How should you respond to a client request for information outside your knowledge area?

• A. Be honest about limitations, offer to research or involve a subject matter expert, and provide a timeline.
• B. Guarantee an answer within 24 hours.
• C. Say you know everything and proceed.
• D. Ignore the request.

Answer: (B)

Transparency about limits and a plan to obtain accurate information is the best way to handle questions outside your knowledge. When a client asks for something you don’t know, owning that gap openly builds trust. Offer to research the answer or bring in a subject matter expert, and commit to a realistic timeline for delivering a well-supported response. This approach protects quality, sets clear expectations, and shows you’re accountable for what you provide rather than guessing.

Gurus of trust aren’t about knowing everything on the spot; they’re about delivering reliable information. If you promise a quick answer without confirming feasibility, you risk delivering something incorrect or incomplete and damaging your credibility. Ignoring the request or pretending you know everything also undermines the relationship and professional integrity.