You Know the Answer—But Should You Say It Yet?

You’ve solved this before. Or have you? Familiar problems make it easy to miss what’s actually new.

Hi

Ever found yourself blurting out a solution before your client’s even finished explaining the problem? You’ve seen it before, you know how to fix it—and boom, you’re in full-on expert mode. But instead of gratitude, you get… a blank stare.

Been there. Many times.

This week, we’re unpacking a different kind of client challenge:

🧠 Why your expertise might be hurting trust—and how to flip the script
🗣 How to listen better (even when you think you already are)
Why asking questions beats giving answers—every time

Plus, I’ve got a fascinating read on the science of sneezing (yes, really) and three fresh resources to keep your brain buzzing.

Let’s get into it. 👇

This Week’s Focus: Escaping the Expert Trap

You know the drill—you’ve seen this client issue a dozen times. Before they’ve even finished explaining, you’re already mapping out the fix. You’re fast, efficient, and ready to help. But… are you helping?

That’s the core of this week’s conversation. In the latest episode of The KAM Club Podcast, I dig into what I’m calling The Expert Trap—when your know-how gets in the way of truly connecting with your client.

Here’s what stood out:

  • Silence Isn’t Awkward—It’s Insightful
    When you ask a powerful question, resist the urge to jump in. Clients often reveal the real issue if you just give them space.

  • Listening Is a Strategy, Not a Skill
    True listening means slowing down, staying curious, and making your client feel seen—not steamrolled.

  • Channel Your Inner Newbie
    Approach every meeting like it’s your first. Ask questions, stay open, and don’t assume you already know the answer.

  • Expertise Should Guide, Not Dominate
    Instead of jumping to “Here’s what you should do,” try “What options have you considered?” Invite collaboration.

You don’t have to know it all—you just have to care enough to ask. That’s how trust is built and partnerships grow.

🔗 Listen Now | 🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

💬 Have you ever jumped to a solution too quickly—and lived to regret it? Hit reply and share your story. I might feature it in the next issue!

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Featured Article: Ask First, Fix Later

Let’s be honest—too many client conversations start with solutions before we even know the problem. Sound familiar?

That’s why I wrote this week’s featured article: 45 Best Questions to Ask Your Client to Get to Know Them. It’s more than a list—it’s a mindset shift. One that pairs perfectly with our podcast episode on The Expert Trap (aka Stop Solving Problems So Fast!)

Because here’s the truth:
🛑 You can’t build trust on autopilot.
🛠 You can’t solve what you don’t understand.
💬 And you can’t connect without asking the right questions.

This article gives you the tools to go deeper:

  • Understand their world → Get smart about their industry, their market, their pain points.

  • Navigate the org map → Who makes decisions? Who influences them?

  • Unlock personal priorities → What’s keeping your main contact up at night?

  • Measure what matters → Find out what success looks like to them, not just to you.

  • Get real feedback → Don’t just guess how you’re doing—ask.

The goal? Turn every conversation into an insight. And every insight into action.

📖 Read the full article here and pick 5 questions to bring to your next client meeting. You might be surprised by what you learn—and what you’ve been missing.

The smartest thing you can do in a client meeting? Say less and listen more.

Things to Think About

Big ideas fuel better conversations. Each of these picks caught my attention this week—and they might just spark something new for you too. Use them to challenge your thinking, stay sharp, or open the door to deeper client discussions.

BCG Henderson Institute Idea Explorer
A fresh, visual way to explore thousands of ideas from BCG’s extensive content library. Each article is connected to themes and sub-themes—like Strategy, Technology, Society—forming a dynamic web of insights. Think of it as a globe of ideas you can spin, zoom, and dive into. It’s a brilliant tool for challenging your thinking, spotting patterns, and sparking deeper client conversations.
👉 Explore the map

McKinsey Quarterly: 60th Anniversary Growth Edition
How do companies grow—really grow—in uncertain times? McKinsey’s latest digital issue tackles this head-on with over 160 pages of sharp, strategic insights. It’s free and packed with fuel for thoughtful client conversations. Don’t miss page 25: a breakdown of five leadership mindsets essential for growth, and the bold actions many leaders hesitate to take (like pursuing ambitious goals without backing them with proper resources).
👉 Read the issue

Kleo: Your LinkedIn Wingman
If LinkedIn is part of your content game, Kleo’s a no-brainer. This free browser extension lets you discover top-performing posts for inspiration, follow your favorite creators to easily browse their content, and use a built-in editor to format your posts like a pro (yes to bold text and bullet points!). It’s like having a content coach right in your browser.
👉 Try Kleo

🤧 Power Up of the Week: Sneeze Smarter

Why do some sneezes whisper while others roar? Turns out, it’s science. The Washington Post breaks it down with stunning visuals and tips to sneeze smarter, not louder. Yes, you can train your sneeze.

It’s worth reminding ourselves—clients don’t just want fast answers. They want to feel heard. And sometimes, the most valuable thing you can bring to a conversation isn’t a solution… it’s space.

So this week, challenge yourself to pause a little longer. Ask one more question. Let the silence do its job.

You don’t have to know it all—you just have to show up curious and ready to connect.

See you next week.

Until then, stay Account Minded.

✌️ Warwick

Warwick Brown - Founder at The KAM Coach

Warwick Brown
Founder @ The KAM Coach

P.S. If you like what you’re reading, here are a few ways to go deeper:

📚 Join The KAM Club – Exclusive training, templates & coaching → Learn more
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