Working with a client from unfamiliar industry? Take the time to read up on widget-making or mortgage insurance. You might stumble on some context or history that illuminates the problem at hand.
Some times one comes across situations unknown. Treating these situations as a way to learn something new is vital – both to yourself and to the situation – as opposed to turning your back and ignoring the situation.
By taking the time to learn from the situation you grow your own knowledge, your personality, and you can create stunning results. How can you go about to learn? Ask peers in that industry, go to the library, or use the source of information that is called Internet. Many topics are also offered through trainings – both online and offline.
You may also join interest groups. A couple of years ago, I was asked to do some work for a company dealing with oil sand. My task was not at all related to that area of expertise, but I decided to look into it to understand my client better, and to understand their requirements and possible solutions. So I joined an interest group who dealt only with oil and gas, and spent quite some time with them. This actually helped me understand their business from their own perspective, enabling me to serve my client much better.
As a bonus, I both learned enough about that particular industry to understand the controversy when I read about it today, and I could participate in their lunch discussions.
What do you do when you go on a fact-finding mission? How do you deal with new situations? What tips can you share?
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