Long before I had my own business, I was the person to call when you needed something. It didn’t necessarily mean I would deliver, but I knew who could. I’ve always been about helping people by bringing them together. I create solutions that get results!
I recently saw the movie, Courier, with Benedict Cumberbatch where he plays an ordinary salesman who is recruited by the CIA to obtain and share Russian secrets. Set during the Cuban Mission Crisis, it is a fascinating, real story of one man and his courageous involvement that ultimately saved millions of lives. One scene in particular I love is early on when he is meeting with potential clients and says, “Let’s spare you my dog and pony show and ask, ‘what do you need?’” How simple yet profound! As I scroll through Linked In and Facebook, I see tons of people pushing their products and services upon others without first asking: what do you need?
This is why I got into consulting in the first place. I enjoy meeting needs! In order to do so, however, you have to be willing to ask questions and listen to the answers without an agenda. During the course of events, you also have to be willing to concede that you may not be the right person for the job. I have found this increases trust and builds rapport with people when you are willing to introduce them to someone else.
If we truly are about meeting needs and offering solutions that get results, we must know our own parameters. No one wins when we agree to take on a project that we have no idea how to handle. Refer it to someone who does! Of course, know your network well so that you can be assured your contact will be treated professionally. Be selective with whom you work with because your reputation is at stake.
In the movie when Cumberbatch is asked what he actually does, his answer is: “I learn of needs and match you up with the greatest manufacturers in the world.” In essence, he is a solutions broker, and I love it! We would all benefit from having this same mindset: how can I help? Whether you are an employee, manager, consultant or business owner, take the time to listen and discover what people actually needs and then connect them with the solutions that will get them the results they seek—regardless if it is you or someone else.
When you put the client first, I firmly believe you will be rewarded with a long-term relationship built upon trust and respect. And in the age of technology, these attributes are even more important for building a business.
So, I ask you…what do you need? How can I help? Allow me to be your Solutions Broker. By the way, I do encourage you to see the movie. It’s a great reminder how someone ordinary can do something extraordinary! Looking for inspiration? Read my story of how I conquered and defeated two incurable diseases in my book, Defy Your Diagnosis: Overcome Any Obstacle with the FIT Life Formula.
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