Part II-
So, when I initially wrote this Rule 1 I was totally real about my perspective and my opinion…but I left one important factor out…the happiness of the Consultant! Often called in to complete miracles in an abbreviated and or new project, the challenge is actually never getting the work done, but being prevented from getting your work done. It is a wonderful experience to have the work and the knowledge of well, time and experience; but personality, and resources are what makes the Consultant’s job possible.
Tip: Definitely communicate with your team, and your vendors on a regular basis so they are familiar with you, your work ethic and style of conducting business. Frequently, without a safety net you are responsible for completing, and engaging in a high level of conversation and commitment and this must be met with integrity. All we have is our word in this life, so when people know your word, and how you handle your projects, when a problem arises, it can just be that, a problem and not reasoned as your issue.
Also, check in with yourself. Are your needs being met to complete the project? When you are you starting, stopping, being paid for wrapping-up? Be sure to get the necessary information, supporting documents, and calendar. There is nothing worse than attempting to run, and support a Social Media Campaign and you have not been brought current on the Who, What, Where, When Why and How? Take the time to air and ask for a time-out, to express what is in need of shifting in order for you to fulfill your role, in the project.
Tip: Create an overall intake sheet for running acute projects. Implement your favorite techniques, color, games, contests, etc to gain support, interest and fun in your work/professional mode. Utilize the format that works best for you as well.
Finally, this is a fly by the seat of your pants business, but just cause everyone else is jumping does that mean that you have to? Invest in yourself, listening to your inner voice, and instinct on when it looks wrong, feels wrong and is too hard; Occam’s Razor, the thing that is the most obvious is usually the answer. Following your internal pole is what will keep you on course and without issue when the time, resources and responsibility all come to a grinding halt.
I was just reminded of how tenuous this life and work can be. It is never a guarantee that all will end smoothly but what is guaranteed is your ability as a consultant, as a steward of service, to rise to the challenge, as it is and surpass it! You are resource that must be the eye of the storm. Go forth and be the all-seeing eye, keeping your head, your thoughts and your mouth focused on creating a Win-Win scenario in every discussion.
I remain on the path of the “Corporate Mystic” & trust in my ability and possibility to always get the job done. Blessings to my fellow Mystics & entrepreneurs and please take a look at my earlier positing from 4.30.10!
Part 1: (April 30th Posting)
I recall when I began working with clients, it was my sophomore year of college. I got a job during my Work-Study as a Personal Assistant, to the Director of the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Project, on campus. It was such a relief, I admit, as being on Work-Study, you were responsible to find a place that would fit you and your schedule every year! What a feat, as you are dealing with the personalities of campus offices, administration, bureaucracy and so many hoops to jump, I had no idea how wet my feet were getting with experience. My enjoyment was in seeing and knowing that every day, no matter how crazy class was with my reading or assignments, that I could carve out 4 hours a day, and manifest completion out of chaos.
My supervisor was the best opportunity that a young, and entrepreneurial woman like myself could have asked for. She was not savvy about computers, or email or using the phone system. This lack of technological know-how, put me in a position of learning how to break down a procedure to use a program step-by-step, what needed to be noted, and ignored, and most importantly how to allow my supervisor to be more efficient and have more time for her patients.
It was a sad day when I left, after being in service to the ADAP office through my 3 years of my college career, an allegedly rare scenario in Work-Study. I had amassed so much knowledge, nuances in conduct on a confidential level, as all the patients were my fellow peers on campus. In addition to putting the entire office, online, and systematizing all of her patient files, and personal files, I also managed to learn what it was to work with a client. My supervisor had to choose to hire me back every single year, and she was challenging to work with as she had no want to step into utilizing technology, a tool that we know now is a part of making an office, a project or a person work with discipline.
It is always my goal to work with a client until they are totally satisfied. This means that you create a clear and direct line of communication, responsibility and goals, as both of us need to know what we’re getting into. When you have this primary and vital rule followed, the client’s happiness above all else, the process will be effortless and easy. If you enjoy what you do, like I enjoy being of service and starting with a great idea, and working it through till the champagne is being poured. So, think about your goals, be real with your client, and please from the perspective of a Professional Consultant, we can’t read minds…at least not all of us can, so honesty is the best policy, with your Vendor/Consultant.
Good luck out there and Happy Planning…
Micaela
Metaphysician & Traditional Healer 