Advisory Engagement & Pricing

Clarity first. Full transparency. Real outcomes.

Advisory only works when it creates tangible value.

Before we talk about fees, models, or longer-term collaboration, we need to establish one thing: is there meaningful fit, and can I help you move faster with fewer mistakes?

I run advisory alongside a full executive leadership role. That is intentional. I take on a small number of partnerships so every engagement gets depth, focus, and high signal—not diluted attention.

If we work together, you get my brain, not my bandwidth.

Step 1 — Initial Alignment

My first investment

In those two hours we will:

This is not a sales call.

It’s the shortest path to clarity.

Step 2 — Strategic Sprint

One problem. Focused work. Fast progress.

Strategic Sprint

Typical sprint topics:

No open ends. No vague deliverables.

One sprint. One outcome.

Step 3 — Retainer Partnerships

Continuity when the work requires more than a single session

When the work benefits from ongoing context and repeat decisions, we move into a retainer.

Retainers are always structured as explicit monthly time blocks. Time is deducted transparently. Nothing is hidden.

A retainer reserves availability and continuity. It secures priority access to my time and thinking capacity each month — whether all hours are used or not. This is about access and context, not minute-by-minute utilisation.

Entry Retainer

Core Partnership Retainers

Why larger retainers get cheaper: less friction, higher trust, fewer context switches, better continuity. That improves the economics on both sides.

In return, retainers assume ongoing engagement and planning on both sides, rather than ad-hoc usage.

Step 4 — Long-Term Alignment

Equity and shared upside (selective)

When there is strong mutual conviction and proven collaboration, I’m open to equity-based alignment.

This is never the default. It is a deliberate choice.

Typical structure:

I believe in skin in the game:

Equity alignment only makes sense once trust and value are established.

Scarcity by design

Why you get my focus

I don’t do advisory at volume. I keep it selective so the quality stays high.

That means:

If we work together, you won’t compete for attention. You’ll get it.

Full transparency, always

Every engagement is explicit about:

No ambiguity. No surprises. No fuzzy “advisory hours”.

Start with clarity

The simplest next step is the Initial Alignment session.

Two hours. No cost. Real work.

niklaus@niklausgerber.com