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Society and business alike have been united in recent years in applauding the “self-made” and the “hustler” – the one-man bands that do a little bit of everything in their business to keep costs low and streamline processes. There is, for sure, an advantage to knowing a bit about everything; as a boss, it will make you a more assiduous hirer and hopefully a better decision-maker. However, there can be no doubt that the “jack of all trades” can swiftly be shown up as a “master of none” in times of need.

The existence of specialists – experts who zone in on one specific aspect of one specific sector – is essential, even if some people question the benefit of experts. Whether you are a business owner looking to make the right choices, or a job-hunter looking for a way to make themselves more employable, the following examples are all reasons why specialists are vital in the modern business world.

Experts don’t need to listen to explanations

There are countless doctors in the world, but the number of expert cardiologists is significantly smaller, because qualifying in a speciality takes longer and requires more specialized knowledge. However, you’re going to be in much better hands if you have a heart issue and go to see a cardiologist – because they eat, sleep and breathe their speciality. Similarly, if you’re working in the oil and gas industry, you could hire just any accountant or someone qualified by the likes of Copas.org who specializes in your sector – the former will be easier to find, but the latter will have an innate knowledge of what your business entails, and will work quicker due to that knowledge.

Specialists make everyone around them smarter

If you hire a generally talented individual in your business, then they will be beneficial in their role, and they’ll get a lot done. However, when they go away not only have you lost their skills; you will also have missed out on the additional knowledge a specialist can impart to those who remain behind. Any business, to operate well, needs a combination of versatile generalists and specialists who zone in on an X Factor. Think of it like a sports team; there will always be the team players who no team can do without, but they will all be elevated to another level by an expert who specializes in penalty kicks or three-point shots. Not only do they bring their special talent, but they can pass on tricks of their trade.

You can hire a specialist whenever you need one

Without a doubt, it could be seen as an extravagance for your business to have a real estate attorney on the payroll if you’re not a realtor; or to employ a structural engineer if you’re not in construction. Those kinds of hires would only make sense for the biggest, wealthiest companies. However, specialists will mostly work on a contracted, for-hire basis. It is easier to carry a leaner staff, and then hire a specialist when they are needed, than it is to cover all bases “just in case”.

The benefits of hiring a specialist are clear; and if you are considering a specialist career for yourself, it’s worth knowing that your skills will always be in demand.