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We Will Work for Free

Before you start

Most people describe their problem the way they've learned to describe it out loud, cleaned up, already half-explained, with the uncomfortable part sanded off. That version is no use to either of us.

What I need is the version you'd give someone who has to go fix it on Monday. Including the part you're not sure about. Including the part that would be awkward if it turned out to be true.

This takes about fifteen minutes if you do it properly. I read every one myself, and I answer either way. If I don't think I can win your problem, I'll tell you that quickly, which is the most useful thing I can do for you if it's true.

What is it, something that's broken and costing you, or something you suspect but haven't proven? Describe it the way you'd describe it to whoever has to act on it.

What has it cost you so far, and what does another six months of it cost? Numbers if you have them, a defensible guess if you don't.

What have you already tried, and what specifically happened?

What do you believe is causing it, and how confident are you in that belief?

What would have to be true, observably, for you to say this worked?

What part of this do you suspect you might be wrong about, or haven't looked at closely?

Besides you, who has to agree before work starts, and who can stop it once it's running?

If we agreed tomorrow, what could you get me within twenty-four hours, data, access, or a person to talk to?

What is your name?

What is your title?

What is your Company Name?

What is your website address?

What is your email address?