As a fractional CTO, I've encountered numerous instances where clients have requested services outside my core expertise. Here's how I've approached such situations: Honest Assessment: I openly acknowledge the limitations of my expertise and provide a realistic assessment of the feasibility of the request. Leveraging Network: I tap into my network of trusted experts to find the right resources or partners to address the specific need. Collaborative Approach: I collaborate with the client to explore alternative solutions or workarounds that align with their goals. Transparent Communication: I maintain open and honest communication with the client throughout the process, keeping them informed of progress and potential challenges.

Cuando te dedicas a este mundo de la tecnología, una de las cosas que siempre se debe reconocer es que NO eres experto en todo. Y está bien aceptarlo y comunicárselo al cliente. Ser transparente y honesto siempre me ha dado buenos resultados con el cliente. Pero, que esto no signifique que no puedes ayudar dando un punto de vista o delegándolo con algún partner en cuestión o experto en la materia. Afortunadamente, si bien no somos expertos en todo, este mundo te hace aprender de todo un poco. Y eso siempre puede desde la humildad, ayudar al cliente.

In my world, it is absolutely impossible to know everything. People know it. So it is OK to say that you do not know. That you cannot give a definite answer. If you can approximate one, it is OK to say it - as long as it is prefixed with some explanations. "I am not sure - I think it is X, but frankly it is outside my area of expertise." Even better, offer to connect them with someone who knows for real, either immediately or at a later point in time. It can also be worth asking the reasons that motivate that query. Perhaps the client is trying to solve a problem that you understand but focus on a narrow set of questions - the ones you cannot answer. If so, then you can engage on the broader topic as well to keep the discussion going.

Pro Tipp 🔥 Du musst nicht alles wissen – entscheidend ist, wie du mit strategisch solchen Anfragen umgehst. So bleibst du professionell, auch wenn du keine Ahnung hast 🙈 1. Ehrlich sagen, was du kannst und wo du auf Unterstützung von deinem Team angewiesen bist, um die Frage zu beantworten. 2. Falls möglich, an Spezialisten verweisen oder intern Hilfe holen, damit der Kunde das Gefühl hat, sein Anliegen wird ernst genommen. 3. Wenn du selbst nicht helfen kannst, dann schlage passende Lösung vor. Wichtig hierbei, dass du dein Wort gegenüber dem Kunden hältst. Kompetenz zeigt sich nicht nur im Wissen, sondern auch darin, wie man mit Lücken umgeht, oder?

When a client request falls outside your expertise, honesty and resourcefulness are key. Start by acknowledging the request and being transparent about your limitations while expressing a commitment to help them find the right solution. Something like, "That's not my area of expertise, but I can connect you with someone who specializes in this," shows integrity and keeps the client’s trust intact. Next, tap into your network or research pros or resources who can address their needs. Offering a referral or coordinating with an expert demonstrates your willingness to go the extra mile.

Me parece clave siempre ser con el cliente honesto y transparente. Cuando recibo una solicitud fuera de mi conocimiento y experiencia, me parece perfectamente válido decir: "No lo sé" pero siempre complementar con: "Pero lo anoto y te prometo investigarlo y ofrecerte una respuesta" y hacer todo lo posible por encontrar una solución. Creo que el cliente siempre valorará eso mas que un simple "no sé" y ya o improvisar con algo que uno no conozca.

Often, during my demos, a very interesting and often deeply technical question, which hasn’t been asked yet, will pop up. This is great because it confirms interest. Most of the time, I can answer using common sense, but I will always mention that the answer needs validation from a more expert colleague. Sometimes, I simply need to pause, take note of the question, and come back with an answer once I’ve conferred internally. Nobody knows everything, and in my view, clients and prospective clients prefer this honest approach!

When faced with a request outside my expertise, I would acknowledge the client’s needs, assure them that I’ll find the right solution, and collaborate with experts or partners who can address the request, ensuring the client receives the best possible outcome.

Cuando no tengo la respuesta, lo digo. Pero no me detengo ahí. Lo que suelo hacer es esto: 1. Agradezco la pregunta. 2. Marco el límite (“eso no es mi campo, pero quiero entender bien por qué lo preguntas”). 3. Investigo, conecto, vuelvo. Aprendí que mostrar que no sabes, pero te importa lo suficiente para buscar, genera más confianza que improvisar una respuesta. Porque a veces lo que el cliente quiere no es una solución inmediata. Quiere saber que no está solo buscando.