What if your best work fits into two focused hours—and clients love it that way? The open loop: the one‑page product that ends proposal ping‑pong. I’ll lay it out after a quick truth.
Truth: many of us don’t want a new career. We want meaningful conversations where our experience actually helps someone. We also want boundaries so small gigs don’t eat the week. Enter the 2‑Hour Mentoring Intensive—a productised service that’s easy to buy and easy to deliver.
The one‑page product
– Who it’s for: describe the exact person (“new charity trustees”, “first‑time managers”, “club treasurers”).
– Problem in a sentence: the moment they’re stuck.
– Outcome: what they leave with (clarity, plan, scripts, checklist).
– Format: 30‑minute prep questionnaire → 90‑minute live session on a shared doc → 30‑minute follow‑up within 7 days (or a 120‑minute block with a tea break, if you prefer).
– What you’ll deliver: a one‑page summary, two tailored scripts/templates, and a short next‑steps checklist.
– What it isn’t: no ongoing management, no crisis PR, no legal/financial advice.
Booking flow
– A simple calendar link with 3 slots/week. Confirmation email includes: Zoom/phone details, prep questionnaire, and “how to get the most from this session”.
– Reminder the day before with a friendly boundary: “We’ll stick to the clock so you leave with decisions.”
During the session
– Start with the outcome: “By the end of our time, you will…”
– Work in a shared note. Write as you talk. People love leaving with words they can use.
– Keep a timer in view. Pause for a tea break at the 45‑minute mark.
Aftercare
– Send the one‑pager within 24 hours: headline decisions, two scripts, checklist. Offer one clarification email within a week.
Why this works: clarity buys trust. Time‑boxing protects energy. Deliverables travel inside organisations so your name gets passed on without you chasing.
The promised fix for proposal ping‑pong? The one‑page product page becomes the proposal. People either fit it or they don’t. Bliss.
If this hit a nerve, join me on Substack: substack.com/@theoldgreythinker