What should the first message contain?

A few sentences about the decision ahead — the operating context, a rough timeline, and whatever constraints are non-negotiable. Detail is welcome; polish is not required.

Do you take ongoing retainers?

No. Engagements are short, time-boxed, and scope-explicit. Where ongoing work makes sense, it is structured as a sequence of named engagements rather than an open retainer.

In a 30-45 minute read-only conversation. The goal is to name the decision ahead and agree on whether the practice can move it forward. If the answer is no, it will be said clearly.

What about confidentiality?

Default. Names, matter types, and identifying details stay inside the engagement. Mutual NDA by request. Nothing about a client is published here without explicit consent.

Do you charge for the first conversation?

No. The first conversation is a reading of the problem, not a sales pitch.

Contact · R-Labs

R-Labs / New Engagements

Start a conversation.

If AI, automation, or a complex systems decision is on the table, R-Labs is open to new engagements. Every conversation starts without obligation.

Every inquiry is reviewed directly by the practice. Replies are usually within two working days.

How inquiries are handled.

Every message submitted through the form is read by the practice, not by an assistant. There is no triage layer, no CRM tag, no lead score. The first pass is a judgement on whether the engagement is something R-Labs can move forward on its own terms.

Acknowledgement, usually within one working day. A short reply confirming the inquiry was received and indicating the next step — typically a 30-45 minute read-only conversation.
A fit conversation, usually within two working days of the first reply. The goal is to name the decision ahead and agree whether the practice can move it forward. No scoping, no pricing, no deck. If the answer is no, it will be said clearly.
A written scope, if the fit holds. Deliverables, duration, price, and what will not be in scope — on one page, agreed before work starts.

What helps on the first message: a few sentences on the operating context, the decision ahead, a rough timeline, and any constraints that are non-negotiable. Detail is welcome; polish is not required.

What this channel is not.

Not a vendor-pitch inbox. Unsolicited sales, partnership, or platform introductions are discarded without reply.
Not a support desk. Past engagements have a direct channel with the practice; new support requests via this form will not be read on a support timeline.
Not a hiring channel. Open collaborator slots are invitational, worked on through the practice’s network, and not filled from cold inquiries.
Not a speaking-request desk. The practice does not take speaking engagements, podcast interviews, or press commentary.

A few things worth knowing in advance.

What should the first message contain?: A few sentences about the decision ahead — the operating context, a rough timeline, and whatever constraints are non-negotiable. Detail is welcome; polish is not required.
Do you take ongoing retainers?: No. Engagements are short, time-boxed, and scope-explicit. Where ongoing work makes sense, it is structured as a sequence of named engagements rather than an open retainer.
How is fit assessed?: In a 30-45 minute read-only conversation. The goal is to name the decision ahead and agree on whether the practice can move it forward. If the answer is no, it will be said clearly.
What about confidentiality?: Default. Names, matter types, and identifying details stay inside the engagement. Mutual NDA by request. Nothing about a client is published here without explicit consent.
Do you charge for the first conversation?: No. The first conversation is a reading of the problem, not a sales pitch.