[RESOLVED] Expert or Not

[Pops139]

OK, I feel very nervous even attempting to post here, but I have a question. I have been trying to make a living tutoring, repairing, building and consulting. I advertise "Not an Expert, just a helping hand". Have been doing this for about a year and am mildly successfull (nose just above the water). My experience is that I have been "playing" with computers for 19 years, first with Commodore and Amiga and got into PCs around 3 years ago. Here is the question....How can you ever be an "EXPERT" at this? I rarely encounter a problem that I can't eventually fix. However in the process of the "fix" I find at least one thing that I have no idea about and when trying to learn about that I find two more. This leads me to rethink my occupation. Do you guys ever feel this way??? Or should I just accept this as one of the perils of the job. This computer crap is a bottomless pit as the technology is constantly changing and then you have to deal with crap like Windows ME. You encouragement or discouragement is welcomed. Pops

[Wayward Clam]

This is always a toughie. I think in your boots I would claim to be an expert until I ran into someone who _I_ considered an expert... and at that point I would defer to them.

[La Soleil]

Why advertise that you are "not an expert"? That's putting yourself down. I think you'd be a lot more successful if you advertised that you have 19 years of experience with computers. No need to tout yourself as an expert, just let the facts sell your services for you.

[Sowulo]

I've been a full-time tech/consultant for 15 years and have never considered that I know everything about computers. Sure, I know a lot but there's so much to know. What I know that I am an expert at is solving problems and getting the job done. I agree with others here. Sell your experience and let your results be the proof of your 'expertise' as well as the foundation of your advertising strategies. Nothing sells better than a satisfied customer.

[Pinnacle]

I agree with the above and would like to add one more thing. I have been working with computers daily since 1980, yet I do not consider myself an expert. This is because I know there is so much to know in computers (I compare it to being a doctor). On the other hand, I realize my knowledge is a quantum leap ahead of the typical person. Don't sell yourself short. You probably know quite a bit.

[MacGyver]

Somebody here once had a signature line that said "If you haven't learned anything new today, you must be dead" It's impossible to know everything. What sets you apart from the rest of the pack is when you encounter a problem you don't know how to solve, you go find the answer and come back and do it.

[Stalemate]

You've just described the last 3 years of my life, Pops!

Don't worry about not knowing everything - no one ever will. What's important is being confident in your current skillset and knowing who to go to when in doubt about particular problems. Not knowing the answer can often be replaced by knowing who does.

These forums are also an excellent source of information on a variety of issues. Try the search feature

[Pops139]

Thanks guys. I should have added that any expertise that I do have comes from guys like you. I DO know where to go for the answers. Pops

[DSTech]

I would have to agree with every other post on this thread. I'm the same way, I in no way consider myself an expert, but do know that what I am is very good at problem solving and finding what I need to in order to get something done. I too have been working in one way or another on computers for over 20 years, and realize that it is impossible for anyone to know everything about them. Like Pinnacle said, relating a Computer Tech to a Doctor, there is too much to know, that is why I consider myself as 'praticing' in computer repair (both fields even have specialists ie-Network Admin:Heart Surgeon). Also as others stated, sell yourself on your experience, and when in person if you have a clue, your clients/employers will see that you know what your doing. An example is that I have no certifications whatsoever (due to various reasons), yet each regular tech job I've had I have advanced quickly beyond those that do have them. Last place I was hired thru a recruiting agency as was another tech who started same day (from same recruiter) who happened to have A+. He ended up being the 'gofer' who was to find items in the warehouse and see what was missing from inventory lists while I ended up being moved to repair tech on PCs, laptops, and the main server tech, as well as the being the tech everyone else in the building came to with their problems. I had the knowledge, he had the paper. Same with my position I'm in now doing private consulting and repair in a retirement town, my customers are happy they've finally found a technician who can really fix their problems for a reasonable rate instead of just replace components expensively and unnessarily like the previous 'technicians' they've used. A satisfied customer will tell all their friends about you and before you know it, you'll be buying a new supply of business cards, mebbe even having to rent out a building and hiring help =)

-Danyll
>Your work speaks for itself, your satisfied customers will spread that word.<
>>Also, even the best doctors know when to ask the opinions of another doctor (mebbe we need to rename this board Doc to Doc )<<

[KINGofBLEH]

I stopped trying to learn EVERYTHING about tech support and consulting years ago. I now spend my time focusing on one skill set at a time. For the past 6 months I have been involved with software integration, deployments, testing and support for a department with over 1000 users and PCs. Before that I was a bus analyst for the same department and my responsibilities included equipment management, primary tech support and info security.

I love what I am doing now (software integration and reengineering for our migration to Windows 2000 early next year). I am finally able to use some of those skills I spent many hours in NT and 2000 admin classes learning.

I believe the key is seeking opportunities to learn more in the job you have now. Be agressive and don't be afraid to step on toes.

[Ruslan]

I have been messing with computers since I have soldered my very first Intel8080 and Z80-based micro-computers (about 15 or even more years ago).
I have more than enough skils for fixing almost everything on component (i.e. transistor/IC) level. But I never considered myself as the "tech expert". If You at once considered Yourself as "expert" - You'll be "dead" for learning more.
What's why I spending my time here at Windrivers forums trying to learn something new, what I've never seen and hever heard of before. And I'm glad to help everyone (if I can), who want to learn more and more.
This helps me also to improve my English...

[Gabriel]

I never considered myself as an Expert.. Just good old GOD...
Now seriously - you can't know EVERYTHING - every day i learn something new and exciting.
My advice to you is get Expertise in One thing (Hardwar or Software, OS Etc.).
This way you can be much wise in one area.

as always,
Good Luck
Gabriel

[Draggar]

I'd say let them decide if you're an expert or not. Its a bad idea going around being a self-proclaimed expert, that's usually a sign of someone who is desperate for business.

Sure, feel free to add any certs you have on your busness card, and any education on the card or pamphlets.

Just make sure you can follow up on them...

[Cable Modem Tech]

POPS, I feel the same way, i always feel underqualified for what ever I may be doing. but I always seem to get the job done. I own my own buisness now and i am always second guessing myself. but like I said, It always gets done.
I just wanted to add a point that everyone missed out on ..... HANG OUT ON THE WINDRIVERS FORUMS!!! you can learn alot here and it is a great place to learn learn learn!!! there are experts here all over the place. they just dont claim to be because that would be arrogant. and everyone here tries to treat others as equals..... but it sure is nice to have a place to turn to when I have a problem that I cannot figure out.....
good luck in you buisness
CMT

[Pops139]

Thank Guys, you have been an inspiration. I do advertise "Not an Expert.....Just a helping hand" and I think I'll leave it that way. Thanks again...Pops