Compared to a handoff email, how would a 45-minute "project recap" meeting that includes those elements be received? And more importantly, how would it reflect on your intangible value as a consultant?
For a minimal time investment, it's well worth trying this out next time you wrap up a project. Over time, you'll change how clients view working with you... for the better!
2. Finding new ways to create value for your clients has a stunning number
of positive effects on your consulting business.
Let's dig into how you can find new ways to create value for your
clients.
3. We're going to stick to the intangible value here. There's tons out there
on quantifiable value, but intangible value, that's worth spilling some
ink about!
Let's start with some easy wins for your consulting business.
5. What happens when you finish a consulting
project? Do you organize everything, button up
loose ends, and send a final celebratory email to
client stakeholder(s) and declare Miller Time?
6. Or, do you take the opportunity to create an... event? We don't mean
that you should jump out of a cake or provide an all-expenses paid
getaway for the entire project team...
7. But you could take the opportunity presented by
the end of a project to:
▸ Bring the project stakeholders and key
participants together, either in real life (IRL)
or online.
▸ Talk about the project's successes and
lessons learned.
8. ▸ Highlight the benefits and positive results that are already visible
thanks to the project.
▸ Point out the progress that has resulted from the project.
9. ▸ Amp up the good feelings that everybody is hopefully having.
▸ Express gratitude for everybody's assistance with creating the
project's results.
10. Compared to a handoff email, how would a 45-minute "project recap"
meeting that includes those elements be received? And more
importantly, how would it reflect on your intangible value as a
consultant?
11. For a minimal time investment, it's well worth
trying this out next time you wrap up a project.
Over time, you'll change how clients view working
with you... for the better!
13. Of course, you could extend this idea by spending a bit more money,
though we're still talking about less than $500 in most cases:
14. ▸ Organize a project wrap-up lunch where you
foot the bill. This is less formal than the
project wrap-up meeting mentioned above but
more... delicious. Changing the setting from a
conference room to a restaurant or catered
event may also make it more memorable.
15. ▸ Organize a launch party to celebrate the
project. This could be an after hours event,
and it could involve a lot more than just your
client. It's an opportunity to show off the
project results to others in your network,
increasing their trust in your ability to
deliver.
16. Taking the time to pause, look around, and take
stock of a job well done really makes a statement
in our amped-up world. While others are rushing
onto the next item on the to-do list, a hand-off
event gives everyone the opportunity to take a
long look at the project and actually integrate
their experience.
17. Learn about creating greater value for your consulting clients by
subscribing to the Journal of Consulting Value, published by Remarq:
▸ Free articles in your inbox
▸ Insights on new ways to provide value to your clients
▸ Tips on demonstrating your value and educating your prospects on
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