Twelve Rules to Remember

  1. Integrity is your main asset.
    Always keep the client well informed.
  2. Never take credit.
    The credit always should go to whomever you are working for. You are an adjunct to them. Think of yourself as a sub-process of their brain and you won't go wrong. Check your ego at the door.
  3. Never put yourself in the critical path.
    When you are brought on board you will often start out in the critical path. Strive to get ahead of the pack and out of the critical path
  4. Have customers not clients.
    This is a mindset sort of thing. You should strive to over please a customer and respect their wishes. Having a client creates more of an arms length relationship, a you and them situation.
  5. Be a problem solver.
    Be a problem solver, not a problem maker. This relates not just to the work at hand but your relationship with other personnel at the work site. Always be helpful.
  6. Learn quickly or defer to someone who already knows.
    You were hired because of your expertise, not to learn on the job. If the learning is about those things unique to their environment then that is expected otherwise it should be on your own time. If it is going to take appreciable time bring in another consultant. A short review or lookup of material you haven't used in a while is another matter and should be billed. Few of us have perfect memories.
  7. Never Complain.
    You're supposed to be a problem solver not a downer. Help set a good working climate.
  8. Be exceptionally easy to reach.
    This is a very common complaint of customers. Where is my consultant?! You have to be accessible.
  9. Create a detailed summary of the work performed.
    Customers want to know what they are paying for. The consultant should keep a running diary. This allows for detail in billing as well. The customer can use this information to justify the work done to his boss as well.
  10. Take ownership of mistakes.
    Never cover up a mistake. Mistakes are made all the time by Presidents on down. We are all human. This is also an integrity issue. If a customer ever catches a consultant trying to cover a mistake that's a serious issue for all parties.
  11. Be a professional's professional.
    Keep a professional demeanor. Be clean and well dressed (but not over dressed) and always be friendly but serious. Don't be a joker or a good old boy but don't be an automaton either.
  12. Never take a mismatched project.
    This can get you and the company into a great deal of trouble by taking on more than you can handle. Know your abilities and limitations.