Why Discovery Calls Matter When Finding an Expert
Free discovery calls offer a unique opportunity to evaluate potential experts before committing your time and resources. These brief conversations reveal more about compatibility and expertise than any website, profile, or testimonial ever could.
Preparing for Your Discovery Call
Know Your Goals
Before scheduling any call, clarify:
- The specific challenge you’re facing
- What success looks like for you
- Your timeline and constraints
- Previous approaches you’ve tried
Having this clarity helps you evaluate whether an expert’s approach aligns with your needs.
Research Effectively
Don’t waste time with surface-level research. Instead:
- Review case studies relevant to your situation
- Understand the expert’s methodology
- Identify specific questions about their approach
- Look for evidence they’ve solved similar problems
Prepare Your Questions
The quality of your questions determines the value of the call. Focus on:
- Expertise validation: “Can you describe a similar challenge you’ve helped with?”
- Process clarity: “What does your typical approach look like for someone in my situation?”
- Results expectations: “What outcomes can I realistically expect, and in what timeframe?”
- Compatibility: “How do you typically communicate with clients during projects?”
- Concerns: “What potential obstacles might affect our success?”
During the Discovery Call
The First Few Minutes
Pay attention to how the expert:
- Manages the call structure
- Balances speaking and listening
- Asks questions about your situation
- Responds to your initial description
The way they handle the opening often reflects their overall working style.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if the expert:
- Offers solutions before fully understanding your situation
- Speaks in vague generalities rather than specifics
- Dismisses concerns without addressing them
- Cannot explain their process clearly
- Promises unrealistic results
Green Flags to Look For
The right expert typically:
- Asks thoughtful, probing questions
- Challenges assumptions constructively
- Shares relevant examples without dominating the conversation
- Acknowledges limitations in their approach
- Explains complex concepts clearly
The Middle Minutes Matter Most
The most revealing insights often emerge 7-15 minutes into the call, when:
- Initial formalities have passed
- The expert begins tailoring their thinking to your situation
- You both feel more comfortable asking substantive questions
Use this time to explore how they think, not just what they know.
After the Call
Immediate Assessment
Ask yourself:
- Did they understand my situation?
- Do I feel heard and respected?
- Was their expertise evident?
- Can I envision working with them?
- Did they offer valuable insights, even in this short conversation?
Take Thoughtful Action
Rather than rushing to a decision:
- Compare notes if you’ve spoken with multiple experts
- Consider follow-up questions that emerged after reflection
- Review any materials they shared post-call
- Evaluate pricing in relation to demonstrated value, not just cost
Making Discovery Calls Work for Specific Fields
DEI Consulting
Look for experts who:
- Ask about your organization’s specific culture and challenges
- Discuss measurement and accountability
- Address both short-term training and long-term system changes
- Demonstrate cultural competence and understanding
Neurodiversity Coaching
Effective coaches will:
- Focus on strengths rather than just challenges
- Discuss specific accommodations and strategies
- Ask detailed questions about your environment
- Offer clear communication frameworks
Executive Coaching
The right executive coach will:
- Establish clear boundaries and confidentiality
- Discuss assessment methods and feedback processes
- Explain their coaching philosophy
- Probe your specific leadership challenges
When to Schedule Multiple Discovery Calls
Consider speaking with multiple experts when:
- You’re new to working with this type of specialist
- Your challenge is complex or multifaceted
- You’re unsure about the exact expertise needed
- Different experts offer significantly different approaches
Getting the Most Value from Free Consultations
A discovery call is valuable even if you don’t move forward with that expert. Use each conversation to:
- Refine your understanding of your challenge
- Learn industry terminology and concepts
- Discover different approaches to your situation
- Build clarity about what you need in an expert
Next Steps After Finding the Right Fit
When you’ve found the right expert:
- Request a formal proposal or engagement outline
- Clarify deliverables, timeline, and communication expectations
- Discuss measurement and success criteria
- Establish boundaries and working relationship parameters
Finding Your Expert Match
Discovery calls save both time and resources by ensuring alignment before engagement. The right expert for you will demonstrate understanding, ask insightful questions, and leave you feeling confident about the path forward.
Use the strategies in this guide to make your discovery calls productive, insightful, and effective in finding the perfect expert for your needs.
Comments