There are many, many variables in the environmental consulting world, some of which can be highly complex and some simply incomprehensible. Conversely, there are too many things that consultants inadvertently make complex through poor communication skills or utter confusion, which are then conveyed to a customer or potential customer…which leads to more confusion, or a stalled project, or a poor remedial decision, or even worse…the loss of a client (potential or existing).

To avoid this mistake adapt the “consumer’s perspective” throughout every aspect of your practice. Experience will oftentimes help an environmental practitioner (or any professional for that matter) learn to develop this mindset, and once fully integrated, you’ll easily understand the value, and your client will appreciate it. There will be occasions when discussions on technical or regulatory items need to take place, but that doesn’t mean you need to inundate your customers with so much information and data that they feel overwhelmed. It will take practice and patience, but be mindful of this easily, overlooked skillset.

Stay tuned for future updates and musings, as well as others, from Cardinal Environmental. We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinallsrp.com.