True, your technical clout did help develop that website… but you’ll need a lot more to deliver it.
Clients are opting for a more holistic approach to doing business and are expecting the same of their business partners. Consultants don’t get to live in solitary confinement anymore – insulated from the other areas of the client’s business. More and more, they are expected to jump right into the fray of the client’s normal business operations and fully engage within collaborative efforts between internal and even external teams.
Technical expertise does lay the groundwork, but you’ll have to build on other key skills to achieve success and become esteemed in the client’s eyes. Other values like leadership, strong communication and interpersonal skills, project management and even conflict resolution will prove valuable in steering any project successfully.
“Having a way with people” more so than, knowing your way around a particular software, could make all the difference in motivating a worn-out or disillusioned project team to the finish line. It adds instant depth to your expertise and your client will value you for it!
Agree or disagree, discuss below!
See part 1 of this series here. Or checkout part 3 here.
