How can you be an IT specialist when you need to be a generalist in order to truly offer support?  When you are an IT specialist, you will still have to do generalist tasks like network design, procurement, managing relations, dealing with phone companies, Web hosts and ISPs, deciding what to buy, testing, configuring, integrating, customizing, training … and much, much more!

Essentially, as an IT specialist, you will be doing everything, which is being a generalist … but who says you need to be a generalist for everyone?

First Way to Be an IT Specialist:  Be Choosy!

You need to be all things to SOME people by providing complete solutions.  You offer true virtual IT and one-stop shopping for your clients.  You take responsibility for everything your clients need but limit the scope of the clients you pursue.

Second Way to Be an IT Specialist:  An Example and Testimonials, Experience

Let’s look at real estate.  If you are specializing in real estate, you may have done a lot of work with commercial real estate or be a top IT specialist in this niche.  You will have testimonials, references and experience proving you’ve done work for these firms and will thus come across as a true IT specialist.

Third Way to Be an IT Specialist:  You Don’t Need Extensive Experience!

Finding a niche often just means having one or two clients that have been with you for a year or two and have started needing more complex IT services.  Over a long period of time, you will get to know the business applications for their companies.  And this will make you an IT specialist unlike anyone else they could call.

Added By:  Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit