How can you ensure IT consulting recommendations are implemented on time?

As an IT consultant, you may have delivered brilliant recommendations to your clients, but how can you make sure they are executed on time and according to your vision? In this article, you will learn some practical tips to ensure your IT consulting recommendations are implemented on time, from setting clear expectations and milestones to communicating effectively and providing feedback.

1 Set clear expectations and milestones

One of the first steps to ensure your IT consulting recommendations are implemented on time is to set clear expectations and milestones with your clients. You should define the scope, objectives, deliverables, timeline, roles and responsibilities, and success criteria of your recommendations. You should also align your recommendations with your clients' strategic goals, priorities, and resources. By setting clear expectations and milestones, you can avoid ambiguity, confusion, and delays, and ensure that both you and your clients are on the same page.

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2 Communicate effectively and regularly

Another key step to ensure your IT consulting recommendations are implemented on time is to communicate effectively and regularly with your clients. You should establish a communication plan that specifies the frequency, mode, and purpose of your communication. You should also use various communication tools, such as email, phone, video conferencing, and project management software, to share updates, feedback, and issues. By communicating effectively and regularly, you can build trust, rapport, and collaboration with your clients, and ensure that they are aware of the progress, challenges, and solutions of your recommendations.

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3 Provide feedback and support

A third step to ensure your IT consulting recommendations are implemented on time is to provide feedback and support to your clients. You should monitor and evaluate the implementation of your recommendations, and provide constructive and timely feedback to your clients on their performance, achievements, and areas for improvement. You should also offer support and guidance to your clients on how to overcome any difficulties, risks, or changes that may arise during the implementation. By providing feedback and support, you can help your clients improve their skills, confidence, and motivation, and ensure that they are following your recommendations correctly and effectively.

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Chris Stewart

Chief Technology Officer
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Be aware of your client's needs and initiatives outside of your engagement. While your work is specific and focussed, they may have many other responsibilities and pressing issues to manage while also implementing your recommendations. You'll require strong relationships and trust to work through these common barriers, but learn where you can push and where you serve them best by creating space. Offer support and don't be too far away. When the client is ready, they may need you available much faster than anticipated and for a shorter duration than you would like.

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4 Celebrate milestones and successes

A fourth step to ensure your IT consulting recommendations are implemented on time is to celebrate milestones and successes with your clients. You should acknowledge and appreciate the efforts, contributions, and achievements of your clients and their team members, and celebrate the completion of each milestone and deliverable. You should also share the results and benefits of your recommendations, and highlight the value and impact they have created for your clients. By celebrating milestones and successes, you can boost the morale, satisfaction, and loyalty of your clients, and reinforce your relationship and reputation as an IT consultant.

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Chris Stewart

Chief Technology Officer
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You may have to help the client realize their successes first. Often times, we get too focussed on the end goal and don't see how much progress we've made along the way. Help your client take a step back and take in what they've accomplished so far. As a consultant, you may also feel stress when the client isn't achieving what you thought they could or at a pace you expected. Remind yourself what they have achieved and be happy for what has been accomplished, especially if they are happy. Keep pushing your vision of what can be achieved, but we all have differing opinions of success and they may be completely satisfied with a version of results you thought could have been different. It's about them, not you.

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5 Learn and improve

A fifth step to ensure your IT consulting recommendations are implemented on time is to learn and improve from your experience. You should conduct a post-implementation review with your clients, and solicit their feedback, suggestions, and testimonials on your recommendations and service. You should also reflect on your own strengths, weaknesses, and lessons learned, and identify the areas where you can improve your skills, knowledge, and processes as an IT consultant. By learning and improving, you can enhance your quality, efficiency, and effectiveness as an IT consultant, and deliver better recommendations and results to your clients in the future.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you ensure IT consulting recommendations are implemented on time?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Set clear expectations and milestones

2 Communicate effectively and regularly

3 Provide feedback and support

4 Celebrate milestones and successes

5 Learn and improve

6 Here’s what else to consider

IT Consulting

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How can you ensure IT consulting recommendations are implemented on time?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Set clear expectations and milestones

2 Communicate effectively and regularly

3 Provide feedback and support

4 Celebrate milestones and successes

5 Learn and improve

6 Here’s what else to consider

IT Consulting

Rate this article

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