How we will proceed
Three typical situations:
Our association commences always through four essential stages:
First, a personal meeting at your establishment to ascertain whether a proper rapport exists between us.
Second, a precise articulation of your expectations and required objectives.
Third, a written quotation, clearly stated and free from ambiguity.
Fourth, your order placement, whereupon the agreement is established and work begins.
Coaching
Should you find yourself in want of an independent interlocutor—one who might meet you on terms of equality—I dare say I may serve. As a person who has navigated the shoals of commerce, and as a human being who has faced those peculiarly dispiriting circumstances that appear, at first blush, to admit of no remedy whatever, I have accumulated what might charitably be called a wealth of experience. We shall, I trust, be able to discourse upon any subject under the sun—nothing need be deemed too weighty or too trivial for our consideration. There is, however, one exception to this liberal policy of mine, and I state it plainly: I have not the smallest interest in discussing televised sport. I have observed that this confession tends to divide humanity into two camps—those who regard me as a lost soul, and those who secretly share my indifference but lack the courage to admit it. I count myself fortunate to belong to the latter's silent fellowship.
External Expertise
Project portfolios valued in the millions invariably harbour their black sheep—those ventures which, despite every measure deployed against them, persist in their delays and swell inexorably in their costs. The customary response is to engage the services of large consulting establishments, which duly produce voluminous reports and tender their recommendations. Yet the condition of these troubled projects shows no amelioration. My experience demonstrates that a different course suffices: a series of confidential consultations with those persons who stand at the heart of the undertaking, followed by my considered recommendation. The matter thus resolved requires neither mountains of documentation nor battalions of consultants. Should you wish to ensure that my recommendations are translated swiftly and effectively into action, you may entrust me with their execution.
Court Jester
Organisations are social systems governed by manifold unwritten rules. Among these tacit conventions, one stands nearly universal in its dominion: unpleasant truths shall not be uttered. Reports are adorned with falsehoods. Men languish in posts they have proven themselves unfit to hold. This state of affairs is not merely obstructive—it is very expensive. It is here that I assume the mantle of the court jester. The methods by which I secure the requisite intelligence within a matter of days must remain my professional confidence. What I can vouchsafe to you, however, is this: unflinching candour. Whether in private audience with yourself alone, or before the assembled ranks of your management, I shall lay before you the difficulties which have been brought to light, accompanied always by solutions both guaranteed and practicable in their execution.