Consulting from My Side of the Screen-

The Consulting Environment and Tips for the Potential Customer-

Promoting your service online sometimes means  offering a good faith incentive to get started;

You wait to see what happens…

You devise a series of protocol questions

The first person responds…

Typically an initial phone consult  gets the ball rolling - perhaps 20 minutes, focused on the task;

How do you know whether or not each or either of you want to ‘dip your toes into the proverbial water’?

It’s really a matter of intuition and the vibe you get when communicating with the person.

Does it matter whether they took the time to research your website, credentials and social media? 

If the potential customer took the time, it helps to determine if they are looking for quality. 

This is a sign of an informed shopper.

However, some people just ‘go for the discount’ which is okay too.

I don’t need flattery to do my job;

However, you don’t necessarily want to  take on every Tom, Dick or Harriet as a client ‘just because’ they inquired.

As a consultant, there is a delicate balance between what you can do, what you are willing to do and what the potential client says they want.

Sometimes as the customer, they really don’t know…or perhaps their responses are too generic.

In that case, it is the consultant’s job to send content based questions, and provide reasonable options (if both parties decide to work together and a fee with ‘x’ number of hours are agreed upon.) 

From that point on, it is a collaborative effort… to make it a success;

As consultants, we need not to go beyond our scope with other parties, unless it is part of the package. 

Doing so, may complicate the situation, prolong the end result and cost the customer more money.

If there’s someone else to consult, to help me to help you, I will put the onus on the customer to get the other parts done which shows investment in the process ‘off the clock.’

Yes, the clock is ticking… 

With any professional consulting relationship, you agree to certain parameters.  

However, the customer should know that typically, the consultant may spend more pre- and post hours than typically contracted in their desire to please the customer. The professional looks at the larger picture and the end goal. 

There are ways to economize if it’s necessary

They provide fair pricing for their expertise, but not ‘nickel and diming’ every minute.’ Yes, we are worth it!

This may be obvious to some, but to others not as much- 

Our time, advice, expertise is worth compensation, just as your skills are!

Customers always need to realize and respect that fact.

As a consultant , I am always excited at the prospect of a new project I believe in. 

A word of caution- NEVER decide on a major life decision or a monetary investment immediately. 

So, I say  ‘Take 24’ (hours) or a bit more to really decide if each of you want to proceed.

It’s a good idea to take the time and have any questions or concerns answered first. 

Should you find someone who advertises, ’They can do anything’ representing a big all -service company…

Or go with the smaller alternative? 

Should you ‘cherry-pick ‘ services?

To a large extent, it depends upon your preference and other factors such as  your  timeframe, deadlines,  finances, your ability (or not) to work with multiple people.

Finally, if you respect a person’s  expertise and have approached them a few times ‘off the record’ for advice, realize that you may be taking advantage of their time and experience. 

It may be time to actually hire them!