- Greg

I woke up this morning feeling confused about my work with a new client. I am pondering about how to best serve them under complex circumstances–how to bring my experience and knowledge to their situation and what else do I need to learn in order to bring them my very best.

Then you helped me redefine my self as a consultant. Confusion is a great platform for learning…and I am a primate. My only concern is that I don’t become self righteous in my newly realized status as a C.A. and begin looking down on all the experts and gurus.

Edree

Yes, I read it. Although his previous book “Fooled by Randomness” is a bit better. He kind of drolls on in “Black Swan.”

- Greg

Good points. Thanks.

- Greg

In over 25 years in the B2B services space I have learned that in fact there are some basic truths, regardless of the buzzword, technology and “expert” flavor of the month.

Number one is that businesses – and I guess individual consumers as well – need something that will actually work for them where they live and work and this requires a services provider to understand their specific requirements before they pitch jargon and some latest greatest technology. Unfortunately “experts” and purveyors of technology often neglect this; real solution providers leverage one to benefit the other.

Number two is that a track record of successfully delivering solutions that work, preferably based on state-of-the-art tools and working knowledge of technology, is worth far more than skilled delivery of jargon and technology theory and so-called “thought leadership”.

These “truths” never change!
Doug Bowker

I don’t suppose “Confused Ape” would fit the bill.

I think that like anything else, you have to manage expectations well and ask good briefing questions. In my experience, what really impresses clients is your desire and ability to understand and care about their business. Who do they sell to? Where are they winning, losing, etc.?

btw. My latest pet peeve is with ROI. Now that’s something that gets me steamed even more than “experts.” You can see it here:

http://www.digitaltonto.com/2009/quest-for-digital-media-roi/

- Greg

Michele Anderson (MediaChick) and I have had this conversation a lot. It’s a little ridiculous to call yourself a social media expert, but what do you call yourself?

Not looking to you for an answer so much as throwing it out to the universe. If you’ve got a really great answer, however, then I’m all ears.

Oh, and way to use Kant in an essay about digital marketing. Haven’t read Kant since college – time to go back and brush up.

Shhhh! Close the door:-)))

- Greg

Thanks for a thought provoking start to my morning.

C