THESE ARE THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) CONSULTING CLIENTS HAVE.
MY CONSULTING WORKS. PERIOD. CLICK HERE!
If you do not find the answer to your question(s) here or anywhere on the website, please feel free to contact me. I am more than happy to answer whatever question(s) you may have!
FAQ 1: Things seem to be going well for my business, my organization, or myself. Why hire a consultant?
It may seem counter intuitive to seek consultative services when things seem to be going well. However, this is inside the box limiting thinking.
1. A fresh set of eyes and ears will more readily catch any underlying problems, issues, and even opportunities.
2. An occasional consultation provides fresh insight along the lines of an annual or semi-annual assessment.
3. Failing to grow when things are good inevitably leads to greater suffering when things are bad.
FAQ 2: Shouldn’t I wait until I have grown before calling a consultant?
Regardless of your size or stage of development, the same benefits are beneficial to you, your business, or your organization. Keep in mind that each stage of development benefits from consultative services in its own unique way.
FAQ: 3: I have great in house people with their own expertise. Why bring in an outsider?
Successful people, businesses, and organizations are by necessity composed of talented individuals. Bringing in a consultant does not infer that you or your people are not great at what you do. Rather, it means that you wish to benefit from the unique professional expertise and experience that a consultant offers. By necessity, a fresh set of eyes and ears along with a unique perspective must come from an outside source. You and your people are highly talented. However, nobody knows everything and every group has room for growth. Thinking outside the box entails occasionally bringing in someone from outside your box.
FAQ 4: With modern technology, nearly everything I need is available at my fingertips. Why utilize a consultant?
Independent learning is extremely beneficial but it does have its limitations. Information is one thing, while experience and knowing how to utilize that information is another. Not everything can be effectively and efficiently self-taught, and it does not make sense to reinvent the wheel unnecessarily.
FAQ 5: Speaking of modern technology, why not just utilize artificial intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can definitely be a useful tool when utilized in the right situations and in the correct manner. As a consultant I stay up to date on relevant technological developments, and that includes AI. Briefly, some of the pitfalls of artificial intelligence include:
1. Utilizing AI in an inappropriate situation.
2. Claiming intellectual credit for AI generated work.
3. AI fails to understand and comprehend human psychology and motivation.
4. Like all computer programs, AI is subject to spyware, viruses, Trojan horses, and crashes.
5. Thinking that AI is infallible and failing to double check the results obtained from the program.
6. AI programs copy and maintain permanent records of all functions performed and all work done. This is integral to how AI programs function as they are “learning” dependent programs. Without permanent retention the program cannot function. As a result, AI programs also observe (spy on) everything you do on the device or system on which they are installed or to which they are connected, even when you are not using the program or have not activated it.
7. The civil and criminal laws surrounding AI are very murky and this is an area of law that is quickly evolving. Most, if not all, AI programs have terms of service that claim the right to report your activities to government agencies. In addition, many companies that create AI may claim ownership over any work products or other creations of the program, including but not limited to copyright and service mark ownership. Your use of those products is merely licensed to you as a part of the user license, meaning that you may not be the actual owner of those products.
8. Using AI to solve a problem or address an issue is likely to result in the user not truly understanding all the aspects of the problem or issue at hand because the user did not have to compile and analyze all of the data, and then not truly understanding the AI generated solution because the user did not create the solution. This then results in a cascade effect where the user misapplies the AI generated solution and also does not have the ability to make effective and efficient adjustments and changes on the fly during real world application, which is almost always necessary, because of a lack of knowledge and understanding of the processes at hand and the data that was used to arrive at them.
FAQ 6: Is consulting really worth the cost?
This is obviously a matter of opinion. However, we can provide some objective reasons that help demonstrate the value of consulting. Consider that in the United States alone, individuals, businesses, and organizations combined, spend over one-hundred billion dollars a year on consulting services, and that figure is growing. This level of spending would not be present if consumers were not seriously benefiting from consulting.
FAQ 7: Does the economy play a role in whether I should retain a consultant?
Very much so. Whether times are good or bad for the economy as a whole, or for you or your industry in particular, each scenario offers unique challenges and opportunities that should be dealt with and seized upon. Failure to do so is a serious mistake. Economic conditions are the single biggest external factor resulting in business or organizational failure.
FAQ 8: Hiring a consultant involves disclosing and discussing sensitive information. How do you deal with this?
First, all of your information along with the work we perform for you is stored on a private military/DoD grade security and password protected computer that never leaves the premises.
Second, we will sign any simple non-disclosure agreement that you wish to provide, which you may also have witnessed and notarized.
FAQ 9: Why do you not provide testimonials on your website?
Testimonials are like references that you have absolutely no way of checking! You would be surprised how many website testimonials are completely fabricated. Fake reviews and testimonials are so prevalent that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has even addressed the problem. Unfortunately, the reality is that the FTC will have little impact on the many billions of fake reviews found online and provided in person. If you are impressed with my website content and design, with the services I offer, with my procedures, with my privacy policy and terms, and with my prices; you do not need quote extracts from a complete stranger that you have no way of verifying, to tell you that you should consider me.
FAQ 10: Do you offer a guarantee?
No. You have my word that I will provide the absolutely highest quality consulting services at a fair and reasonable price. However, it is impossible to make any promises as to what results will be obtained. In my opinion, anyone who offers a consulting guarantee either does not understand how consulting works and/or is being intentionally misleading. Consulting is a guide that utilizes teachable moments and draws upon unique expertise and experience. Consulting does not achieve your goals. Rather, consulting shows you how to achieve your goals. Clearly, no consultant can guarantee how open you are going to be to new ideas nor how well you are going to implement recommendations. In addition, there are many variables that may impact even the best-laid plans. Consulting is an extremely important first step towards achieving your goals. However, your openness to new ideas and your ability to implement changes are equally important additional steps.