I'm Only A Small Business Specialist
Today I was talking to someone about Microsoft certifications. The conversation went something like this:
My friend has just become a MCSE.
Oh, that's good. I'm an MCP and Small Business Specialist.
Really? Is that better than an MCSE?
Me: Oh, no. Becoming an SBSC just takes one exam.
I've just seen Susan Bradley's latest blog post, The Symphony of SBS. She reproduces an article by Ofer Shimrat that relates to some other recent posts discussing the idea that SBS might be in its death throws. Ofer's article is worth reading in its entirety because it nicely encapsulates what it really means to be a good Small Business Specialist. Ofer uses the analogy of the Small Business Specialist being the conductor of a symphony orchestra. This passage in particular caught my eye, with my own added emphasis:
Metaphorically speaking, as consultants in the SMB space selling, installing, deploying, implementing and maintaining SBS – we ARE conductors. And as good SBS consultants we are akin to good symphony conductors. We have to know MUCH more than the average MCSE in a single particular area of expertise. There are MANY more fields that we have to have robust knowledge of in order to be considered good at what we do.
On a business level we have to determine the business need, the desired outcome and the methodology to get there. On a technology level we have to master not ONE server product, but SEVERAL server products bundled in SBS. We have to master not ONE piece of hardware but SEVERAL pieces of hardware to corroborate the desired outcome with SBS. We have to master not ONE piece of software but SEVERAL pieces of software in order to make the client machines function PREDICTABLY with SBS – you get the picture.
Yes Ofer. I do indeed get the picture. After reading this article, I realised that being a Small Business Specialist is not so humble. Never again will I apologetically tell anyone that I am "only" a Small Business Specialist.