Can you share an example of a time you went above and beyond for a client? What motivated you to do so?

Question

Managing multiple consulting projects can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies, it becomes an achievable feat. This article presents expert-backed techniques to help consultants effectively juggle various projects simultaneously. Discover practical insights that will elevate your project management skills and boost your productivity in the consulting world.

Julian Knox · Answer

One moment that really stuck with me was during a launch campaign for a nonprofit client. We were days away from going live when their internal content lead had to step away due to a family emergency. The project could have stalled completely, but instead of pausing, I stepped in to help write, edit, and schedule every last piece--emails, social posts, landing page copy--basically took on two roles for the week to keep things moving.
What motivated me was simple: they genuinely believed in their mission, and I knew how much this campaign meant to their team and the people they serve. Seeing the launch hit on time and even outperform their donation goal by 25% made every late night worth it. It reminded me that going above and beyond isn't just about doing extra work--it's about showing people you care enough to not let them down. That's the kind of partnership I always aim for.

Kristin Marquet · Answer

I go above and beyond for every client--that's how I operate. But one example that stands out is when a client came to me with a last-minute launch that had completely fallen apart. She was overwhelmed, under-resourced, and about to scrap the whole thing. I stepped in, restructured the entire rollout, rewrote the messaging, and pulled in my team to redesign assets over a weekend. We not only salvaged the launch--we made it successful. What motivated me? I care. I treat my clients' brands with the same attention and urgency I give my own. When someone trusts me with their business, I take that seriously. That level of commitment isn't extra--it's embedded in everything I do.

Alex Cornici · Answer

Certainly! In my previous role as a customer service specialist, I had an experience where going the extra mile made a significant difference. A client urgently needed a customized software update before a major business presentation but was struggling with the usual bureaucratic delays. Understanding the crucial importance of the presentation, I coordinated a rapid response team to expedite the customization and testing phases, ensuring that the software was delivered and fully functional hours before the client's deadline.
The motivation to act decisively came from understanding the potential impact on the client's business and our company's reputation for reliability. By putting myself in the client's shoes, I could see that this situation required pushing the usual boundaries to deliver exceptional service. This approach not only solidified our relationship with the client but also reinforced the culture of customer commitment within our team. It was a vivid reminder that sometimes, going above and beyond isn't just about meeting needs, but about making a tangible difference in others' success.

Georgi Petrov · Answer

One example that stands out for me was when we were running a digital marketing campaign for a client in the e-commerce space. They were launching a new product line, and their initial ads weren't converting as expected, despite all our best efforts with ad copy and targeting. They were feeling frustrated, and it was a crucial launch for their brand, so I knew we had to turn things around fast.
Going Above and Beyond:Rather than sticking strictly to the original plan, I dug deeper into their product and audience. I spent extra time researching customer feedback on similar products, analyzing competitors, and testing different approaches that we hadn't considered before. I also coordinated with the creative team to develop a completely new ad concept, focusing on a unique angle based on user pain points that we hadn't addressed in the initial campaign.
I also reached out to the client almost daily with updates, showing them the tweaks we were making and getting their input along the way. I was determined to make them feel supported, even if we weren't seeing immediate results yet. In the end, we found an approach that not only boosted conversions but also generated more than double the ROI they were expecting from the campaign.
What Motivated Me:The motivation came from a few places. First, I wanted to deliver results for the client, not just follow a set plan that wasn't working. Second, I have a strong belief that client relationships are built on trust and commitment, and showing that I was willing to go the extra mile was crucial. Lastly, I personally believe in the success of their business, and I knew that if I could help them succeed, it would create a long-term partnership, not just a one-off project.
The Result:After implementing the changes and seeing a significant boost in conversions, the client was extremely grateful and even reached out to share the success with their own stakeholders. Not only did we help them launch the product line successfully, but we also built a stronger relationship based on trust and mutual respect.
Key Takeaway:Going above and beyond isn't just about spending extra time or effort—it's about truly understanding the client's goals, being flexible with strategies, and showing that you are genuinely invested in their success. When you approach a situation with this mindset, the results speak for themselves, and it leads to long-term partnerships rather than just one-off projects.

Steve Fleurant · Answer

True partnership often means looking beyond the immediate task and understanding the deeper goals. We recently worked with a growing small business hampered by inefficient, disconnected systems. Their initial request focused on a specific systems integration project: linking their sales platform with inventory management. A standard approach would involve mapping data fields and building the required connections. However, our initial discovery wasn't just about technical requirements; it was an in-depth conversation about their operational challenges, bottlenecks, and, most importantly, their long-term growth aspirations. We realized that simply connecting the systems addressed a symptom but wouldn't unlock the efficiency gains they needed.
Going the extra mile meant stepping outside the predefined scope. We identified an opportunity to re-architect some of their data flow to enable more insightful analytics. We proposed and then developed an automated reporting feature they hadn't initially conceived, requiring additional analysis and development time on our part. We even built a small prototype of the reporting dashboard during the design phase to vividly demonstrate its potential value in identifying sales trends and proactively optimizing stock levels, helping them visualize the return on investment beyond just the integration itself. Furthermore, after the technical implementation, we observed their team facing challenges adapting to the new, unified workflow. Recognizing this potential roadblock to success, we proactively developed supplementary, role-specific training materials and conducted targeted workshops. This training wasn't just about showing them which buttons to click; it was about embedding the new processes into their daily routines to ensure the technology was truly adopted and maximized.
What motivates this level of commitment? It stems from a core belief in treating our client's objectives as our own. We weren't merely contracted to connect two pieces of software; we were entrusted as partners to help them operate more effectively and achieve their strategic goals. Seeing technology simply installed isn't the measure of success. Success is witnessing clients confidently leverage the solution to achieve tangible results - measurable increases in efficiency, smarter data-driven decisions, and sustainable business growth.

