That A-ha! Moment - Why Use a Consultant?

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Ann McPhersonI am a big proponent of David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD) approach to life. I have been following its precepts for more than a decade. At times, I feel like I could teach a seminar on his work-life management system!

That’s why the idea of talking to one of the experts at GTD about a small problem I was having seemed absurd. Why use a consultant on a topic where I already know the answers? I discovered that in fact, talking to an expert about a matter in which I was already proficient was worthwhile both in time and money. Here’s why:

What can experts provide?

  • The ability to drill down quickly and identify the problem areas
  • Insight into why certain behaviors can be detrimental to your progress
  • Confirmation that you are on the right track. Yes, hearing it from an expert does boost your confidence
  • An understanding that the smallest changes can have a significant impact
  • Affirmation that just because it’s “best-practice” doesn’t mean it’s right for your situation
  • Encouragement to scratch below the surface to understand the real dynamics at play
  • Reminders that revisiting the basics can ensure the foundation you built is still solid
  • Experience to create action plans you can actually implement
  • Support with the knowledge that they are in your corner and will do whatever they can to make you succeed
  • Courage to ask the tough questions, the one you don’t like to think about
  • Context in the form of relevant experience and examples of what has been successful for other clients
  • Illustrates how you can make progress in the areas that really matter to you
  • Information about other resources that might help to accelerate or increase your success


GTD-1For the investment of an hour, I received the validation and guidance I was searching for. In addition, I gained a clearer vision of where I wanted to be and the realization that I just needed to make a few adjustments to my approach. Those few changes made a HUGE difference in my productivity and happiness.

My experience with David Allen’s company reminded me of the true value of asking an expert. As a marketing consultant at PG Calc, I work with clients every day to help them experience the flash of insight I had with the person at GTD. Why was it so hard to take my own advice and use a consultant? Like me, you may know what you need to do, yet you still don’t get there. At PG Calc we have expert consultants in every aspect of planned giving. Maybe some coaching from an experienced expert in gift administration, state compliance, or even marketing is all you need to have YOUR “A-ha! moment.”

Learn how to optimize your planned giving performance!
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