Excellence in Expectations

1. The Savvy Consultant’s Guide to Tactical Advantage

Want to know how I always exceed client expectations?

Over my 25 years as a consultant, I already have tried-and-true strategies that elevate client relationships, improve deliverables, and boost my reputation.

And today, I’m sharing them with you:

1. Define your work clearly. Ambiguity is the main reason for disagreements between consultants and clients. Make sure to have everything spelled out in writing to minimize misunderstandings and set the stage for transparency. You can check out our Statement of Work (Short Form or Long Form) to serve as your guide.

2. Deliver small victories early. First impressions last and clients appreciate seeing results early on. Small wins set a positive tone and build trust in the partnership. They can be simple achievements that gather momentum over time.

3. Adapt to client needs. Every client is unique and you need to anticipate their preferences to gain a huge advantage. Tailor your approach to match the client’s personality and deliver results that resonate with them. For data-driven executives, be prepared with numbers and evidence. And for clients that prefer swift iteration, it’s best to have short yet productive cycles.

4. Slowly increase the bar. Massive leaps in results are impressive, but there’s wisdom in a gradual approach. Steadily increasing the bar allows sustainable improvement that doesn’t overwhelm you or the client.

5. Be consistent. It’s not the grand gestures that make you look great in the client’s eyes. It’s the day-in and day-out reliability. Being consistently good allows you to meet and exceed client expectations. Remember that clients appreciate someone they can depend on more than someone who only shines brightly once.

Exceeding client expectations is more than just about having the expertise; it’s about managing expectations, building trust, and delivering results that resonate with your clients.

Take note of these five tips and do the best consulting job you can time and time again.

2. Sorry, This Request is Out-of-Scope

How do you deal with out-of-scope requests?

Most of the time, consultants go above and beyond their responsibilities to make clients happy. But when you get one too many out-of-scope requests, you might want to politely push back and remind them of the contract.

Check out how this frog mascot squares up.

It’s a pretty accurate representation of what goes on inside our heads.

Remember, the path to success is paved with continuous learning and embracing fresh perspectives.

Let's stay connected, share ideas, and elevate your consulting business.

Stay curious, friends.

TheConsult.co brought to you by Keenan Reid Strategies

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