Your client just asked for AI or data work you can't staff this quarter.
Say yes anyway. Score one real client scenario and see the fixed-scope wedge you can put your name on -- refer, co-sell, or resell. No hiring, no losing the account.
You own the client. We own the technical build. Fixed-scope wedges from $5k. Three ways to get paid. Offer-map session is free.
Three bad options -- and a fourth
A client you trust asks for AI/data/CRM/automation work. Most consultants pick one of the first three.
Say no
The account shrinks, and someone else wins the expansion you just declined.
Hire ahead
You carry payroll for a pipeline that may not land. Slow, risky, hard to reverse.
Subcontract blind
A stranger gets in front of your client -- and your relationship is now their risk to fumble.
Rent the bench
Put a fixed-scope wedge in front of the client, delivered by a specialist team -- while you stay the trusted owner. Yes, protected, paid. No hiring.
Client Expansion Scorecard
Pick ONE real client. 12 questions, ~90 seconds. See your band, the wedge that fits, and what it's worth to you.
A · Is there a real request?
B · Can you deliver it?
C · Will it convert?
D · Is it safe for you?
Upside figures are directional estimates. We map your real terms in the free offer-map session.
Five fixed-scope wedges you can put your name on
Each is paid, time-boxed, and produces a build-ready outcome -- small enough to be an easy client yes, real enough to expand into a pod or retainer.
| Wedge | Best when the client says... | Client price |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Data Trust Sprint RevOps / CRM | "Our revenue number isn't trusted; CRM and warehouse don't match." | $5k--$8k |
| Client AI/Data Feasibility Sprint Boutique agency | "We have an AI/data idea but no feasibility or build plan." | $5k--$8k |
| RapidOps Automation Sprint Agency / operator | "This workflow is manual, repetitive, and expensive." | $5k--$8k |
| Partner-Branded Readiness Sprint Fractional CTO/CDO | (your readiness/roadmap offer, made real and resellable) | $5k wholesale resell $7.5k--$12k |
| Post-Roadmap Validation Sprint AI-strategy consultant | "We have a roadmap -- does it survive our real data?" | $5k--$8k |
Expansion path: a proven wedge becomes an implementation sprint ($25k--$75k), a monthly delivery pod ($10k--$25k/mo), or a retainer.
Three steps to a sendable offer
Score one client
90 seconds above. You get your band, the wedge that fits, and your upside.
Offer-map session (45 min, free)
We map scope, client price, your role, our role, who gets paid, and your terms.
Send the offer
You leave with a one-page offer to put in front of your client this week.
Three ways to get paid -- your choice, per client
10--15% of collected revenue
Warm intro, zero delivery work. We sell, scope, deliver, manage. Paid on cash collected, first 12 months (+3--5% renewal tail).
10--50% by involvement
Both visible to the client. You own strategy & relationship; we own technical delivery. Light 10--15% to heavy strategic 35--50%.
Your price minus our wholesale
Your brand on the deliverable. e.g. Readiness Sprint at $9k, wholesale $5k = $4k margin. Two a quarter = a paid-for bench.
What's free, what's paid
Free
- 20-min partner fit call
- One-page scenario framing
- Joint intro email
- High-level offer map
Paid
- Data review
- Margin teardown
- Audit findings
- Recommendations
We never ask you to fund free presales, and we never ask you to carry delivery risk while you control all the scope. Fair terms, mapped before anyone talks to the client.
Questions partners ask
Do I lose my client relationship if I bring you in?
How do I actually get paid?
What size client does this need?
What does the offer-map session cost?
I don't have a named client yet -- should I book?
Bring one client by name
45 minutes. You leave with a one-page offer you can send this week -- and your margin/referral terms, agreed.
For RevOps/CRM, agencies & fractional CTOs/CDOs · offer map is free · no exclusivity