Consultants Have To Earn The Right To Propose Solutions
Don't undermine potential client relationships by proposing solutions too soon.
Imagine you’re on an early call with a client (or prospective client).
They’re describing their problem when you suddenly realise this is a challenge you’ve encountered before. Better yet, you know how to solve it.
You excitedly explain your solution to the client, but get a muted reaction.
In fact, now they seem to be backing away from the project.
That’s because you’ve just made a big mistake.
Focus On Learning As Much As Possible
It’s best to understand this from the other person’s perspective.
Imagine you’re on a call with a prospective designer for your website.
After you’ve made your pleasantries, he begins telling you how to design your site. He tells you what colours, images, and font to use. He shares some basic templates he would use for your site.
How would you feel?
If you’re like most people, you would probably feel a little frustrated. He’s trying to propose a solution before he’s fully listened and tried to understand your goals.
He doesn’t know your history. He doesn’t…
