| Message
from the Chair I again received only a small number of responses to my "this month's question" posed in the March issue of Connections. A small response rate is prevalent across many aspects of our lives, at least mine. I'll discuss this in just a bit but first, I want to summarize a couple of the responses I did receive. Last month's question was about lagniappe, which I defined as an extra or unexpected benefit (like a "baker's dozen"). More formally, lagniappe is defined as "something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure" (Source: Merriam-Webster.com). Actually, there were two questions last month - (1) how important is it, and (2) how you do it. I was interested in how lagniappe fits into your overall relationship with your clients. Regarding the first question - CSIG Member Kat Begg observed that client expectations continue to increase. That's no different than our individual expectations as consumers. Kat noted that now services are expected that extend "outside of what was considered 'the norm'" just five years ago. Regarding the second question - CSIG Member Wendy Chretien offered several valid suggestions. During engagements, try to produce deliverables sooner than the client expects. After engagements, if you come across an article or newsletter relevant to a client's needs or situation, forward it to them. These simple acts resonate with my view of client relationship management. As consumers we benefit from the lower prices that commoditization brings. But as providers of project management consulting services, we want to differentiate ourselves from other providers. Lagniappe can be one way to differentiate. Kat also mentioned the relationship between lagniappe and future demand for services from both previous clients and referrals. Now back to the response rate discussion. I ask these monthly questions for a couple of reasons. First, they enable me to solicit input from fellow members to help me refine my own points of view about particular topics. Frequently, the responses mention aspects that I had not thought about. The diversity of the CSIG is one of our strengths. We should be able to leverage that. Second, I want to increase the sense of community among CSIG members. The virtual nature of our organization makes this difficult. The monthly issue of Connections is one way we can reach everyone. I recognize that we are all busy. In particular, the concept of lagniappe may not be in your individual lexicon, and there wasn't time to research it. I also recognize that any specific question may not stimulate a response. In a recent discussion with colleagues about this low response rate, one suggested that I ask more controversial questions. I'll work on that. In the interim,
I point back to my two reasons for the questions - to solicit
input to refine my personal points of view about some topic, and
to increase our sense of community. So, this month's question
is - What question(s) would you like to ask our members in a monthly
issue of Connections? P.S. Whenever CSIG members are mentioned by name or quoted, it is with their prior consent. If you prefer your response to remain anonymous, it will. Thanks again.
 Consulting
SIG Co-Chair to Present at
PMI-NJ 2007 Regional Symposium "Sustainable Project Management - The Future is Now!" 7 May, 2007 - Skylands, Randolph, NJ The work of project management involves sustained effort to achieve objectives; in turn, project management assures results that sustain the business. The results of projects produce lasting outcomes that may also have unintended consequences. Project managers are obliged to consider the social, environmental and economic context in which their projects are planned and implemented; assessing impact to assure that the desired outcome is produced. Project managers must also sustain themselves and their teams throughout the project life cycle!  Drew
Marshall, Consulting SIG Co-Chair, will be present at the Regional
Symposium. Drew will be offering an opportunity to win fun prizes
to those Consulting SIG members who participate in the lunch discussion
he will be hosting on the subject of developing a CLIG affiliated
with the PMI NJ Chapter. If you are planning on attending and participate,
please email
Drew.
The
2007
Symposium will feature an engaging program with dynamic
keynote speakers, a variety of track sessions and ongoing opportunities
to interact with poster presenters, vendors, and PMI local interest
groups. In addition, you'll be able to network with other project
management professionals.  Project
Management Job PostingsJob postings are provided as a convenience to the Consulting SIG membership. Listings are available as a courtesy for SIG members within or as support to the Project Management Consulting industry. The Consulting SIG makes no guarantees and accepts no liability for the listings. View a listing of current position descriptions. If you would like to post a position description please visit the Jobs page or email information to administrator@pmiconsultingsig.org. A Month's Worth of Free Webinars - Still Time To Register! In April 2007, the Metrics SIG will host its inaugural MetSIG Congress entitled "Seeking the Value Proposition of Metrics."
This
exciting month-long event will feature:
If you have
always wanted more information on best practices in
To ensure
you have a seat in the webinar of your choice, be sure to acquire
your free ticket using the promo code for the Consulting SIG.
If you are a Consulting SIG member, the promo code has been
emailed to you. If you have not received the code, please contact
the SIG's Administrator. |
