Then add a dash of magic...

Wouldn’t it be great if your clients regarded you as a magician?

Someone who could see the future and fix their problems with a wave?

That’s what problem-solving skills will get you. And today we’ll go through the laser-focused process to make you that magician for your clients.

Help your clients solve problems

Your job is likely to solve problems. That means hearing the client’s problems and creating actionable steps to a solution. As a consultant, this is my job day in and day out.

To solve your client’s problems, you’ll need to know the answer to five key questions:

1. What is my client’s problem?
2. Where do we need to go?
3. How do I get started?
4. Are we still on track?
5. How could we do this better next time?

Benefits of a problem-solving process

“But Joel,” you might say, “My client’s problems are not that big. I move quickly. Do I really need a whole process? Won’t that slow me down?”

There are boatloads of benefits to running through this process. Even if your client’s problem is small, you’ll see benefits like these:

• You’ll get stuck less.
• You won’t get burned out.
• You’ll find it easier to grow.
• You’ll adapt rather than react.
• You’ll change direction with ease.
• You’ll have a repeatable process with less guesswork.
• You’ll confidently manage your time and client expectations.
• You’ll have ways to review progress and identify areas for growth.
• You’ll “see the future” and solve problems in advance. You’ll look like a magician.

Does this sound good to you? To your clients?

Would your job be easier and less stressful?

If so, laser-focused problem-solving skills are what you need.

Art vs. Science vs. Alchemy

Problem-solving skills come in three flavors. You’ll need all of them to make magic.

1. Art
2. Science
3. Alchemy

First, Art. Clients often have only a blurry or incomplete picture of what they need. It’s up to you to help them paint a picture of the future.

• What’s the big picture here?
• What is the client really asking?
• Is there another way to tackle this problem?
• What limitations or benefits do I have to work with?

This is where you can sketch out the outline of your solution.

Sometimes the answer is clear. Sometimes the answer is murky.

Either way, having the broad strokes gives you a structure to hang the rest of the solution on.

Next, Science. This is when your technical chops and expertise come into play. This is what your client thinks of when they think of you. The real, practical bits of your solution.

• How long will this take?
• Who do I need to help me?
• What tools and equipment will I need?
• What processes need to be completed?

The science is where your artistic outline starts to take on shape.

Finally, alchemy. If anyone could do what you do, you wouldn’t be an expert. But you are an expert. Or at least more expert than your client. That’s why they came to you.

Alchemy was an early branch of chemistry. It didn’t pan out as science, but it set the stage for real advances through curiosity, experimentation, and creativity.

Your secret sauce is combining art, science, and creativity together into a dynamic package.

The LASER Process to success

That’s where the LASER process comes in. Anyone can stumble across a solution once by dumb luck. But magicians don’t rely on luck.

They need a simple, repeatable process to make magic happen every single time.

Here it is. Remember the acronym LASER and you’ll always have a magical, problem-solving plan in no time.

1. Listen to understand the problem.
2. Analyze and create the plan.
3. Start. Get going! Procrastination or endless planning will get you nowhere.
4. Engage the client and adapt as needed.
5. Review the solution after to give you better context for next time.

Listen to understand the problem. It doesn’t do you or the client any good if you magically solve the wrong problem. Great solutions start with understanding what the client really needs. That involves listening to their pain points, hopes, and dreams.

Analyze the problem. Break it down into steps that are manageable. Get a plan and a timeline that won’t burn you out. It will help you set expectations for the client and give them confidence.

Start! There comes a point when you need to act. You may not feel 100% ready. You might still have a few details to work out. That will always be the case. Don’t let fear of the unknown keep you from going.

Engage your client in the process. Adapt as needed. Your first idea might be incomplete. Your client might change their priorities or get better clarity on their own customer’s needs. A solid feedback loop will keep you moving in the right direction. Small, regular changes are much easier than infrequent, giant changes.

Review the solution after. Note what worked well. See what could be improved for next time. This solution has made you an even better magician!

What it’s all about

Do you want a more relaxed life? Do you want your clients to win?

A LASER-focused process will give you the problem-solving skills to get there.

Try it and let me know how it works for you!