Being nosy: The many questions I might ask you

Every client evaluation begins the same way. I ask a lot of questions.

Dozens and dozens. All I do is ask questions.

It’s important, because I’m sizing up your needs and your concerns. Without knowing either, I can’t possibly help you with your communication goals.

I’m an OK salesperson, but I’m a better interviewer, based on my decades in journalism. And even better, I listen carefully to what you have to say.

(It’s a two-way street: I love with potential clients ask me questions, too.)

Here is but a short sample of the questions I might throw your way when we sit down for a free consultation …

• What are your business goals?
• Who is your audience? Your typical customer? Your mailing list subscribers?
• Why do you think social media (or blogging or email marketing or a public relations campaign) will benefit your company?
• What tools are you using now? How effective have they been?
• Who currently handles your communication (or marketing or public relations)? What is their level of experience?
• What resources do you have at your fingertips?
• Who signs off on projects?
• What are your concerns about using Twitter (or blogs or videos)?
• How do you talk with your customers? How do they talk with you?
• What is your corporate culture?
• How would you describe your brand? How would your customers describe it?
• What kinds of equipment are you currently using (computers, cameras, smartphones, iPads)?
• What are your biggest concerns about using these tools? About interacting with customers?
• Is your focus on customer service, on sales leads, on branding or something else?
• What is your timeframe? Your budget?
• What’s the biggest challenge you face right now in your job?

As you can see, these questions aren’t even the classic yes ladder ones to have someone respond to a sales pitch. What I’m really trying to figure out is how best to help you, whether via my services or someone else.

I don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Because the next step is to take all the information you share and create a custom approach to help you succeed.

In asking all these questions, I inadvertently answer one of your biggest questions: Am I the right communications consultant for you?

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Are you looking for help with your communication needs?
Contact me for a free consultation.

Photo: Adrian Wallett (CC)