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An excellent book by the man who mentored my finance professor from biz school.

Here are the five ways prospects judge professionals and consultants (source; Aaker, 1995, Strategic Market Management):

  1. Competence. Knowledge and skill of the professional or business and their ability to convey trust and confidence (you demonstrate and prove your expert knowledge by speaking and writing, especially a book)
  2. Tangibles. Appearance of physical facilities, communication materials, equipment and personnel (you do this by the appearance of your book, Web site and how-to handouts)
  3. Empathy. Caring, individualized attention that a firm provides its clients (educating people to solve problems before they hire you proves you care)
  4. Responsiveness. Willingness to help customers and provide prompt service (when you promise to give people things like special reports and white papers, do it promptly)
  5. Reliability. Ability to perform the promised service dependably and accurately (prospective clients will judge you on how organized your book, seminars, speeches and Web site are)