Do everything computer support

I've recently read a number of ads and articles from ccomputer support companies that claim that they can provide all of your computer support from hardware and software purchases to strategic planning to website development.

In this day and age, technology is changing and growing rapidly. In order to stay up to date, you must specialize. When you try to sell your services to a customer, what is he impressed with?

• The fact that you can do anything, but not particularly well?
• The fact that you are a specialist and you can solve his or her problem the fastest?

No single person or company can be the best at everything. With the frustrations that most of us face with computers, it is tempting to "abdicate" our responsibilities as business owners to the kid down the street who is comfortable with computers.

Don't do it! He will be managing your business for you!

Even companies that get into this and try to do everything can't be good at it. Even if they have enough staff to keep up-to-date on everything, every company needs a focus. They need to be known to be REALLY GOOD at one thing. They may be able to do other things for you, but they work best for you if they help you to find other specialists.

On top of that, there are three different types of consultant or support that can be valuable for you. They are:

• Computer and technology support
• Business planning support for effective use of technology.
• Websites

These three types are very different, and someone who is really good at one, is unlikely to be really good at another, because they are very different skillsets.

• Websites are not about technology, they are about marketing. Any technician can build a website, but if it doesn't produce a return on investment, it is not worth the price that you paid for it.
• Business planning for technology is not about technology, it is about business results. If you buy software and it doesn't produce a return on investment, it is a waste.
• Computer and technology support is not about fixing computers, it is about keeping your systems up and running, so that the other investments that you make can produce the return on investment that you expect.

The next time somebody tells you that they can do it all, run for the nearest exit! Find somebody that has your interests at heart and get help you to meet your goals, not try to be everything at the lowest price. You can afford the cost.

• some support companies tell you they do everything.

Too much specialization, can't do anything well.