It takes more than technical skills to be a great consultant.
As an IT consultant you need strong technical skills that are in demand. You also need the right beliefs.
Recently I interviewed Darren (AKA Mr. Lisa) and gathered up some of the beliefs I heard that are key to his success as an IT consultant so I could share them with you. I hope you find them helpful!
1. It's a puzzle to solve.
I know I personally have a terrible attitude when it comes to computer problems. I just want the $%^& thing to work, and when it doesn't I get annoyed and frustrated.
Darren has a very different attitude. He sees technical challenges as puzzles and knows he can solve them.
When there's a problem, there's no reason to panic or freak out. It's a fun opportunity to figure something out.
2. IT is about continuous improvement and change. Embrace that.
Darren always says if you don't like change, you shouldn't be in IT.
You should always be looking for ways to improve what you have, and you should expect and welcome change.
One of Darren's mantras is “how can we automate this?”. He's always looking for solutions, software, and systems that can allow him to do more with less (money and labor).
3. If you are here for the money, you won't last.
Yes, IT is a lucrative field. IT skills are in demand, and clients and employers are willing to pay a premium for your knowledge.
But if you are just in it for the cash, you won't have the right attitude for excellence. You'll be focused on the bare minimum number of hours you need to log to get the paycheck. You won't be excited to make the mental effort to learn the new stuff. You won't be willing to invest in your education and your network.
Like most of us, Darren puts in a lot of screen time. But most of that is NOT social media. He's always following tech news (it helps he also has a great memory, so when he reads stuff he remembers it later).
Don't focus on doing the least possible – focus on learning and growing and being a resource. An extra hour of study a night puts you ahead of everyone else in your niche.
4. Be good with people.
Ok, ok – let's be honest – a lot of people get into IT because they aren't that into other humans. That's why if you can do BOTH you can really be a superhero.
If you show an interest in how your clients are doing their jobs and how you can make them more efficient and effective, you'll find additional opportunities to extend your engagements beyond the initial gig.
If you take the extra time to help people use the applications you are rolling out, there will be greater user adoption (which means upgrade support in the future).
Any time you can combine two things that don't usually go together, you stand out and become unique (and more valuable). If you can combine IT skills and people skills, you'll be more in demand.
People do business with people they know, trust, and like, so taking the time to get to know people and practicing being “good” with people is a great way to stand out in IT.
Ready to figure out what limiting beliefs are in your way so you can become a top consultant? Looking for a mentor to help you succeed? Schedule a call to learn more about how I can help you.
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