In his best-selling book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki makes the case for not specializing. On the surface, this sounds counter-intuitive. Let me explain.

When talking about his “Poor Dad”, Robert writes “he never understood that the more specialized you become, the more you are trapped and dependent on that specialty.”

On the other hand, his “Rich Dad” had a unique approach. He states “…these bright young employees do not specialize in one department; they are moved from department to department to learn all aspects of business systems.”

But wait. Don’t we learn that specializing is the way to go? Mastering all subjects is impossible, right?

Or am I wrong?

I became a professional accountant back in the early 90’s believing the “Poor Dad” strategy. I learned all I could about tax legislation and accounting for deferred assets, among other things. I made it to the top of the Finance department. But what did I know about running a business?

No much; my area of expertise involved only accounting and finance. I simply became too specialized.

But hang on a second…

The other day I read an excellent report by John Carlton called Carlton Strategies Report #3: “Advanced Conversion Secrets: Old School Dirty Tricks That Allow You To Quickly Dominate Markets and Humiliate The Competition.” Here’s what he said:

“If you’re dealing with a market that cares about the product or service you’re producing, you don’t want to be less educated than your prospects are about it…No. If you’re gonna be a “go to” guy, you gotta have the chops and the goods. You gotta go deep.”

Now at first glance, John seems to contradict Robert Kiyosaki.

But I don’t think so. In fact, I feel John makes an excellent distinction between specializing and “Going Deep.”

Robert talks about knowing all aspects of your business; John explains why you must fully understand (specialize, if you will) the product or service you offer to your prospects and customers.

You see, to run a successful Internet business, you need to know “all aspects of business systems.” This includes finance, marketing strategies, product or service development, market research, how to create a web site, and so on.

But you also need to have a deep understanding of “What” and “Why” you are offering to the marketplace. You NEED this “specialized” knowledge – it will give you a competitive advantage.

Here’s what I want you to do starting today:

1) Make a commitment to learn all aspects of your business. Stop specializing in just one or two. Identify those areas you’re not strong in. Set some goals and deadlines. And treat your online venture as a BUSINESS! If you’re just playing around, then get out the way of those who seek to create true Internet wealth.

2) “Go Deep” in your understanding of what you offer to your prospects and customers. Why do you belong to that affiliate program? Why did you create that wonderful-looking dohicky? What does your ideal prospect and customer look like? Where do you find them? Why should they deal with you? Create a checklist or start a journal you can refer to often as you work through this process.

John concludes his article this way:

“But I DO have a quarrel with anyone who wants to become a world-class writer or marketer who thinks they can “get by” without going deep…you can’t.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself!

What do you think?