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Questions vs Answers

by tdhurst · 6 comments

Our days are spent trying to figure things out. We provide answers to questions and we get paid.

But what if the questions are wrong? What if a client is asking for something they really shouldn’t? Do you correct them? How much of your time is spent on your process versus your results?

Anyone can get the answer eventually. It’s the ones who ask the right questions along the way that are going to get there the best way.

  • http://funanymore.com/ Evo Terra

    I’ve never been much of a Yes Man. I get the feeling, Tyler, that you aren’t much of one either. Having said that, I’m perfectly happy to implement a flawed initiative. Why? Well, it depends on perspective. For one thing, it’s implementation — tactics. Correcting a tactic is like having a wide receiver decide to run a post instead of a flag mid-play.

    My role does let me “correct” my clients, as long as we’re still nailing down the strategy. Some of them are quick to jump to tactics. If that happens, then I failed earlier in the process. My fault. So I try and catch those things early, and always bring it back to a winning strategy. Or a strategy the client and I both can agree will win.

    And if we don’t agree? No worries. My crystal ball is rather imperfect. I’ll work doggedly to implement a plan my client is confident will win, even if I’m skeptical. But I’m looking for early warning signs, as well an approach so I can not be accused of wearing the “I Told You So” tee-shirt.

    E.

  • http://funanymore.com Evo Terra

    I’ve never been much of a Yes Man. I get the feeling, Tyler, that you aren’t much of one either. Having said that, I’m perfectly happy to implement a flawed initiative. Why? Well, it depends on perspective. For one thing, it’s implementation — tactics. Correcting a tactic is like having a wide receiver decide to run a post instead of a flag mid-play.

    My role does let me “correct” my clients, as long as we’re still nailing down the strategy. Some of them are quick to jump to tactics. If that happens, then I failed earlier in the process. My fault. So I try and catch those things early, and always bring it back to a winning strategy. Or a strategy the client and I both can agree will win.

    And if we don’t agree? No worries. My crystal ball is rather imperfect. I’ll work doggedly to implement a plan my client is confident will win, even if I’m skeptical. But I’m looking for early warning signs, as well an approach so I can not be accused of wearing the “I Told You So” tee-shirt.

    E.

  • Bryan

    I have one question that is right and everyone want to know the answer to. Why do you write all of this stupid stuff? hahahha

  • Bryan

    I have one question that is right and everyone want to know the answer to. Why do you write all of this stupid stuff? hahahha

  • http://tdhurst.com tdhurst

    Evo — agreed. I told you so after the fact helps no one, but it’s sometimes inevitable.

    Bryan — hey, I can’t help it if I got the looks AND the smarts.

  • http://www.tdhurst.com Tyler Hurst

    Evo — agreed. I told you so after the fact helps no one, but it’s sometimes inevitable.

    Bryan — hey, I can’t help it if I got the looks AND the smarts.

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