In class we began to explore the difficulties that come about when starting to explore money and budget with our clients. I found an article online that does a very good job explaining how an expert would bring budget into the equation (link attached below). The author is very aware with the fact that we must build a relationship and be on the same page as our client before we bring budget into the equation but she makes it clear we shouldn’t wait too long to bring the what can be an uncomfortable conversation up. She states that she prefers an interview style and states “I don’t always ask about budget directly,” she says. “Instead, I ask business-driver questions like ‘how has the business been preparing for this? Do they understand and see the value in it? Is there an executive sponsor for this project?’ And does it have CIO support?’ I learn so much by interviewing the client and asking questions.” According to the author this method makes it less uncomfortable and gains plenty of information about the client and their budget.
http://www.thecleverconsultant.com/how-a-consultant-can-ask-about-budget/
BoweryJE22
Nice post. It is interesting to think about the awkwardness that comes with talking about budget with a client. It’s all about being sensative to their situation and adjusting accordingly.
This is a good post because it is one of the most uncomfortable things to have to talk about with people. Bringing up money can be a real elephant in the room if you are not careful, and it is good to learn good ways to try to address it and make it something that is no so uncomfortable.
This is a lot like what we talked about in class. It seems helpful to ask questions that can help figure out the budget without asking directly for the budget amount. These questions can even help figure out more information about the prospect, such as if they are the real decision maker or if more people need to approve it.