What are the most effective ways of answering a question that you know you and your team truly don’t have an answer to during a client call?

I’m usually pretty direct in saying something like “We’ll circle back on that, but [insert some insight that you can spin as relating to the question]” One or two other managers iv worked with usually try to give a BS answer and I perceive the client as seeing through the BS, which makes me cringe.

Which approach do you usually take?

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Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I’m generally pretty direct. Same template as yours lol.

I think BSing on the spot just looks like old school consulting tactic which further alienates your client. For some reason I think old school consultants think the more you can BS on the spot the better a consultant you are.

Note, there is a difference between BSing and actually thinking on your feet and coming up with an insightful answer. And I’ve definitely seen some SMs and Partners give some very good on the spot answers. But if they don’t know something, they aren’t hesitant in saying that with confidence either.

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I agree with everything here. Def an old school thing and clear difference between just being smart on your feet. It’s impressive when done well

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