Getting a Good Fit
Michel Hudson, CFRE, CEFL
Supportive Guidance for Strategic Planning & Retreats
One of the first things I do as a consultant is to make sure a potential client is a “good fit” before moving forward. It needs to be a good fit for both of us.
Just like a pair of jeans.
I bet you have a favorite brand of jeans. I know I do. It came from years of trying on different ones – different brands, different styles, different sizes – until I finally found some that fit (for the most part). Now I know that if I need a new pair, I can limit my search to a particular brand, style, and size. They may cost more than I want, or aren’t the latest fashion trend, but at least I know they will fit and it saves me time.
Consultants – and strategic plans – also need to fit the organization. Not everyone should work together. Yep, it's true, which is exactly why I freely admit that I am not a "good fit" for everyone. It could be a personality difference or a mindset issue. And my strategic planning process and suggestions may not fit everyone, either. [That’s one reason I added a “good fit” checklist to my website: https://www.501consulting.com/are-we-a-fit.html]
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I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked by groups to help them with strategic planning when their ideas and mine clash. They often start with “we’ve set a date (often just a couple of weeks away) where our board is going to meet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and we’d like you to facilitate the session so we can have a strategic plan for the next 5 years at the end of the day.”
What I tend to ask at this point is if the group has done strategic planning like that in the past, and if so, how successful it was. If they have been successful with that process (rarely the case), I generally wish them well and tell them my methods don’t align with theirs. More often than not, they either have never participated in a short-term strategic planning “fix” or it hasn’t worked well for them. Hopefully, they’re open to hearing what I suggest might be a better way forward and we can work together.
Do you have a favorite method for determining a good fit (jeans or working relationships)? I’d love to hear what works for you.
Aroian Editorial | aroianeditorial.com
2 个月It only takes one unfortunate match to help you grow, reflect, redefine what you want as a soloprenuer and deepen your brand. Great post, Michel!
Director of Communications @MACMedia | PR | Content | Community
2 个月I have a MACMedia Questionnaire I share with potential longer-term clients before drafting any proposals, contracts and/or definitely before I create a strategic comms or PR plan tailored to their goals + needs. If a prospective client is unable to take the time to answer most of my questions (or provide the info, history + resources I need) before engaging me for 3 mos. or more, that usually means they won’t prioritize the investment in our combined time, resources and expertise to assure the greatest return. Relationship-building and transparency are key to our shared success! I also set specific boundaries on my hours, availability and responsiveness due to other clients and overall bandwidth from the start. Fit, flexibility and even autonomy as we grow together are key!
YOUR Social Media Coach. Helping small business owners & solopreneurs learn how to maximize social media & digital marketing. Your success is waiting! Social media consultant, speaker, small business advocate.
2 个月#truth ! When I talk with a potential client and realize we aren't a good fit. I do my best to steer them to other resources. Sometimes our visions do not align and sometimes they simply can't invest the time or money to do the work. There are a number of other resources I can direct them to that will be more beneficial where they are at in their journey. You don't do service to them or you when you take them on and know it is going to be a challenge.
Personal Life Coach for Executives and Achievers in Transitions - What's your most ambitious goal? Let's talk.
2 个月When I was working in PR, being a good fit meant that we could hold space for strategic conversations, planning and decision making, and they could focus on pursuing outcomes not only tactics (e.g. "we need a press release.") When we established and held those boundaries, the right fit appeared.
Public Relations & Marketing Strategist & Owner, Amy Carr Communications
2 个月I love that you've been able to put into words what attributes make the best client relationships for you. I never thought about spelling it out and putting it online!