Top 10 Consulting Mistakes

1. Avoid Controversial Topics:
   • Steer clear of discussing politics, religion, finance, and sports to prevent conflicts with customers.
2. Set Boundaries:
   • Maintain professional relationships with clients. Avoid romantic entanglements and excessive socializing, such as getting drunk with them.
3. Avoid Criticizing Customer Staff:
   • Stay out of office gossip and politics. Remember, you're an external consultant, not part of the client's internal team.
4. Avoid Swearing:
   • Be polite and stay calm. While some environments might tolerate mild swearing, it's best to avoid it, especially racial or gender slurs.
5. Observe Dress Codes and Office Norms:
   • Dress appropriately, especially on your first visit. Adjust to the client's office culture once you're familiar with it.
6. Secure Customer Data:
   • Follow security policies, use strong passwords, and ensure data encryption. Protect both digital and printed data.
7. Be Accurate:
   • If unsure about something, say you'll find out and get back to them. It's better to verify information than to provide incorrect answers.
8. Don't Promise What You Can't Deliver:
   • Be honest about capabilities and deadlines. Avoid overpromising to secure a sale or project.
9. Don't Be Arrogant:
   • Confidence is good, but arrogance can be off-putting. Be aware of your client's expertise and respect their knowledge.
10. Respond When You Promise To:
    • Keep your commitments and follow through on responses. If you need more time, communicate that clearly.

Next week’s topic will be updates on Fabric.

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Transcript

Andy: So, Shailan, you were with a business partner today. How was it?

Shailan: I behaved appropriately and professionally.

Andy: Great, let's talk about the top 10 things consultants should avoid with customers. This applies to on-site and remote interactions.

1. Avoid Controversial Topics:
   • Politics, religion, finance, and sports can be contentious. It's best to steer clear of these subjects to avoid conflicts.
2. Set Boundaries:
   • Maintain professional relationships with clients. Avoid romantic entanglements and excessive socializing, like getting drunk with them.
3. Avoid Criticizing Customer Staff:
   • Stay out of office gossip and politics. Remember, you're an external consultant, not part of the client's internal team.
4. Avoid Swearing:
   • Be polite and stay calm. While some environments might tolerate mild swearing, it's best to avoid it, especially racial or gender slurs.
5. Observe Dress Codes and Office Norms:
   • Dress appropriately, especially on your first visit. Adjust to the client's office culture once you're familiar with it.
6. Secure Customer Data:
   • Follow security policies, use strong passwords, and ensure data encryption. Protect both digital and printed data.
7. Be Accurate:
   • If unsure about something, say you'll find out and get back to them. It's better to verify information than to provide incorrect answers.
8. Don't Promise What You Can't Deliver:
   • Be honest about capabilities and deadlines. Avoid overpromising to secure a sale or project.
9. Don't Be Arrogant:
   • Confidence is good, but arrogance can be off-putting. Be aware of your client's expertise and respect their knowledge.
10. Respond When You Promise To:
    • Keep your commitments and follow through on responses. If you need more time, communicate that clearly.

Andy: Next week, we'll discuss updates on Fabric. Until then, thanks, and goodbye.

Tom & Shailan: Thanks! Goodbye!