Whether it is a project stakeholder, a prospective client, or a potential employer, I start with the measurables. Can they articulate how the work will meaningfully impact their business?
This exercise is less about the task of requirements gathering and more focused on determining if they can communicate with me. The range this little test has produced over the years is astounding, but it would be fair to say that I’ve passed on quite a few opportunities.
Mike Slagh, the Shift CEO, was laser-focused on what he wanted to achieve through our collaboration. Transform Shift’s manual tasks into scalable products that would be an engine of future growth for the organization.
The mission of the company, connecting military personnel with private-sector job opportunities, was an easy sell. Former Bloc CEO Clint Schmidt connected me with Mike, so I trusted that the situation was legit even though I wasn’t familiar with the company.
There were just a few fires to tame before we could get started on that growth Engine.