Tyler breaks down how to protect your time from the very first inquiry without sounding defensive or arrogant. The goal is simple: give value up front, but stop donating real consulting work to people who are still shopping.

Show Notes:
00:00 Free work becomes the expectation
00:20 Why this starts at the first inquiry
05:50 Stop consulting for free
08:50 How to set boundaries without sounding rude
11:21 Lead example: the "roof leak" rabbit hole
15:48 Pushback, reputation & holding the line
21:05 Lead example: the "simple" hood swap
30:59 Wrap: plant the seed & point to resources

Video Version:
https://youtu.be/B2xaYeIL6Qw

Partners:

Andersen Windows

Harnish Workwear

Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Nick Schiffer

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

Most leads sound "good" until you start pulling on the threads. Nick and Tyler roleplay four common inquiry types and show how to spot risk early, protect your time, and decide whether it's pre-con, a small feasibility study, or a hard pass.

Show Notes:
00:00 Cold open
00:31 Why decision makers matter
01:54 Sponsor: Anderson
05:30 Sponsor: Harness Workwear
09:13 Feasibility vs pre-con
09:35 Lead intake template & newsletter
22:36 Call 1: Referral lead
28:27 Call 2: Tight budget lead
39:47 Call 3: Facebook rush job
48:41 Call 4: Dream home lead
53:37 When the timeline is a deal-breaker
01:01:10 Wrap

Video Version:
https://youtu.be/aBTqwssCt80

Partners:

Andersen Windows

Harnish Workwear

Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Nick Schiffer

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media

Tyler walks through his real lead intake process, using simple hurdles and a tight email script to qualify (or disqualify) clients without burning hours on tire kickers. He covers the red flags, the questions that actually tell the truth, and how he tees up pre-con, plus a quick heads-up on the IBS meetup details.

Show Notes:
00:00 Qualifying Win
00:14 Intro & IBS Plans
05:00 Funnel Thinking
05:31 Website Gate & Email System
09:06 Intake Questions That Matter
18:12 T&M Model & Pre-Con Role
21:23 Red Flags & Realtor Leads
25:22 Ballpark & Pre-Con Pitch
32:25 Meetup Reminder & Wrap

Video Version:
https://youtu.be/jECvxRvIX44

Partners:

Andersen Windows

Harnish Workwear

Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear

The Modern Craftsman:

linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast

Find Our Hosts:

Nick Schiffer

Tyler Grace

Podcast Produced By:

Motif Media