Michelle Garrison · Answer

During a high-stakes UN virtual summit, I stayed awake for 48 hours straight when our client's streaming platform crashed two hours before going live.
My team and I rebuilt their entire event infrastructure on a different platform, personally calling 200+ international attendees with new access instructions. What drove me? Their mission to connect global climate experts deserved my absolute commitment.
My agency now includes emergency backup systems for every event—even when clients don't request them. This experience taught me that exceptional service isn't about contractual obligations but about honoring the purpose behind each client's work.
Small agencies often compete with larger firms by creating these unexpected safety nets that transform potential disasters into moments of deep client trust. This approach has generated our strongest client relationships and most passionate referrals.

Xin Zhang · Answer

One time, a client urgently needed a full email marketing campaign launched within 24 hours due to a last-minute promotion. Normally, our timeline is at least three days, but I knew how crucial this was for their quarterly sales. I stayed late, wrote the copy, designed the templates, set up the automation in Klaviyo, and tested everything by sunrise. The campaign launched on time and exceeded their expectations, pulling in a 27% conversion rate. What motivated me? I genuinely cared about their business and had built a strong relationship with their team. Going the extra mile wasn't just about meeting a deadline—it was about proving that I had their back when it really counted.

Narine Masropian · Answer

When a 175-unit property management client faced a surprise state trust account audit with only three days' notice, our team worked through two consecutive nights to reconstruct six months of incomplete reconciliations left by their departing controller. We created a forensic reconstruction process that identified and resolved 43 transaction discrepancies, rehabilitating their audit trail before the regulator's arrival. What motivated this effort was understanding the existential threat this posed--in their state, failed trust account audits can result in license revocation. Our drive came from knowing that 12 staff members' livelihoods depended on maintaining regulatory compliance, regardless of the predecessor's documentation failures.

Andrew Osborne · Answer

One example that stands out was a project I did for a client whose elderly mother had recently returned home from hospital. The garden had become overgrown and unmanageable during her recovery, and it was causing her quite a bit of distress. I was initially brought in just to tidy things up, but once I saw the emotional connection she had to her garden, I knew I had to do more. I sat down with both of them to understand how the garden used to look and what plants meant the most to her. Over the course of a few weeks, I restored her favourite rose beds, rebuilt her vegetable patch, and added accessible pathways so she could safely enjoy her space again. We even sourced some hard-to-find plants she used to grow years ago to really bring the garden back to life. 
With over 15 years of experience and a background in horticulture, I was able to quickly identify the right approach to revitalising her garden while also taking her mobility needs into account. I leaned on my formal training to ensure the plants chosen were not just beautiful but practical and low maintenance for her lifestyle. The look on her face when she stepped back into her garden was something I won't forget. For me, it's never just about trimming hedges or mowing lawns. It's about using everything I've learned to create a space that genuinely improves someone's quality of life. That's what motivates me.

Patric Edwards · Answer

Absolutely--one moment that stands out happened with a client in the SaaS space who was struggling to gain traction with organic content. They had worked with a few agencies before and came in quite skeptical. What they really needed wasn't just content production--they needed a strategy reset, but didn't quite realize it yet.
Initially, they hired me just to handle a small batch of SEO blog posts. However, when I audited their site and content, I realized their entire funnel was misaligned: keywords didn't match user intent, CTAs were buried, and they were targeting top-of-funnel queries with no clear path to conversion. Instead of just delivering what they asked for, I spent a weekend rebuilding their content map from scratch--layering keyword clusters, internal linking opportunities, and suggested lead magnets that actually matched user journeys.
I didn't bill for the extra work. I just sent over the full strategy document with a note that said: "Here's what I'd do if I were in your shoes." That document ended up becoming the foundation of our retainer, and six months later, their blog became their top lead driver.
What motivated me was honestly just frustration--I hate watching great products get buried because the strategy is off. Sometimes going beyond scope isn't about overdelivering for praise--it's about showing someone what's actually possible when the right pieces are in place.

