Day 0: Contract signed

• Automated welcome email with what-to-expect + calendar link for kickoff.

• Internal: project created in PM tool, channels set up, files folder created.

• Onboarding form sent with brand assets, access, contact directory request.

Day 1-3: Kickoff

• Kickoff call (60 min): goals, success metrics, timeline, comms cadence.

• Slack/channel invite + introduction post: who's who, where to ask what.

• Project roadmap with milestone dates sent within 24h of kickoff.

Day 4-7: Discovery

• Audit deliverable (depending on scope: tech audit, brand audit, SEO audit, etc.).

• Weekly status report begins (Friday recurring).

• Internal: assigned-team Slack pin with project context.

Day 8-14: First milestone

• First milestone deliverable shipped (Week 2 work product).

• Mid-month check-in call.

• First invoice sent (if applicable).

Talkerstein recommendation

Most client churn happens in onboarding, not in delivery. If the first 14 days feel professional, fast, and clear, the rest of the engagement runs smoothly. Document the SOP, then automate the parts that can be automated.

Related

• Operations Mess Map

• CRM Automation Blueprint

• Talkerstein Operations service

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