137 - Bridging the Gap: How Suitable Solutions is Revolutionizing Technology Consulting with Suitable Solutions' Shanika Palm

Your host, Doug Noll, talks with the Chief Solutions Officer of Suitable Solutions, Shanika Palm. Shanika's background is impressive. She spent over two decades in corporate America, including a 15-year stint with the largest healthcare administrator in Alabama. In 2017, she took a leap of faith and founded Suitable Solutions. Her first client was a government contractor in the DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia), and since then, she has built a successful business that specializes in helping small businesses in government contracting align their technology with their business goals and improve operational efficiency.

Suitable Solutions is not just another technology consulting firm. They focus on understanding their clients' operational needs and identifying gaps in their technology. They then work to integrate innovative and emerging technology solutions that fit within the client's budget and help them meet their goals. While they serve clients across various industries, their niche is government contracting, particularly in the federal space.

One of the key insights from the conversation was the importance of reflective listening. Shanika explained that echoing back what clients say, helps them hone in on their true goals and needs. Reflective listening involves listening not only to the words being spoken but also to the intended meaning and emotions behind them.

Shanika pointed out that not everyone is a good listener, especially visionaries, owners, and executives who are used to being the ones speaking and being heard. However, she sees this as an opportunity to work with her primary client base and emphasizes the importance of being able to repeat back to clients what they have said so they can hear themselves and better articulate their vision and goals.

To learn more about Shanika's work, click HERE and HERE.

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