The Consultancy Life - 16 June 2024

Danny Lee
Jun 16, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jun 30, 2024

Networking at The Shard

For some, networking may come naturally.

For others, it’s a matter of standing up straight, firm handshakes and big smiles – I’m in the latter camp.

The Shard played host to Assent Risk Management, AvISO Consultancy and A-LIGN as they discussed the practical applications and benefits of becoming ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) compliant.

With a full range of audience members, from business owners to the curious, it also doubled as an opportunity to network.

Here are some of the lessons I’ve learnt whilst putting myself out there in the corporate world… far beyond my comfort zone:

Be the first to ask a question

Firstly, it creates some breathing space and takes the pressure off you.

Secondly, it provides you with an opportunity to give your own perspective on their answer and will go along way to help with building a quick (and hopefully lasting) rapport.

In the event someone beats you to asking the first question and the question catches you off guard, just be honest.

If it’s not something you have considered before – let them know.

Ask them what they think – you may even learn something.

Listen fully

It can be very easy to fall into the trap of half listening to a response as you think of something smart or witty to reply with.

Instead, listen fully.

Be unselfish. You should aim to listen with the intent of replying with something that can add real value to the other person, the conversation, or your future relationship.

Don’t be afraid to go off topic and find a common interest

The quickest way to establish a genuine connection is to find a common interest.

Now I’m not suggesting you list hobbies until you find a match, rather, allow the discussion to flow natually around the topic.

Add some personal experiences, you may just find a common interest – like the fact you both love riding motorbikes!

As it turns out, the networking went well and lead to some fascinating and productive discussions.

More to follow...

My view from The Shard

Initial Discussions with a UKAS Certification Body

A recap of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS):

"UKAS is the National Accreditation Body for the United Kingdom. We are appointed by government, to assess and accredit organisations that provide services including certification, testing, inspection and calibration".

Certification Bodies exist to conduct Third Party Audits of, in this case, an ISO Management System to ensure it is compliant with the relevant ISO standard’s clauses and sub clauses.

In my last update, I discussed how my CQI Mentor and I developed strategies to generate additional working days for my business.

One of which was partnering with a UKAS accredited Certification Body.

I am happy to share that the initial discussions went really well and I’m in the process of signing up to begin the onboarding process.

Why is this important

1. It allows my business to generate additional revenue.

2. Conducting Third Party Audits for a UKAS Certification Body strengthens my knowledge and understanding of the ISO Management Systems I am certified in.

3. Understanding the processes UKAS Auditors follow will better allow me to assist my clients whilst I’m building, and aiding in the maintenance of, their Management Systems whilst providing consultancy services.

It is important to remain impartial when working on both sides of the fence (Consultant and Third Party Auditor).

It is not possible to build an ISO Management System, on behalf of the client and then conduct a Third Party Audit - Third Party Audits are, by definition, independent.

Remaining impartial and avoiding conflicts of interest are of the upmost importance.

The sign up process is, rightly so, quite in-depth.

Although, I will not share the details of the processes involved. I will keep you updated on the progress – and when the time is right, announce who the Certification Body is.

Stay tuned!

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Strengthening Industry Understanding with Assent

Once again, the team at Assent have gone above and beyond to support me during my transition from military life to the corporate world.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve joined one of their extremely talented team members providing Internal Audits to their clients.

I have seen a range of ISO Management Systems, industries and ISO standards.

The key theme throughout is the Auditors seamless ability to understand, adapt and adopt the best interview techniques based on the responses of the Auditee.

I’ve learnt the following

1. Auditees may start with short answers to directly answer the questions posed by the Auditor.

2. Adjusting your style to make the interview more of a discussion will build a rapport and remove any unnecessary tension.

3. Sometimes, despite the Auditee knowing their job role and processes inside out, rephrasing a question can make all the difference if they become slightly stuck.

4. Keeping the questions short and sharp will help to reduce the likelihood of the Auditee diving too deep into the topic when not particularly necessary - open vs closed questions.

5. Outlining the agenda of the interview at the beginning (which may include topics to be covered and expected duration) really helps to keep both sides on the right track - just be sure to stick to the time you set at the beginning, what we don’t want is clock watching.

Building genuine relationships with the clients are key to long lasting business; and frankly, there are some really nice people out there.

I can see why clients become attached to their Consultants.

Consultants, in some cases, are there at the beginning of the clients' ISO journey and they are lucky enough to watch the client grow over the years as the ISO standards supports their business growth.

Assent's clients are lucky to have such a wonderful team supporting them through their ISO journey.

Assent Risk Management – Grow With ISO.

Another Week Down!

Thank you if you made it this far! I hope you found it useful?

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p.s, here's that motorbike I was talking about - she's a beaut <3

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