Be Brave Not Safe

Given all the hard work we’ve done to get to this point, of Launching a Consulting Business, it would be a shame if we weren’t connected.

That is, if/when a client (new or existing) were to reach out to us for help and we weren’t able to respond with our availability within a reasonable timeframe (24 hours, or less) it is very likely the client will simply MOVE ON! Opportunity lost.

Consider this: When a client has a need, they typically want to act or know that action is planned (RIGHT NOW)!

For example, a client emails us: “When can we meet to discuss a project I have for you?” If our response is something like: “I am on vacation and don’t have access to my calendar. I’ll let you know when I return next week.” it indicates that we are disconnected and suggests that we may not be prepared to perform as a high-value, power-consultant.

The point is: If we can read our email our calendar is, or ought to be, just as accessible. If it is not then we haven’t made effective use of readily available technology. The result: we are “missing” 2 very important objectives:

1. Giving the client a prompt response to their inquiry so they can close-out the question in their mind, and in a very small, but important way, observe that forward progress is being made (towards addressing their need).
2. Demonstrating to the client that we are highly efficient and make effective use of technology.

In a nutshell, those are the ONLY 2 reasons a client contacts us: to get stuff off their mind and to get stuff done (effectively and efficiently).

It is realized that we all will (and must) take time to “get away” from it all, which may mean that we are totally disconnected for a period of time. However, this truly is the exception. My experience (after making numerous attempts to get off the grid) is that there aren’t too many places on the planet that don’t offer a cell signal / Internet connection for our smartphones.

In closing, to be considered a highly professional, effective and efficient “power consultant” we must be responsive – no matter where we are.

As stated in the opening narration of The Six Million Dollar Man:

We Have The Technology

It is simply a matter of making the best use of it…

Click here to review the next article in the series.