Choose professional support

(ie: lawyer, accountant, consultant) 

As a business owner or manager, you expect professional support to guide and assist you. A Professional must make sure he can live up to the measure and the trust placed in him. He must continuously self develop both personally and professionally. He must know his peers and learn from them. He must be goal-oriented and put the Client's interest and well-being before his own. Yet he knows how not to sell himself short. His dedication and effort have their value, and Clients will realize that. 

Business owners cannot expect a Professional to provide services, offer guidance and advice free of charge. Yet, how can they make sure this is the right Authority for their company before making a commitment? If you are an owner or manager interviewing a Professional, ask probing questions and listen to what is being said and what is not said:

• Does the Professional display the knowledge and know-how you want of him?
• Does he show sensitivity to the company's needs and to what you want?
• Does he give examples for problem solving?
• Does he speak proudly of specific achievements?
• Does he guard his other Clients' confidentiality?
• Does he speak of others with respect?
• Does he give direct clear answers to specific questions?
• Does he ask you probing questions?
• Does he ask you for what you wish to achieve for his company?
• Does he ask about your company's performance today?
• Does he pretend to solve all problems by himself or does he speak of team effort?
• Does he only propose facilitating a session or giving a lecture?
• Does he ask about your human resources?
• Does he demonstrate genuine interest in the well-being of your company?
• Does he propose to conduct a needs assessment?
• Does he ask about your company's past performance?
• Does he come through as someone who can custom-design the proper remedy?
• Does he impress you as being a knowledgeable, caring person?
• Did he offer printed literature and testimonials regarding his services?

or

• Does he speak only of himself and how many clients he has?
• Does he speak mostly of money and the cost to you?
• Does he propose only generic or "off-the-shelf" programs?

Professionals are costly, but if you choose the right one, it is the best investment you can make.