December 11, 2019 |
Knowledge |
Helen S. Cooke
Stakeholders all have expectations, whether they’re expressed or subconscious. For project managers, understanding these expectations throughout the course of a project can help create a successful project conclusion. While meeting every expectation from each stakeholder is impossible, identifying what people …
November 7, 2019 |
Knowledge |
Amanda Finn
Being creative can help you get and keep gig opportunities
In a gig economy it can feel impossible to differentiate yourself from your gig competitors when pitching for a job. Whether it’s a mundane task you’ve done a thousand times or something you’re trying for the very first time, gig …
September 15, 2019 |
Knowledge |
Helen S. Cooke
Three early planning phases and their unique challenges
Any project manager knows that projects vary significantly: some last for years, with multiple phases, while others are sporadic, with periodic breaks that free staff and management to work on other initiatives. Some are important. Others are urgent. Some are …
How we got here, and where we might be going
Everyone agrees that the world is risky and that risk management is important. But where did risk management come from, and where is it going? When and how did we learn that managing risk was an essential life skill? And …
6 tips for successfully managing surprise in a negotiation
Like it or not, we are all negotiating, all the time—and at some level, all negotiations involve an assessment of the balance of power: how much do I want what the other party has to offer, and how much do …
These questions will clarify your client’s perspective, current situation, and future vision
As a consultant, one of your key objectives is to fully understand your client’s situation so that you can offer advice, solutions, and support as needed. This means taking the time to not only understand your client’s current reality, but …
December 19, 2018 |
Knowledge |
Denise Gifford
recognizing your client’s need for control is key to a healthy relationship
The client-consultant relationship can be complex, with hiccups and challenges experienced by both parties along the way. One of the most common challenges faced by consultants is balancing their client’s need for control with the need for some kind of …
Tips for communicating the value you provide to the client relationship
To build effective consulting relationships, consultants must understand their own value and how it supports their client’s goals. What are the experiences, insights, and skills you have that will help your client succeed? If you’re working with an established client, …
Opportunities and threats are both uncertainties that matter
The ability to manage risk effectively is recognized as an important contributor to business success, which is why it has become an essential part of the manager’s toolkit. Risk-based thinking is permeating the boardroom and discussions within executive committees as …
Project success for change initiatives can depend on the ability of the organization to adopt change
We all need to know how to use our influence and powers of persuasion to support needed changes, whether with family, work life, or life in general. For project managers who are focused on delivering and leading change initiatives, persuasion …
It’s all about establishing value
One of the top challenges for freelancers, consultants and entrepreneurs is finding and keeping good customers. Growing a strong customer base can help you improve profitability and achieve your business goals. To build successful client relationships that will last, you’ll …
Problem-solving is about embracing complexity and understanding the problem
In business, as in life in general, problems crop up everywhere. Those who know how to think about problems proactively have an advantage, and problem-solving is arguably one of the most important skills a businessperson can learn. That’s true no …