Some recent consulting assignments have reminded me of an often-repeated Blog post and the article in DON’T DO IT THE HARD WAY titled, Consultants: How to Choose, Use, and Not Abuse Them.
However, after many years of experience with clients and consultants I have learned that even if all the important principles are observed by both client and consultants there is still no guarantee of a successful project and a satisfied client.
So, how can the project still go wrong?
In so many ways. Maybe the client wasn’t looking for honest, objective professional advice. Maybe they were looking for a new best friend to tell them how smart they are and that all is well, carry on. Instead they hear, “Sorry sir, but you’re the problem. And you can’t handle the truth!”
Maybe the consultant hears the response I’ve used myself many times on receiving unfair, unreasonable, or inappropriate commentary, “Thank you for your input, please don’t take it personally if I choose to ignore it.” It may be hard on the consultant’s ego, but the client always has the right to reject the advice.
Whether giving or receiving advice, as either client or consultant, there are a few guiding principles to apply that will improve the likelihood of a mutually satisfactory conclusion.
You can read the full article, Consultants: How to Choose, Use, and Not Abuse Them, or simply remember, it’s not a contest of who’s smarter – Help them help you.
Be better. Do Better.
Be an Enlightened Entrepreneur.
Del Chatterson, your Uncle Ralph
Learn more about Enlightened Entrepreneurship at: LearningEntrepreneurship.com
Read more of Uncle Ralph's advice for Entrepreneurs in Don't Do It the Hard Way & The Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide to Business Plans - 2020 Editions.
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