As I work with various clients who need their web sites optimized, I have realized more and more that they are trusting me completely. They don’t have the time or ability to monitor every little thing that happens in the web side of their business, and so I’m in a position of complete control.

Consultants are in a Position of Power

This is actually true with most consulting arrangements—consultants are hired because their clients are not experts in that area and are in need of help.

Consultants are Responsible for Results

This position of power puts consultants in a position of accountability as well. Their clients are counting on them to do the best possible work with the clients’ best interests in mind. If anything goes wrong, it is the consultant’s fault.

It would be easy to take advantage of someone who is in a position of need or ignorance. They might not even ever know that they didn’t receive the best possible service.

Consultants Owe Their Best Effort

You landed your consulting contract or arrangement because your client thought it could trust you, that you were the best possible option for helping it overcome certain problems. It would be a betrayal of trust if you didn’t act in a
responsible, productive manner.

Those who take advantage of others’ weaknesses will get their reward. When their dishonesty is discovered, they won’t be able to get new clients. When they are weak, others may take advantage of them.

Your reputation isn’t worth the extra money or power you could gain from cheating a client. Do your best work for clients, always, and you will reap the rewards of good word of mouth, repeat contracts, and a clear conscience.