The 11 questions we ask in every kickoff

Every project that\'s gone sideways for us has, in retrospect, been a project where we didn\'t ask one of these eleven questions in week one.

Who, by name, will sign off on the design? — Not "the team". A specific person.

What\'s the worst thing the current site does? — More useful than "what would you like".

If we ship nothing, what would you do for the next year? — Surfaces the real budget for inaction.

Who else is in the room on payment? — Surfaces the actual decision-maker.

What\'s your tolerance for being told no? — A genuine question. Some clients want a yes-shop. We aren\'t one.

(The full list is in the project handbook we send to every new client.)