Key Words and Phrases that Lack Influence

I had two calls this past week with No-Po’s, so my radar has been activated. Remember a No-Po is someone who has no influence or authority within an organization. I’m not sure I’m going to use this term because my book agent thinks it sounds like a Hawaiian snack.  So here’s a sample of what happened and the words I heard from two separate encounters with my No-Po’s.

First one was a scheduled conference call with 5 participants including myself; it was a call to update me on how things were coming along on a potential project. The client started the call by saying this was the Hurry up and wait project that’s had to take a back seat once again because there has been a budget freeze. But we can keep talking about a potential roll-out strategy once they get a green light on it. Doesn’t that sound promising? I found myself asking the same questions I usually ask No-Po’s and never get a straight answer. These include questions such as:

How much longer do you estimate on this? Who is still involved? What is their knowledge of this project? How does it map on this list of priorities? What do you recommend? What do you need from me?

Second one was a first call at a very high VP level who supported other VPs. This person was all over the board in what he wanted to know and understand about my services. I would like to get you in touch with my secretary and have you come in and meet, I’ll carve out about 3 hours so I can learn more about your services and what explain to you what we are trying to do here this year. What? 3 hours? I can redesign my web site and blog in 3 hours.  

Words of warning at the beginning of a new year: major power shifting is happening now. Pay attention to who is in the driver’s seat and taking ownership with budget dollars. Get in front of them and listen to clues that will help you learn you are talking with a voice of non-influence.