Expert or Exploiter?

When is the last time you were fortunate enough to work with an expert?  If you are like many newly minted entrepreneurs, you may not recall.  For many of us who are swimming in the increasingly diluted bowl of small business owners, the truly skilled, qualified and well trained are few and farther between!  I like many, have spent money and lost valuable time fiddling around with the self-proclaimed experts who simply exploited my jubilant ignorance.

These ill equipped “experts” often fail to deliver and fizzle out when up against a real challenge.  Which then creates numerous, delays, downtime, disappointments and momentary disillusionment of the desired destiny.  Fortunately, I possess a relentless optimism and thus my determination is not dissuaded.  And being a consummate learner, I began to notice a recurring theme of their non-committal and lack of questioning.  The result of which is this 4 (FOUR) Point Checklist:

WAIT one noteworthy big red flag before the checklist.  When speaking with the Exploiter you will hear the following terms; [Insert Name] what you “Have to do” or “Should do” or “Need to do” These are indicators that you are not being taught a skill or strategy.  You are simply being told terms, process or methods that could come from anywhere.  An Expert (teacher) takes time to know you, your business and your desired outcome.  They will ask a series of questions to uncover the gap (where you are vs. where you want to be). And finally, they will either offer you a few suggestions or ask additional questions that allow you to participate in your solution. The goal of any expert is to partner with you and your endeavor.

EXPERT CHECKLIST:

#1) Do they have an appointment scheduler?

Come on REALLY it’s 2016.  There are so many FREE options of appointment schedulers.  Bottom line it saves time on the back and forth of text, emails, phone call and avoids scheduling mishaps. (NOTE: Like anything new it takes time to learn and master.  And it is well worth learning!)  Here’s a few to get you started:

  1. a) Set More https://www.setmore.com/
  2. b) Acuity https://acuityscheduling.com/
  3. c) Capterra capterra.com/appointmentscheduling-software/

#2) Do they require appointment preparation? 

An expert doesn’t want to waste your time or theirs.  Because their time is valuable, they will have a process that reduces misunderstandings and increases opportunities for a mutually beneficial meeting/call.  (NOTE: Their questions in the initial 10 minutes of the call is to discern whether moving forward is advantageous.) EMAIL me for some Prequalifying Questions to get you started. [email protected], type “Prequalifying Questions” in the Subject Line.

#3) Did they research you prior to call?

An expert takes time to research their prospect.  Since this is to be a long term relationship, they will want to know more about how to serve your needs and your goal/vision for the work.  Experts are concerned with not just their work.  They also are interested in the scope of impact of their part and have vested interest in your results and satisfaction.  An exploiter, who has not yet mastered their craft deflects responsibility for outcomes by asking, “What is it you need?” or “What do you want?”  This question deflects to you as if you were the expert.  Yes, you may have a preconceived idea of what you want and still an expert will verify if your idea is in the best interest of you obtaining your goals.  The expert is not scared of rejection.

#4) Do they have current and recent client whom you can contact?

An expert will not wait to be asked for references.  They have a prepared list of current and recent clients with whom you can contact.  (NOTE: Do your due diligence and contact the references given.)

 YOU MIGHT BE DEALING WITH A FRAUD IF…

#5) They are constantly telling you what to do without asking you specifics pertaining to you, your business and your current challenge.  The chances of you hiring a mind reader are slim to none, so if they don’t ask they don’t want to know.

#6) They offer too many options.  After speaking with you and uncovering your challenge.  They hit you with a barrage of ideas and option.  “Oh you could do this” or “You should try this” or “Maybe something like that”.  My head starts to get spinning and I get dizzy.  This indicate their inability to pinpoint what exactly would be the best option for you.  So by hitting you will a plethora of options they hope something will stick or you’ll just pick up something and YAY they appear helpful.

FINAL NOTE: Just because someone is begging and beckoning you to use their referral, doesn’t mean you have to!  YES, their person may be super-duper awesome.  Does not mean they are a fit for you and your business needs.  Remember there are 7 Billion people on the planet.  It’s okay if their person isn’t yours.  You’ve still got 6.99999 Billion more to try…J

I don’t proclaim to know everything, simply what has worked for me.  My guiding principle: You’re the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. ~ Jim Rohn

Blessings for Your Business Brilliance!

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