You need to think about the services you provide to your sweet spot IT consulting clients.  

Which Web Design Programs Do You Need?

You need to know basic web authoring tools in order to be able to set up simple websites for your IT consulting clients.  Also make sure you have your own website. Know Microsoft Front page, and if you are looking at more high-end websites, Macromedia or Dreamweaver.   

Terminal Services

Real is still a hot thing with small businesses.  Know what is built into the window server.  While the fax machine is probably going quickly, faxing over a network is very important.

Get to know what you can about performance monitoring so you can do tune-ups and checks.  You will be dealing with VPN and RADs, virtual private networking and remote access, particularly when working with teleworkers and branch offices.

Things to Know about Virus Protection

You need to know more about advanced virus protection applications, particularly when they cross over different applications.  When they work with a group-wide system like Exchange Server or IAS, know how to automate the process.  Also get to know some sophisticated firewall and intrusion detection packages to fully protect your IT consulting sweet spot clients.

Added By:  Joshua Feinberg