I had an uncomfortable experience recently with respect to something I am working on. An advisor tried to channel me down a path to using an expert he recommended. When I said that I already was working with a different professional, he continued to push his recommended person. With no acknowledgement that I am in mid-flight with what I am working on with this other expert. And appearing dismissive about “my” expert because he didn’t know her. Needless to say – I’m no longer engaged with that advisor.
Being an advisor myself… It highlighted something I believe is important for consultants to remember.
- It is the customer’s decision whether or not they make use of your advice.
- The customer can and should get information from a variety of sources.
- Sometimes you are “sharing” the customer with other people, products and services.
- You need to respect your customers decisions, even when/if you don’t agree with them.
- There is no such thing as one true path – and only fanatics think their way is the only way.
And most importantly, part of being a confident professional is that you have the capability to work within this type of framework.
