Ran across your post through Twitter and thought it so appropriate. I love all the interaction here on your site! Doug’s comments about solutions aren’t worth anything unless there’s a problem to be solved is also very fitting.

We’re working on the unemployment problem by providing job search training so people can get back to work faster. These are the same conversations we have with job seekers! No employer will hire if they don’t have a problem. Most candidates have the problem of not knowing how to conduct a search in today’s market.

Problems – solutions – life! Thanks for creating such a great welcoming space online.

Another great post and I love how you make this a place where we can all come and work together.

The problems I love to solve also involve your passion for social media. I love to see the look in a lawyer’s face once they “get it” and see the endless possibilities of using SM in their marketing strategy.

What I’ve learned from working with lawyers is you need to have proof and time saving methods when proposing a social media strategy. It makes me happy once I see a lawyer twittering, blogging or even just updating their Linkedin profile.

I help take away the (problems of) confusion and intimidation that often accompany the topic & tools of Social Media, and how they can and should fit in to Marketing.

The related solution is that I help clients understand and strategically use Social Media to strengthen their relationships with their clients.

As I have encouraged you to do with one another, please feel free to provide feedback on the problems I have identified also. Hearing the problems that exist in this area are the only way I will stay in touch with what I can do to help solve them…thanks!

By the way, your suggestion, “Consider this a non-threatening workshop for you with help from your peers and mentors!”, is both refreshing, as well as, an excellent way to invite engagement on your blog.

I can’t tell you how many times I get an email from someone that wants to comment on a blog discussion somewhere that doesn’t for fear of getting publicly lambasted for their opinion.

Blogs like yours that foster participation, discussion, and communication in a constructive way (even if it’s disagreement), are far more valuable than the vast number of “hater-blogs” out there.

Great post. Love the question – been asking it for years. I’d add a distinction that I think Scott was making (and I’d challenge everyone to look at their answer to this question for this distinction).

Most people focus on their solution, not on the problem they solve. As I’ve written on my blog solutions are worth nothing until there is a problem. When we effectively connect to the problem the buyer is having we are able to stand out and enter the conversation much earlier – giving us a huge advantage. When we’re merely disguising our solution we sound like all of the other peddlers out there.

Thank Goodness I am big on action and execution since a lot of clients need someone with that passion and focus to help keep them on track.

Nancy we want to hear your answer, so participate in the comments

Here’s mine. Client problem: “Please, help me! I know I should be using the social web to market my practice but how do I cut through the clutter, noise and disruption? What’s in it for me? How do I get up to speed quickly?” I simplify the principles and process making it easier for them to understand and manage their purpose, plan and placement. I give them something they can live with.

What do you think? Sound right? Suggestions?