How do you build trust and rapport with your AI consulting clients?

1 Know your client

Before you start any AI project, you need to understand your client's goals, challenges, needs, and expectations. You need to do your research, ask the right questions, and listen actively to their answers. You need to show that you care about their problems and that you have the expertise and experience to solve them. You also need to align your AI solutions with their business strategy, vision, and values. By knowing your client, you can demonstrate your credibility, relevance, and empathy.

2 Communicate clearly

AI projects involve a lot of technical jargon, data, algorithms, models, and metrics. But your client may not be familiar with these terms, or may have different interpretations of them. You need to communicate clearly, using simple and accessible language, visuals, and stories. You need to explain the benefits and limitations of AI, the assumptions and risks involved, and the expected outcomes and impacts. You also need to communicate frequently, honestly, and transparently, keeping your client updated on the progress, challenges, and feedback of the project.

3 Manage expectations

AI projects are not magic. They require time, resources, collaboration, and iteration. You need to manage your client's expectations, by setting realistic and measurable goals, defining the scope and deliverables of the project, and agreeing on the roles and responsibilities of each party. You also need to manage your own expectations, by being flexible and adaptable to changing requirements, feedback, and circumstances. You need to avoid overpromising and underdelivering, and instead focus on delivering value and quality.

4 Involve your client

AI projects are not one-way transactions. They are collaborative and interactive processes that require your client's input, involvement, and feedback. You need to involve your client in every stage of the project, from defining the problem and designing the solution, to testing and deploying the AI system. You need to solicit their opinions, preferences, and concerns, and incorporate them into your decisions and actions. You also need to educate and empower your client, by sharing your knowledge, insights, and best practices, and by providing training and support.

5 Deliver results

AI projects are not just about technology. They are about solving business problems and creating value for your client. You need to deliver results, by showing how your AI solution addresses your client's pain points, improves their performance, and enhances their competitive advantage. You need to measure and report the outcomes and impacts of your AI project, using relevant and meaningful metrics and indicators. You also need to celebrate and showcase your achievements, by sharing success stories, testimonials, and case studies.

6 Build relationships

AI projects are not just about transactions. They are about relationships. You need to build relationships with your client, by being respectful, professional, and friendly. You need to show that you care about their success and satisfaction, and that you are committed to their long-term goals and interests. You also need to build relationships with other stakeholders, such as your client's employees, customers, partners, and regulators, who may be affected by or involved in your AI project. By building relationships, you can create trust, loyalty, and referrals.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?