Most business consultants try to stay on retainer indefinitely. What does the entire journey look like over the standard twenty-four-month window, and what are the specific milestones that prove we are actually mastering the tools?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Unlike traditional consultants who try to embed themselves in your business forever to secure a long-term retainer, my ultimate goal is to make myself completely obsolete. A standard engagement runs for approximately twenty-four months. This timeframe is not arbitrary; it is the time required for a leadership team to master the tools, build organizational muscle memory, and successfully complete eight full quarterly cycles.

The journey begins with foundational sessions where we establish your team structure using the Accountability Chart, build your V/TO®, and set your first quarterly Rocks. Over the first twelve months, the focus is on building discipline, getting the right people in the right seats, and running highly effective weekly meetings.

By the second year, the focus shifts to deeper execution, scaling the tools down to your departmental teams, and integrating more advanced frameworks. If you are planning for an ownership transition, this is also when we begin layering in the Step by Step Exit disciplines to maximize the value of your business.

You will know you are ready to graduate when you no longer need me to keep you focused or facilitate your planning. Your team will be running disciplined, ninety-minute meetings on autopilot, resolving ninety percent of your issues internally, consistently hitting your quarterly targets, and driving your strategic vision forward without external enforcement.