What kind of companies do you work with?

We work with B2B and B2C technology-related companies. With startups, we help build initial positioning, messaging and core content to accelerate fundraising and market entry. With mid-stage and large enterprises, we collaborate to sharpen thinking and resolve positioning and messaging issues that arise from competition and market shifts.

What is your general availability or lead time?

We’re usually available to start 4-6 weeks after first contact.

What is the cost for the Accelerant process?

From $45,000 and up, depending on scope and complexity. The lower end applies when there is a company and one primary product or service to be addressed and the project team is 8 people or fewer. The fee increases with the addition of participants, divisions, business units and multiple products.

What is your role in the Accelerant process?

Our role is to bring the right information and right people together with a process and environment that results in great positioning and messaging work.  We handle all up front positioning research and analysis, then gain alignment in pre-workshop client meetings. Then we lead the workshop process. We do more than facilitate, we’re active contributors to research insights, content strategy and creative output.  And we’re experienced project managers. Our process, templates and materials help keep client teams focused and moving forward toward the goal.

How long does the Accelerant process take?

10-12 weeks start to finish.

Can you speed it up?

Yes, but over the years, we’ve found this timing to be realistic and effective. It allows enough time for clients to schedule teams an obtain approvals from all the project stakeholders. Plus, thoughtful discussion and iteration between us and project participants after each work session is important. Iteration is how most longstanding positioning and messaging related debates are settled, and how sharp positioning/messaging is created and approved in a way that sticks.

What do clients need to provide for the Accelerant process?

First, clients need budget approval and pay a 33% project advance before start of work.

Next clients need to identify a senior executive sponsor, and a project team of 6-8 people, with representatives from the C-suite, technology, product, sales, business development and customer success. We’ll also need 3 competitors to include in our positioning research, plus the clients’ own relevant competitive and customer satisfaction research, company presentations and sales support materials. We’ll need a list of 20 employees, representative of the departments listed about for interviews. Lastly, we need the team to commit to collaboration, sharp thinking and great work across the course of 3 workshop sessions.  We have a pre-kickoff worksheet that guides our clients in providing everything we need before the project starts.

Are you available for a few hours of consulting? Or for custom projects?

Yes. Our fee for ad hoc consulting totals $750/hour with a 2-hour minimum, which includes both of us working as a team. For projects that need more than a few hours, we’ll provide an advance estimate based on a flat fee and reduced hourly rate. We’re happy to help.