Appendix A: Templates Library
Ready-to-use templates for your consulting practice. Customize these for your specific situation.
Email Templates
Same-Day Follow-Up
Subject: Great conversation about [specific outcome discussed]
Hi [Name],
Thank you for taking the time to discuss [specific challenge] today.
I'm particularly excited about your vision to [specific goal they mentioned].
As promised, I'll have a comprehensive proposal ready by [specific date].
I've blocked time on [date/time] for us to review it together—
I'll send a calendar invite shortly.
In the meantime, I'm going to research [specific area discussed]
to ensure our approach aligns with your [specific constraint mentioned].
Looking forward to our next conversation.
Best,
[Your name]
24-Hour Value Add
Subject: Resource for [specific challenge discussed]
Hi [Name],
I was thinking about your [specific challenge] after our call.
Here's a [case study/article/framework] that might be relevant: [link]
The particularly relevant part is [specific section] which addresses
your concern about [specific concern].
This reinforces my thinking about the approach we discussed.
Looking forward to sharing the full proposal on [date].
Best,
[Your name]
Proposal Delivery
Subject: Your [Company] AI Strategy Proposal
Hi [Name],
Attached is the proposal we discussed for achieving [specific outcome].
I've structured it around the three key objectives you mentioned:
1. [Objective from call]
2. [Objective from call]
3. [Objective from call]
I'm looking forward to walking through this together on [day] at [time].
Please review beforehand if you have time, but we'll cover everything
in detail during our call.
Best,
[Your name]
No-Response Follow-Up Sequence
Day 5:
Hi [Name], wanted to check if you're still committed to [specific outcome
by specific date]. Happy to adjust our approach if priorities have shifted.
Day 10:
Hi [Name], I know you mentioned [specific consequence of not solving problem].
Is this still a priority? If timing has changed, I can adjust our proposal.
Day 15:
Hi [Name], I'll close out your proposal for now. If [specific pain point]
becomes urgent again, I'm happy to revisit. Wishing you success with [goal].
Testimonial Request
Subject: Quick favor - sharing our success
Hi [Name],
I'm thrilled with the progress we've made on [specific achievement].
Your team's execution has been outstanding.
Would you be comfortable providing a brief testimonial about our work
together? I'm particularly proud of [specific result] and would love
to share this success story.
I've drafted something below based on our results—feel free to edit
or provide your own:
"[Draft testimonial focusing on specific results and value]"
Also, may I include [Company] logo on my website's client list?
Thanks!
[Your name]
Proposal Structure Template
Section 1: Executive Summary
[Company Name] Proposal
Date: [Date]
Prepared for: [Client Name]
Prepared by: [Your Name]
Executive Summary:
Based on our discussion, I understand that [specific challenge] is
preventing you from [desired outcome]. This proposal outlines how
we can help you achieve [specific result] within [timeframe],
resulting in [business impact].
Section 2: Situational Assessment
Current Situation:
- [Key challenge 1]: [Impact]
- [Key challenge 2]: [Impact]
- [Key challenge 3]: [Impact]
What's at Stake:
- If unresolved: [Negative consequence]
- Opportunity cost: [What they're missing]
- Competitive risk: [Market dynamics]
Desired Outcomes:
- [Specific outcome 1] by [date]
- [Specific outcome 2] by [date]
- [Specific outcome 3] by [date]
Section 3: Service Options
Option 1: Advisory Engagement ($X/month)
✓ [Deliverable 1]
✓ [Deliverable 2]
✓ [Deliverable 3]
Best for: Teams that need strategic guidance
Option 2: Comprehensive Implementation ($X total) [RECOMMENDED]
✓ Everything in Option 1, plus:
✓ [Additional deliverable 1]
✓ [Additional deliverable 2]
Best for: Teams ready to move quickly
Option 3: Premium Partnership ($X total)
✓ Everything in Option 2, plus:
✓ [Premium deliverable 1]
✓ [Premium deliverable 2]
Best for: Maximum speed and support
Payment Structure Templates
Structure 1: The 50/50 Split
Investment: $60,000
Payment Terms: $30,000 upon agreement, $30,000 after 45 days
Structure 2: The Upfront Discount
Investment: $50,000
Payment Options:
- Standard: $25,000 upon agreement, $25,000 at 30 days
- Prepayment: $45,000 if paid in full upon agreement (10% discount)
Structure 3: Milestone-Based
Investment: $80,000
Milestone Payments:
- $20,000: Upon agreement and project kickoff
- $30,000: Delivery of AI strategy and architecture
- $30,000: Implementation and team training complete
Structure 4: Success-Based Hybrid
Investment Structure:
- Monthly: $15,000 for 3 months
- Success Bonus: $25,000 upon achieving [specific metric]
- Total Potential: $70,000
Contract Clause Templates
Pre-Existing IP
Pre-Existing IP: All methods, frameworks, tools, and know-how developed
by Consultant prior to this engagement remain the sole property of
Consultant. Client receives a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use
such Pre-Existing IP solely as incorporated into the Deliverables.
