The Specialization Series – Why I’m Writing This
This entry is the first in a series of posts I want to write about specialization. Many things have happened recently to make me think about my business – what I like about how my business is going, and things that have happened in the past that I’d love to avoid in the future. As I’ve thought through these things I began to realize that it all comes down to specialization.
If I reflect back on the web design projects I’ve done that I am truly happy with, that have had the most positive impact on clients, they are projects that revolve around my area of expertise. When I work with a client from my top skill sets, in my areas of highest expertise, they are extremely happy with the outcome and I am extremely happy throughout the process. When I try to take on things that are outside my core areas, we all end up frustrated.
Now, don’t get me wrong, as a person that builds websites for a living I constantly have to grow my skills and learn new ones. Web designers who sit still for very long go out of business! What I’m talking about here is picking one or two things that I really love doing and to focusing on being the absolute best at those. And letting the rest go.
It’s hard to turn away projects. Anyone who is freelancing or owns a small company know exactly how stressful it can feel to turn away work. It feels better, safer, to take any work you can get. However, when this work is outside my expertise I generally end up feeling like I’ve lost money on the project because it takes so much longer to complete. I also usually feel like I’ve lost a few days/weeks/months off my life from the stress! These projects make me feel like changing what I do for a living. So not worth it!!
When I’m doing what I’m best at, what I like doing, and serving the types of clients I prefer to work with, I feel empowered, energized and productive. I’m happy to be working and get a huge amount of satisfaction. I feel great knowing the I’m helping my client.
So, in the next few days I’m going to be covering different aspects of why specialization is best, and I hope it reminds me of how to stay on the right track when I’m tempted with bad decisions, and I hope it motivates you to find and follow your passion!
