Welcome to Unlimited Advice with Tom
Congratulations on doing this for yourself. I am looking forward to helping you get where you want to be faster, happier, and with some money left in your pocket. Below are guidelines on working together and how to schedule time. You are always welcome to ask me for clarification.
The Working Relationship
Here's what we have agreed to: You have unlimited but not exclusive access to me (Tom) for coaching and advice at mutually agreeable times within the constraints of my work calendar.
As the client, you drive the agenda by asking questions and framing issues you are facing. We will initially spend some time discussing your goals, which will often be the basis of my advice or responses. I will share advice, tools, or techniques to suit your needs. If my recommendation doesn't feel right for you, let's chat about that. I always have other approaches to offer.
You can schedule up to two calls at a time. As soon as we wrap up the current call, go ahead and schedule your next one. Please be sure to note what your big question will be for that call. If you are bringing guests from your team, let me know that in advance as well.
There are no limits on what we can talk about, but to be clear I cannot give you legal, accounting, or financial planning advice. I will share what I know in those areas, but generally preface it with a disclaimer.
Let's focus on results!
My Schedule and Accessibility
I live in US-Central time zone and try to keep a 9a-4p M-F schedule with an occasional mental health day. I generally don’t process email or phone calls after 5 pm without special arrangement. Likewise, if you need me before 9 am, that requires some heads up. (And I also believe that nothing productive happens after 3 pm on Fridays.)
This doesn’t mean I am at my desk waiting for your call. If I am not in conference with someone, I could be at the store, in the kitchen, or on the lake. In any case, I am never more than a couple of hours away from seeing your message.
Coaching Calls
Zoom is my preferred method for communicating. Please use video whenever practical. I want to see you and be able to share our screen or drop a link in the chat. I do not record calls, but you may record for your personal use only.
Use either the 15 minute or 30 minute link as needed. If you cannot find a time for a 30-minute call, try 15 minutes. If you can't wait for my next available slot, then email me with your options, and I'll see what I can move around.
If it is a 15-minute call, I am going to assume you have one quick question to discuss. In a 30-minute call, you can take more time setting up your questions and I will take more time with my responses.
Strategy Sessions
Your plan also includes unlimited 60-minute strategy sessions. This is the time to do some heavy lifting and make long-range course corrections. You can also use this time to bring your team into the conversation to retool processes or help them see the bigger picture.
When possible, let's discuss plans for this call in advance so that everyone is prepared to make the best use of the time.
Call or Email?
If you have a quick question, email me the details. If I can reply adequately by email, I will. Sometimes I will choose to reply by picking up the phone, recording a video response, or I may ask you to schedule a call.
I am happy to look at an attachment, but don’t send me your employee handbook and ask, “Does this look OK?” Please have a specific question or concern.
If I don’t reply immediately, expect a response within a couple of hours. If I go dark longer than a day without notifying you in advance, please check me for a pulse.
Phone and Text
My mobile is +1-214-704-7018. Please call or text if it's an emergency or if you cannot access our Zoom. Remember, no one answers unknown phone numbers anymore, so do leave a message if you voice call.