Skip to content

Avoiding the gravitational pull of black hole communication

Clive

Consultants who agree the client's next actions at the end of meetings sell more. It's a great habit.

Doing so ensures the client understands what's expected from them, as well as what they can expect from you. It means they are buying into a plan for procurement. Too often this plan is one way, with all the emphasis on the consultant and their actions.

For example, if you promise to deliver a proposal by a certain date. There must be some explicit action for your client too ... "and you agree to review this with your team before 16th July. Then we'll have a telephone conference call at 10 on 17th July. Is that ok?"

And, if your client won't commit to taking action? Well that's a red flag.

Food for thought.

The Influence Briefs

Related Posts

Members Public

Talking too much

I was in a meeting once where I said a lot. Frankly… I just talked too much. Good points. Clear insights. People nodding (off). Afterwards, my boss pulled me to one side and said, “You didn’t hear half of what the client said, did you?” She was right. I’

Members Public

The deluxe service

If you’ve stayed at a posh hotel you may already know about the deluxe services that are available … if you have enough money. And, I’m not talking about a bigger room and well-stocked the mini-bar. That’s nice but with the deluxe service comes a suite

Members Public

What did you try this week that's different?

Just take a moment to answer this question. What did you try this week that's different? And I'm not meaning eating Hákarl (although kudos if you did). I'm meaning a different way to have impact or influence. Most candidates applying for coaching haven'