Navigating your cycle with Steven

What working with me actually looks like

My approach to my thinking partner work is based on a few simple principles and promises I know I can keep:

  • I will start working with you on whatever issue is in front of you immediately.
  • I will be ruthlessly honest in assessing my suitability for the task at hand and for the personalities involved.
  • I won’t be afraid to ask stupid or tough questions.
  • I will be creative in crafting advice specifically tailored to you and the personalities involved.
  • I will actively introduce you to people from my network that I think will add substantial value to your life and business.

I take on a small number of engagements each year commensurate with the depth and commitment of each relationship and I work with only one client per product, service or industry category. The work can be quick and dirty and be over within a quarter, other engagements can be much longer in duration and see me embedded as a key business partner in your leadership. These engagements have typically lasted up to three years and longer. As this isn’t always clear after our first triage call, my engagements are renewed quarterly.

We do not charge by the hour, we charge a fee for our services that is aligned with the value of our thinking, and is agreed upon in advance and billed quarterly.

The four stages

One

The Conversation

One hour · No fee

You tell me where you are and what’s brought it to a head. I start working on understanding your issue immediately. I tell you whether I can help. Sometimes it ends with me saying you already know what to do or us figuring out we need more time.

Two

The Read

Six to twelve weeks · Fixed fee

Initially we start working on the issues at hand, which in my experience surface next level, more consequential issues, which then determine the shape and objectives of the engagement. Or we find we have resolved the original problem and our work is done.

Three

The Framework

Two to four weeks · Included in the Read

Based on our conversations and work in the first quarter, we will have a pretty good idea of what to focus on and how valuable our interaction is to you and your strategic objectives. This is where we build our Framework for doing the work that follows captured in a detailed Memo.

Four

The Journey

Quarterly · Three years is healthy

As often as it needs, through the part where it gets messy. Renewed each quarter, the majority of engagements are completed inside three years.

Fees

Simple pricing model

Our minimum annual engagement fee is $280,000 with most clients generally paying between $300,000 and $600,000.

Our minimum initial client engagement is $75,000.

We charge no success fees, no percentage of a transaction, no kickbacks, no commission from anyone I introduce you to.

Occasionally we have commuted portions of a fee into some forms of equity type participation, but only after we have established mutual trust and directional alignment.

The Conversation

No fee

One hour, two if we need it, and no obligation on either side afterwards.

The Read

Fixed fee

Agreed up front, invoiced in advance. Six to twelve weeks, ending in a written document.

The Framework and Journey

Quarterly retainer

Renewed a quarter at a time, by you. $280,000 to $600,000 annualised.

Never

No success fees

Nor introduction commissions, kickbacks or any other related party streams of income.

In their words

“I would argue that Steven is THE single greatest investment I have made in my company.”

“I met Steven Wilkinson during Covid. Steven was proffered as a ‘friend that might understand your trouble.’ Honest, forthright, wisdom and integrity. For more than a year, Steven offered guidance, wisdom and encouragement without ever asking for anything in return. Finally, we got to the point where we had to enter into a contract with Steven, as we couldn’t just keep taking his time without consideration.” “Steven has opened his book of connections, which has led to more wise people sharing even more connections. I can almost trace Steven back to every major breakthrough we have had at my company. He is indispensable. If Steven can’t help your enterprise, then your enterprise can’t be helped.”

Bubba Grimsley · Founder, Liberty Rent

Start with the hour that costs nothing.

Saying the thing out loud to someone with no stake in it is often all the clarity you need.

Set up a conversation