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Create proposal templates in Notion

~20 min

Build reusable proposal, SOW, and project tracker templates that make you look professional from day one.

1. Create a "Consulting" workspace in Notion with sections: Templates, Active Projects, Past Projects, and Leads
2. Build a Proposal template page with sections: Executive Summary, Scope of Work, Timeline, Deliverables, Investment, and Terms
3. Create a Project Tracker template with a Kanban board: Backlog → In Progress → In Review → Complete
4. Build a Client Wiki template for each engagement: key contacts, meeting notes, decisions log, and shared resources
5. Set up a "Leads" database to track prospects through: Inquiry → Discovery Call → Proposal Sent → Negotiation → Won/Lost

Set up Calendly for client meetings

~10 min

Configure Calendly with event types for discovery calls, project kickoffs, and recurring check-ins.

1. Create a "Discovery Call" event type (30 min) with intake questions: project description, timeline, budget range
2. Create a "Project Check-in" event type (45 min) for recurring weekly or biweekly meetings
3. Set up buffer times between meetings (15 min minimum) to prep and decompress
4. Block off deep work time on your calendar so clients can only book during designated meeting windows
5. Add your Calendly link to your email signature and website with the CTA: "Book a free strategy call"

Record project walkthroughs with Loom

~10 min

Replace status update meetings with async Loom videos that clients can watch on their own time.

1. Install the Loom browser extension and desktop app
2. Create a Loom workspace folder for each active client
3. Record weekly project update videos (5-10 min): what you completed, what's next, any decisions needed from the client
4. Use screen share to walk through deliverables, designs, or data - visual context eliminates back-and-forth
5. Paste Loom links into your Notion project tracker and Slack channels so everything is connected

Configure Stripe invoicing

~15 min

Set up Stripe to send professional invoices for project fees, retainers, and milestone payments.

1. In Stripe Dashboard, go to Invoicing and create your first invoice template with your logo and payment terms
2. Set up products for your consulting packages: Discovery Workshop ($X), Monthly Retainer ($X/mo), Project Fee (custom)
3. Create a recurring invoice for retainer clients - Stripe auto-charges them monthly
4. Set your payment terms (Net 15 or Net 30) and enable automatic payment reminders
5. For project work, create milestone-based invoices: 50% upfront, 50% on delivery is the standard

Set up Slack for client communication channels

~10 min

Create a Slack workspace or shared channels for organized, searchable client communication.

1. Create a Slack workspace for your consulting practice (or use Slack Connect to share channels with client workspaces)
2. For each client, create channels: #client-general (discussions), #client-deliverables (file sharing), and #client-decisions (important decisions only)
3. Set up Slack notifications to only ping you during work hours - protect your boundaries
4. Pin important documents, Notion links, and Loom videos in each channel header for easy access
5. Create a channel naming convention like #client-companyname-project so everything stays organized as you scale