Methodologies
Methodologies: Consultant's general methodologies, processes, and
techniques shall remain the property of Consultant. Client acknowledges
that Consultant will use learnings from this engagement (excluding
Client Confidential Information) in future client work.
Resource Requirements
Client Obligations: Client agrees to provide Consultant with timely
access to:
(a) Key personnel as identified in the Statement of Work
(b) Necessary systems, documentation, and development environments
(c) Timely decisions and approvals (within 48 business hours)
Failure to provide agreed resources may result in timeline adjustments
and additional fees.
Communication Boundaries
Communication: Consultant will be available for asynchronous communication
via [Slack/Email] during the engagement. "Unlimited" communication is
subject to reasonable use. Consultant will respond within one business
day to non-urgent requests.
Testimonial Rights
Testimonial and Reference: Upon successful completion of the engagement,
Client agrees that Consultant may reference the general nature of the
work performed and Client's name and logo in Consultant's marketing
materials. Specific details will remain confidential unless approved
in writing by Client.
AI Prompts for Proposals
Discovery Analysis Prompt
Analyze this sales call transcript and provide:
1. What is truly at stake for this client? Be specific about business impact.
2. What are their top 3 pain points in order of urgency?
3. What success metrics did they mention or imply?
4. What objections or concerns did they express?
5. What questions should I have asked but didn't?
6. Are they a qualified buyer? Why or why not?
Proposal Drafting Prompt
Based on this transcript, create a situational assessment proposal:
1. Executive summary focused on their specific outcomes
2. Current situation analysis highlighting what's at stake
3. Three service options with clear differentiation:
- Option 1: Advisory/Strategic (lower touch)
- Option 2: Comprehensive (recommended)
- Option 3: Premium with expert network access
4. Success metrics tied to their business goals
5. Timeline and milestones
6. Investment levels following the 5-10x pricing rule
Content Extraction Prompt
Review this transcript and extract:
1. Quotable insights I shared about AI/consulting
2. Useful analogies or frameworks I used
3. Industry-specific examples I gave
4. Questions that revealed deep insights
5. Moments where I reframed their thinking
Format these as potential LinkedIn posts or blog topics.
Objection Response Scripts
"We need to think about it"
"I understand this is a significant decision. What specific aspects
would you like to think through? I'm happy to provide additional
information. Also, what would need to be true for you to move
forward confidently?"
"It's more than we budgeted"
"I appreciate your transparency about budget constraints. Let's talk
about the ROI—you mentioned [problem] is costing [amount]. Our
engagement would address this in [timeframe]. Would it help to
explore a phased approach or different payment terms?"
"We're exploring other options"
"That makes sense for a decision this important. What criteria are
you using to evaluate options? I want to ensure you have all the
information for a fair comparison. What aspects of our approach
resonate most?"
"We might build this internally"
"Building internally is always an option. Have you calculated the
full cost including salaries, time to market, and opportunity cost?
My clients typically find that engaging an expert accelerates their
timeline by 6-12 months. What would that acceleration be worth?"
Remember: These templates are starting points. Always customize for your specific situation and client needs.