Often, consultants are people who tell clients how to do things that the consultants have never done.  This is a recipe for a bad business relationship.  What can be done?

When people help clients solve problems they have faced, they:

Can provide better advice

Set their clients up for success

Bring a greater understanding of issues that may arise

Have greater ability to anticipate and suggest solutions for issues that the clients may encounter

Are more trustworthy and more credibility

Can help people look at the issues from a fresh perspective

In business, each of us should strive to be a trusted advisor.  Steps that can be taken to become a trused advisor include:  

Obtaining real world experience before providing business advice on a topic

Focusing on issues that matter to us

Asking intelligent questions and sharing relevant information

Looking at the issue from different perspectives

Being a student of the issue, rather than experts on it

Think about it. 

Does it make sense? 

If so, what does it mean for you as far as your current focus and activities?  What does it suggest you should do now?

Are you a trusted advisor for your business contacts?

Filed by Coleen Davis at 6:22 am under Business Acumen, Customers, Negotiations, Solving Problems