Scope Creep — The Consultant's Nightmare
Scope creep is the #1 problem consultants face. It starts small — 'Can you just take a quick look at this?' — and snowballs into weeks of unpaid work. The root cause is almost always a poorly drafted scope of work clause.
Three things every consulting scope of work needs:
- Specificity — define deliverables, timelines, and the exact format of what you'll deliver. 'Marketing strategy' is not specific. 'A 15-page marketing strategy document covering channels A/B/C with KPIs and a 12-month implementation timeline' is specific.
- Exclusions — state what is NOT included. 'Client is responsible for graphic design, paid advertising spend, and website development. These services can be provided at consultant's standard hourly rate.'
- Change order process — define how additional work gets approved. 'Any work beyond the scope defined above requires a written change order signed by both parties, with fees agreed before work begins.'
💡 Tip: Include an assumptions section. 'This proposal assumes: Client will provide brand assets within 5 business days. Client will provide feedback within 3 business days of each deliverable. Delays caused by Client extend all deadlines accordingly.'
Key Clauses to Check
- Payment terms — what's the invoicing schedule? Milestone-based, monthly retainer, or hourly? Include late payment penalties and expense reimbursement terms.
- IP ownership — standard: consultant retains pre-existing IP and tools; deliverables transfer upon full payment. Watch for 'work for hire' language that could transfer your entire methodology.
- Limitation of liability — cap your liability at the fees paid for the specific engagement. Never agree to uncapped or 'greater of fees or $X' liability.
- Termination — can the client terminate for convenience? If so, include a kill fee (25-50% of remaining contract value is common). Require payment for all work completed through the termination date.
- Non-solicitation — preventing you from working with the client's employees for 12 months is standard. Preventing you from working with any company the client has ever done business with is not.
AI Review — 30 Seconds
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