If they trust you and like you, as well as whether or not they see you as a true authority and expert. The contract is the basis of communication between the client and the consultant. Although many contracts are adhesion contracts, in which one of the parties dictates the terms of the agreement practically unilaterally, contracts with consultants have more room for negotiation. Therefore, both parties are involved in the agreement from the start.
The contract must specify what services are to be provided and within what time frames, what documents must be submitted to whom and when, the terms of payment, and the procedure by which the agreement can be canceled. Adapting their communication style is a common way for consultants to customize their approach for different clients. Match each customer's preferred tone of conversation (professional, informal, friendly, etc.) You'll also want to pay attention to their contact preferences, for example, if they prefer email to phone calls. Sandy Spadaro, writer and consultant for human resources and communication, argues that, when communication doesn't work, consultants should do five and turn back to seek clarification, serenity and coherence.
While this can be a bit frustrating in daily life, it can have serious financial and professional consequences when it comes to your business consulting work. The telephone consultation can be very valuable for the client, because the consultant can add value at short notice, for example, in response to a crisis or a sudden opportunity. BizInsurance has made it easier for consultants to find professional liability insurance to protect their small businesses. The professional liability of consultants pays for legal fees, court costs, agreements, and judgments, so you don't need to use your business or personal funds for these expenses. Knowing your clients, their backgrounds, business structure, and objectives well can help consultants work more effectively.
Once again, the frequency of telephone consultations and the availability of the consultant must be specified in the contract. This is the first part of a series aimed at sharing some of the best practices in consulting and interaction with clients, especially aimed at those who are starting their careers as consultants.
