill 1:  Necessary Networking Platforms

Most of your competitors that are doing well with sweet spot clients have the following networking platform computer consulting skills:  Microsoft Small Business Server (SBS); Novell Small Business Suite/Novell NetWare; Linux (typically RedHat); Mac OS.

Some larger integrators within your market with several employees might push towards the higher end of the small business market.  They will start with 25-50 PCs and go to larger small businesses with 50-100 systems.  They might even have computer consulting skills that take them to sophisticated solutions (more sophisticated than what you can offer) for those with 100-500 systems.  

Skill 2:  Some Advanced Expertise

Larger competitors typically have advanced expertise with the following items:  Network Attached Storage (NAS); Storage Attached Networks (SANS); Complex Security Solutions; CheckPoint Firewalls; Citrix Terminal Solutions; Higher End Wi-Fi Solutions; Managed Hardware.

Advanced certifications are not critical until you start to sell to a real IT manager at a larger small business.  

Skill 3:  Certifications You Really Need

When you are working with sweet spot small businesses that have 10-50 PCs using virtual IT staff that have one or two entry-level certifications and are working towards something like an MCSE is enough.  

Skill 4:  Solve Problems

Typically your clients put more emphasis on problem-solving when it comes to computer consulting skills than they do on certifications and technical skills.  Clients want your company to know about a specific business industry and how you can use IT to solve complex problems.

Added By:  Joshua Feinberg