#35 Contract Essentials for Consultants

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$100K Playbook with Mike Koziol

Mike Koziol

35 episodes

1 week ago

$100K Playbook is the no-fluff podcast for consultants and agency owners who want to scale smarter, earn more, and finally build a business that doesn't burn them out. Hosted by Mike, a former corporate lawyer turned 7-figure consultant, this show dives into the exact strategies, systems, and mindset shifts needed to grow to $100K months without bloated teams, endless client calls, or selling your soul to hustle culture. Each week, you'll get straight-talking solo/guest episodes, real-world case studies, and unfiltered insights on offers, pricing, lead gen, sales, and operational clarity.

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#35 Contract Essentials for Consultants

$100K Playbook with Mike Koziol

11 minutes 14 seconds

2 weeks ago

#35 Contract Essentials for Consultants

Welcome to the $100k Playbook with Mike Koziol

I break down why I insist every consultant uses a contract, how clear scope protects you from chargebacks and scope creep, and how contracts increase business value and professionalism. I also share my 12‑month engagement model with a 2‑month trial and firm termination terms to drive commitment and outcomes.

Key takeaways:

I always require a signed contract; 1–2 pages can be enough
Contracts protect against refunds/chargebacks and clarify scope
Specific deliverables prevent scope creep and disputes
Contracts improve business valuation; undocumented M2M revenue is discounted
I define responsibilities for both sides (show up, do the work, be professional)
Upfront “friction” filters poor‑fit clients; I’d rather lose a sale than invite misalignment
I use the contract to enforce boundaries and quote out‑of‑scope work
My long‑term programs: 2‑month try‑or‑leave, then 12‑month commitment (e.g., $35k, payable monthly)
Installments don’t negate the total obligation absent cause; I protect my schedule and IP
Higher pricing increases client commitment and follow‑through

What I include in contracts:

Detailed scope: what’s included/excluded; precise definitions (e.g., what “campaign” means)
Cadence: meeting frequency, timelines, deliverables
Roles and responsibilities for both parties
Payment terms, installment plan, and chargeback handling
Termination clauses: for‑cause vs. convenience; notice periods
IP, confidentiality, and professionalism standards

Resources I mention:

Offer/pricing calculator (monthly and annual)
Contract calculator (linked in the show notes)

Who this is for: Independent consultants and boutique firm owners who want to professionalize engagements, prevent scope creep, and improve predictability and valuation.

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Tags: consulting, consultant, productization, scaling, service business, marketing agency, freelancing, fractional CxO, profitability