How to use this list
Use these six models as proposal questions. Providers may combine them; the written agreement should identify the work boundary, availability, approvals, and treatment of additional scope.
1. Defined diagnostic
A bounded review produces findings and an implementation brief. Clarify whether any build or pilot work follows within the same scope.
2. Fixed-scope implementation
Named outputs and acceptance conditions organize the project. Resolve how new information or added locations changes the agreed work.
3. Time-based specialist support
The fee follows agreed time and work records. Define priorities, approval limits, and how progress is evaluated rather than relying on hours alone.
4. Capacity-based retainer
A recurring agreement reserves specified support. Clarify included work, response expectations, unused capacity, and work beyond the allocation.
5. Ongoing advisory
The relationship supports recurring decisions and review. State which implementation tasks remain with the internal team.
6. Fractional operating role
An external person takes explicitly delegated operating responsibilities. Confirm availability, authority, coverage, and eventual internal succession.
Worked example
Illustrative use: a business needs an onboarding system installed and someone to chair a monthly review afterward. The initial implementation and continuing facilitation can be scoped as separate responsibilities instead of hiding both inside an undefined retainer.
Turn the list into a decision
Select the items connected to your current operating problem. Assign an owner and an evidence source to each one, then use a recent real case to test the proposed change. Keep unresolved assumptions visible and review the result before expanding the process across the business.
Related implementation resources
Discuss the operating problem
Elixir consulting starts at $5,000 per month, with final pricing based on scope. Bring a recent example, the current workflow, and the person who owns the result to define the appropriate implementation scope.