alec foster subscribe

process

How an engagement runs.

Six phases from "first call" to "90 days after handoff." This isn't theoretical; it's what every engagement I run looks like. The shapes change; the structure doesn't.

  1. phase_01

    intro & fit

    1 call · 30 min

    We have a structured conversation. I want to understand the org, the agent ambition, the constraint, the timeline. By the end we know whether we have a fit and which service maps to your problem. Free.

    deliverable: Fit memo (one page, my notes, shared with you within 24h)
    $ ls -la phase_1/
    intro_call_notes.mdfit_memo.pdf
  2. phase_02

    scoping

    1–2 weeks · async + 1 call

    If we move forward: I review what you've built, where you are on the agent stack, what's actually in production. I run my readiness assessment in detail. You see how I think and decide whether to keep going.

    deliverable: Scoped engagement proposal: milestones, deliverables, capped T&M or fixed price
    $ ls -la phase_2/
    readiness_assessment.mdscope_proposal.pdf
  3. phase_03

    kickoff

    1 day · on-site or remote

    Full team alignment. We map the stack, the people, the risks, and the wins worth chasing first. Output is a 90-day plan with explicit roles. This is when the engagement officially starts.

    deliverable: Kickoff deck + 90-day plan + roles + risk register
    $ ls -la phase_3/
    kickoff_deck.pdf90_day_plan.mdrisk_register.csv
  4. phase_04

    build · pair · advise

    varies · 2–10 weeks

    The actual work. Embedded pairing if it's a build sprint. Weekly working sessions if it's advisory. Bi-weekly written check-ins regardless. I'm in your stack, in your Slack, in your repos.

    deliverable: Whatever the milestones said. Tested, documented, owned by your team.
    $ ls -la phase_4/
    pull_requests/framework_docs/weekly_notes/
  5. phase_05

    handoff

    1 week

    I leave you with documentation your team can extend, not just deliverables. Working session with the eng + ops team that'll keep running things. Recorded so future hires can onboard from it.

    deliverable: Handoff doc + recorded walkthrough + 30-day check-in scheduled
    $ ls -la phase_5/
    handoff.mdwalkthrough.mp4next_steps.md
  6. phase_06

    follow-through

    30/60/90 days

    I check in. Not as a billable advisor, but as someone who cares whether the thing worked. Most clients turn into an ongoing relationship, but only if it makes sense.

    deliverable: Check-in calls + optional retainer conversion
    $ ls -la phase_6/
    30day_review.md60day_review.md90day_review.md

ready_to_start

The phase_01 intro call is free. Thirty minutes. No deck.

$ book the intro call