Consulting Lessons Learned from American Idol

Paula has a definite "woman's perspective" and finds appeal in a wide range of performance styles. While her advice can often seem emotional and too supportive, it is clearly needed to offset the often course critic of our third judge.

Simon is the often abrasive and arrogant judge who despite his manner brings clarity and critical perspective to the judging. Simon is all about what sells. He is looking for a sound, a perfect pitch and a "star factor" that will make a successful Idol. He goes for the gold and makes no apologies for his pointed comments.

Consistently this year, the judges have had one refrain that they use repeatedly- The Right Song. Each week we hear them say, "You didn't pick the right song" or "You picked the right song and it shows."

They are talking about finding a niche - putting a package together that allows contestants to shine and showcase their talents - creating a niche that sells. How often have we advised our clients to:

Stay focused?
Capitalize on their strengths?
Minimize their risks?
Find a niche in their market?

Yet how often is that advice drowned out by those who resist, reject or minimize our message? The audience boos constructive critiques, but results consistently prove their point. Those contestants who listen and return the next week with the right sound, song and performance shine. Those who don't most often end up in the bottom three - with one going home. For our clients the consequences can be far greater.

Helping Our Clients Pick the Right Song
As advisors it is our job to help our clients pick the right song, that combination of innovation, performance and expertise that attracts customers to our doors and promotes sales backed by an organization that provides quality customer satisfaction that keeps them coming back for more.

We need to do our research, asking the right questions and truly understanding where the company is today and where it needs to go to become an "Idol."

The "Idol" judges have been there. They know what it takes to succeed and consistently offer their advise, despite the boos, in hopes of moving each contestant forward. Their advice is built upon a lifetime of experience and a real understanding of their industry. But to drown out the naysayers they have to have a clear message and the "hard facts" to back up their assertions.

As advisors so do we. We need to not only share our expertise and experience with our clients, but also we need to have cold, hard facts about where the company is today and what it needs to do to be successful.

Take the time to truly get to know the companies you work with. Assess where they are today, where they want to go tomorrow and present a clear, constant voice that:

Shows them how to build upon their strengths and how to minimize weaknesses as the Idol judges do each week.
Provides constructive strategies for reaching their goals - for finding the right song
Turns naysayers into converts for change, by bringing critical data that gets the message across effectively

Become an advisor that creates Idols, an advisor who your clients will consistently turn to for results.
The fans have picked their American Idol.

Which of your clients will become an Idol in their industry?

And what role will you play in their rise to stardom?