Growing SME Conundrum: Hire Specialists or Generalists?

As your SME begins to scale, the age-old hiring debate arises: should you bring on specialists or generalists? The short answer? It depends on your unique business needs. But as the nature of work evolves, generalists may offer a better fit for many SMEs—especially when complemented by fractional specialists like those provided by our services (and this is not a biased opinion :) ).

1 - The Case for When to Hire Generalists

Generalists are adaptable and versatile, making them ideal for SMEs where roles often require flexibility. They can wear multiple hats, handling tasks across different functions without needing a deep dive into specialisation. This versatility is invaluable in resource-limited environments, helping you pivot quickly in response to market changes.

When to Hire Generalists:

• Early-Stage Growth: When budgets are tight, and team members must take on diverse responsibilities.

• Dynamic Environments: If your company is constantly adapting to new challenges, generalists provide the agility needed to shift focus.

• Team Building: Generalists can bridge gaps across departments, fostering collaboration and cross-functional understanding.

2 - The Case for When to Hire a Specialist over a Generalist

Specialists bring deep, focused expertise, making them indispensable for high-stakes projects or technical tasks that demand precision. They can deliver impactful results in areas that require advanced knowledge, such as software development, legal compliance, or digital marketing.

When to Hire Specialists:

• Project-Based Needs: For one-off, complex projects that require expertise you don’t have in-house.

• Established Operations: When your SME has grown to a point where specialisation can enhance efficiency.

• Key Differentiators: If your business relies on a particular niche or technical skill, specialists may be non-negotiable.

3 - The Hybrid Approach

Rather than choosing one over the other, many SMEs can benefit from a hybrid approach: hiring versatile generalists for day-to-day operations while leveraging fractional specialists for targeted expertise. This balance allows you to scale efficiently without overloading your budget.

Benefits of Fractional Specialists:

• Cost Savings: Access top-tier expertise without the overheads of a full-time hire.

• Flexibility: Bring in specialists only when needed, keeping operations lean.

• Knowledge Transfer: Fractional specialists can upskill your generalists, enhancing their capabilities over time.

  
  

Actionable Steps

1. Assess Your Needs: Identify which areas require flexibility versus deep expertise. Align your hiring strategy with your immediate and long-term goals.

2. Leverage Outsourcing: Consider fractional services for areas like HR, IT, or marketing to supplement your team’s capabilities.

3. Prioritise Fit: Whether hiring generalists or specialists, focus on cultural alignment and a willingness to learn. These traits are critical in a growing SME.

Final Thoughts

As an SME leader, your goal is to build a resilient team that supports growth while staying adaptable. By embracing a blend of generalists and fractional specialists, you can optimise your workforce to meet the demands of today’s ever-changing business landscape—while keeping overheads manageable.

Need tailored advice on building your team? Let’s talk. We specialise in helping SMEs like yours find the perfect balance between expertise and versatility.

"Hiring generalists allows your team or organisation to remain flexible in a changing environment, covering more bases with fewer employees. Specialists can take an organisation to the next level, but finding the balance based on your goals is key." - Brian Cristiano, founder of BOLD Worldwide