Joe Spisak · Answer

When I think about going above and beyond, one situation immediately comes to mind. We were working with a fast-growing skincare brand that had just landed a major retail partnership, which suddenly quadrupled their fulfillment needs. Their existing 3PL couldn't scale quickly enough, putting this massive opportunity at risk.
Instead of our standard approach, I personally jumped in. I spent an entire weekend calling every warehouse partner in our network who specialized in beauty products and had capacity in the right region. I even flew to meet with three potential partners myself to ensure they understood the urgency and could handle the specialized temperature requirements for these products.
What motivated me was seeing the founder's stress - she had built this business from her kitchen table and was about to see it either collapse or catapult to the next level. I've been there myself as an eCommerce founder before starting Fulfill.com. I remembered the sleepless nights wondering if my inventory would ship on time, and I wasn't going to let her experience that.
We not only found a 3PL that could handle the immediate surge, but they also implemented a custom integration with the brand's order management system in half the normal timeframe. The transition was completed in just 17 days - about 60% faster than the industry average.
This experience reinforced why we built Fulfill.com in the first place. The 3PL matchmaking process isn't just a transaction - it's about understanding the human and business stakes behind every partnership. When you've personally felt the pain of poor fulfillment (as I did with my previous eCommerce business where we went through three 3PLs in 18 months), you understand that going the extra mile isn't exceptional service - it's what businesses deserve.
Today, that skincare brand is one of the fastest-growing in their category, and we've continued to help them adapt their fulfillment strategy as they've expanded into new channels. Their success reminds me daily why this work matters.

Kritika Kanodia · Answer

One memorable instance where I went above and beyond for a client was when a client from Write Right needed urgent revisions to a project that had a tight deadline. They were stressed about getting the project done in time for a major launch.
I personally took over the revisions, coordinated with the team, and made sure everything was delivered ahead of schedule. The client was extremely grateful, and the project turned out to be a huge success for their brand.
What motivated me was the understanding that this project was important for their business, and I knew that going the extra mile would not only strengthen our relationship with them but also showcase our commitment to delivering quality service, even under pressure. It's always about putting the client's needs first!

Chris Hunter · Answer

Certainly. For example, I can recall this past year when I worked late several days because a client needed assistance with an important deadline. Without a quick turnaround on my part, their project would have failed, and I wanted to ensure they knew I was there to support them. I was inspired by their passion, and I had a sense that this small gesture on my part would go a long way in helping them succeed.

Evan McCarthy · Answer

I had a long-time customer call in a panic--they had lost their dental retainers and were heading to basic training in just three days. They couldn't get a new one made in time through the usual channels, and they were worried about showing up without it. As soon as I got off the phone, I went to work and made their replacement retainer that same day, then shipped it overnight to make sure it arrived in time. I was proud to help, especially because I deeply respect anyone who chooses to serve in our military. Going the extra mile for them wasn't just good business--it felt like the right thing to do.

Max Shak · Answer

At Zapiy.com, we pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with our clients, and sometimes that means going above and beyond to ensure their success. One particular instance that stands out was with a client who was launching a new product but faced unexpected technical challenges with their website during the final stages of their product launch.
The issues were impacting their ability to process orders smoothly, and the launch was just days away. Understanding how crucial this moment was for their business, I personally got involved, assembling a team to work with them around the clock. We prioritized troubleshooting, fixing bugs, and optimizing the user experience so they could meet their launch deadline.
What motivated me to do so was the trust they had placed in us, and I felt a responsibility to ensure that their business goals were achieved, especially when the stakes were high. I also saw it as an opportunity to demonstrate how we truly value our clients' success, not just in terms of what we can do for them, but in our commitment to being a partner they can rely on in critical moments.
In the end, we successfully resolved the issues, the product launch went off without a hitch, and the client was not only grateful but also strengthened our partnership moving forward. It was a reminder that going the extra mile can make all the difference in building trust and creating lasting relationships.

David Struogano · Answer

I understand that mold issues can be both stressful and concerning for homeowners. In one instance, a client contacted us about mold growth in their basement following significant rainfall. Recognizing the potential health risks and emotional strain, we prioritized their case, conducting a comprehensive assessment to identify hidden mold and moisture sources. Our team resolved the mold issue and educated our client on prevention methods, which ensured their future peace of mind.
Our motivation stems from a commitment to delivering thorough and empathetic service. We believe in building trust through transparent communication and effective solutions, aiming to exceed client expectations. This approach aligns with industry best practices, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of mold issues and fostering strong client relationships.

16 Ways to Effectively Manage Multiple Consulting Projects

16 Ways to Effectively Manage Multiple Consulting Projects

Stepped Up to Save Nonprofit Launch

Salvaged Client's Last-Minute Project

Expedited Crucial Software Update

Revamped Strategy for E-commerce Success

Transformed Integration into Growth Catalyst

Rebuilt Event Platform Under Pressure

Delivered Urgent Email Campaign Overnight

Reconstructed Records for Surprise Audit

Restored Elderly Client's Beloved Garden

Overhauled Content Strategy Pro Bono

Secured New 3PL Partner in Record Time

Personally Ensured Timely Project Delivery

Worked Late to Meet Client's Deadline

Rush-Made Retainer for Military Recruit

Resolved Technical Issues for Product Launch

Prioritized Mold Remediation for Homeowner