You're faced with exaggerated software promises to clients. How will you manage expectations effectively?

Look at what is needed over what is offered. Is this a good fit and easy to use? Does the software as it is "really" fit well for my people? What is their price point? If there is a negative in either one of the questions above then it's not worth hurting the business. Adds and demo's sometimes look good but if there are hidden trap doors then I would turn it away. Bells and whistles sound nice at first but in time it's just noise and from a IT standpoint it could cause more work from both the users end and the techs who have to support it. Even checking online to see if this software has had issues might be a deterrent. Making sure the user is happy is one thing. Making sure they are secure and productive is better. Happy is the bonus.

Assume the client is concerned about past promises of "unlimited scalability" and "perfect security" and wants to know if these claims are realistic. Solution: Acknowledge their feelings: "I totally get why you’re cautious—past experiences with big promises can make anyone wary. It’s smart to question claims like unlimited scalability and perfect security." Then, provide clarity: "Our software is built to scale and has solid security features, but 'unlimited' can be tricky to promise. Let me show you exactly what we offer and how it can meet your needs realistically."

When managing exaggerated software promises to clients, it's essential to communicate realistic timelines. For example, if a task usually takes 3 days, tell the client it will take 5 days. Then, when you deliver in 3 days, they’ll be pleasantly surprised, which helps build trust and leaves a lasting impression. This strategy not only impresses clients but also provides a buffer for unforeseen challenges. By underpromising and overdelivering, you manage expectations effectively and maintain a positive reputation. Clear communication and transparency are key—ensuring that clients stay satisfied and confident in your ability to deliver consistently.

"It's important to be upfront with clients—letting them know that quality work takes time. Providing them with a realistic deadline and adding an extra week as a buffer for any unforeseen issues ensures expectations are clear and manageable.

1. Have a Transparent Discussion "I see you're excited about getting everything set up quickly with all features. To be honest, fully implementing advanced scalability and top-tier security in just a month might be too ambitious. Here’s the plan: We’ll start with essential features and basic security within a month. Then, we’ll gradually enhance scalability and security over the next few months. This way, we ensure everything works smoothly and meets your needs without rushing." 2. Communicate Challenges "Building advanced features takes time and care. By taking this phased approach, we’ll handle each aspect thoroughly and avoid potential issues. It might take a bit longer, but it’ll set us up for long-term success and satisfaction.

Help them understand how your software development works. Explain how building complex features involves many steps and variables, which can impact timelines and outcomes. For example, adding advanced scalability and security isn’t just about turning on a switch—it requires careful planning and testing. By learning about this process, they will see why some promises might be overstated and why they need to adjust expectations. This way, they will be more informed and better prepared for the project’s progression