Another example of the great "specialize vs. generialize" debate
After thinking about my own question at the end of my previous post, I believe that I can answer both our questions.
The key to broaden vs. deepen is to practice both, but in different ways. To me " broaden" means "generalize across some dimension" while "deepen" means "specialize in some area". So, using this approach, one could specialize in one area (e.g. software development) while generalizing across industries (e.g. healthcare, alternative energy, non-profit).
Or use the inverse approach. For example, I really like healthcare. Although I got my start in the field as a software developer, I could use my domain knowledge to enter other areas such as technical writing, business analysis and even project management.
Another friend of mine is a top-notch business analyst, but she has spent the last part of her career playing this role in various industries (e.g. healthcare, financial services, telecom).
Another option is to specialize in a technology (e.g .NET), but generalize by geography (e.g. San Diego) as many traveling IT contractors and even consultants from top-tier consulting firms do. Or if you love one city so much that you'll do anything to stay there, then you can try the inverse.
Use "broadening" or "deepening" at the expense of the other presents many problems.
If you overbroaden, then you risk:
1) looking uncommitted because it seems like you don't know what you like to do (even if you are good at everything)
2) losing opportunities because clients don't understand your competitive advantage or feel that don't understand their needs enough.
3) appearing money-hungry because people may assume that you're just chasing after big technology "jackpot" or the fad of the day.
4) not being able to charge higher rates because you're not perceived as an expert.
Someone who tries to be all things to everyone succeeds only in being nothing to anyone.
Overdeepening can create different, but equally dangerous problems because you risk:
1) appearing rigid and inflexible to prospective clients because you choose to stay in your comfort zone.
2) losing opportunities because you're so focused on your area of expertise.
3) failing to miss the changes in the "big picture" changes in the macro-economy.
4) not being able to charge same higher rates as before after switching to another area.
The business world is survival of the fittest and very often the most flexible survive.
The best option is to strike a balance between broadening (generalizing) and deepening (specializing). That way, you don't become irrelevant today or obsolete tomorrow.
Depending on the person, the balance may lean on one side more than the other, to varying degrees. But, the important point is that practicing both is a healthy long-term career strategy.
