For a first meeting with a client, it went okay. Not well, but okay. There are many things we can improve on, like making sure that they have a full understanding of the project that we have been given. And more specifically, what our group is focusing on and how we plan on achieving our goals. That being said, some things did go well. We received a lot of useful information from Erin that will guide us in the direction we want to go for our project area.

It was honestly a wake up call, a conversation with a real client really grounded me. And helped me to understand that what we are doing here really matters, and it affects real people. This isn’t a low-stakes simulation, this is real world consulting. This was important however, because it also allowed me to further know what is expected of me in future meetings.

After that conversation, we then had lunch with Pitt Business EIR Joe Pietropola. This one definitely went better than the first. Immediate change was made in order to explain our mission more precise. Each group gave their run down of what they were specifically doing in Carrigart, and how. As well as connect with Joe on a human level. I have learned that is an important aspect of consulting, building trust. In order to do that you have to show some vulnerability. And let them know you are interested in what they do.

Talking to Erin and Joe really helped me dial down what I want to do for my portion of the project. Erin was great to speak to because she has experience there being a resident of the area. And Joe was great to speak to because he brought a leadership/ consulting point of view to the table. Overall, today was very beneficial to where I want to take this case we have been given.