My Process in Working with Clients
Generally speaking, there are many different ways I work with clients; however, in most cases, I like to use the following process:
1. Consultation - Everything begins with a simple phone call or teleconference where I will meet with one or more members of your organization. This consultation is designed to learn about your organization and the problem or challenge it would like to address. Here, I determine whether I possess the right skill sets, tools, and experience to work with your team. If so, I gather enough information to begin asking the key questions about your project.
2. Diagnostics - If we have a match, my next objective is to do preliminary footwork and analysis to broadly scope out the project at hand. What is the objective? What methodologies will be required to execute it? What resources will be need (financial, manpower, information, equipment, and additional expertise)? How long will the undertaking require and how can it be divided into phases or steps of execution? Who else inside and outside your organization can I speak with to pull together the facts and concerns? This research will all be used to develop a sound, detailed proposal.
3. Proposal - After all preliminary research is gathered, I will synthesize it into a detailed proposal entailing the project - a complete plan of action. This includes work scope, stages, deliverables, and of course budgeting. I will also build in measures of accountability or "checkpoints" to ensure that resources are being used on track and adhering to the plan.
4. Contract - Some back and forth always happens to fine tune a good proposal. The client may alter, scale up or scale down deliverables and resources. In the end, both the organization and myself acquire a clear understanding of what the project is and isn't. Budgets and budget ranges are agreed upon to account for potential overages or externalities. Other factors are considered such as insurance, regulatory, or compliance issues. In some instances, additional guidelines for projects based on grants or federal/state funding requirements must also be accounted for. Terms of payment are also established. Afterward, a complete contract and work plan are agreed upon and a contract is signed by all parties.
5. Execution - Work begins after the contract is signed. This can include a variety of activities. In most cases, I transfer the proposal into a clear transparent workplan for the client and myself (and use the cloud to allow multiple points of access). This features scheduling, budget, and operational milestones. Simultaneously, I work to assemble any additional consultants or experts necessary (and per contract) to bring the project to fruition. Performance measurement is also very important and I build this into the execution of the project so that the client can use quality assurance checkpoints throughout the work process. Most projects are executed in stages and calendarized to ensure timeliness and awareness of deliverables.
6. Additional Guidance - Oftentimes, when project work is complete, clients like to have the added measure of security knowing that I am still available for questions and ongoing guidance. I am happy to provide this on an hourly basis as necessary. I have had several instances where the window of additional guidance was a necessary step in the evolution of much bigger projects for the clients I've served. For example, some organizations like to do one or two projects at a time and determine from there what their next objectives will be.
© 2020 Eli Khazzam