Engagement Stages
How Poplarfield Advisory engagements progress from first inquiry through delivery and follow-up for local firm positioning work.
Every engagement follows the same transparent stages so owners know what happens before field work begins and what they receive at the end.
Stage 1 — Inquiry and fit call
You submit the contact form with your business type, neighbourhood, and what feels unclear about your messaging. Within two business days we schedule a 30-minute call (video or phone). We confirm whether a workshop, audit, or brief fits—or suggest a smaller first step.
Your time: 30 minutes
Our deliverable: Verbal recommendation and optional scope outline
Stage 2 — Scope confirmation and deposit
We email a one-page scope listing deliverables, timeline, fee, and payment terms. You approve by reply and transfer the 50% deposit. Dates are reserved only after deposit receipt.
Your time: Review and bank transfer
Our deliverable: Written scope PDF
Stage 3 — Materials and field prep
You send URLs, photos of signage, menus, brochures, and competitor names you already watch. For audits and workshops we schedule the on-site visit. For desk briefs we confirm the geographic radius.
Your time: 1–2 hours gathering materials
Our deliverable: Prep checklist and visit schedule
Stage 4 — Field work and analysis
We walk your street, visit your premises, or conduct remote inventory per scope. Workshop days include facilitated sessions with owner and staff. Analysis periods range from five to seven business days depending on product.
Your time: Workshop: 8 hours across two days; audit walkthrough: 2 hours
Our deliverable: Draft findings (internal until Stage 5)
Stage 5 — Delivery and presentation
Final documents arrive by email (PDF). Audits and briefs include a presentation call. Workshops include the positioning statement and messaging guide plus the 30-day follow-up call scheduled at delivery.
Your time: 60–90 minutes for presentation calls
Our deliverable: Final PDFs and recorded call summary notes
Stage 6 — Implementation support (optional)
You implement changes with your own designers, printers, and web vendors. Optional advisory hours are available for quarterly reviews. We do not mark up third-party vendor work.
Your time: As needed
Our deliverable: Hourly advisory notes when purchased
Typical timelines
| Engagement | Calendar time from deposit to delivery |
|---|---|
| Messaging audit | 2–3 weeks |
| Competitive brief (desk) | 2 weeks |
| Competitive brief + visit | 3 weeks |
| Positioning workshop | 3–5 weeks (includes scheduling buffer) |
Ready to begin?
Request an introductory call or review consultation details first.