Most agency kickoffs are friendly but vague. You talk about goals, shake hands (virtually), and everyone feels good. Three weeks later, the client is emailing you every day asking for updates, the access credentials still haven't arrived, and the project is already behind. The problem isn't the client. It's the kickoff. A good kickoff meeting isn't just an introduction — it's a contract negotiation disguised as a conversation. Done right, it prevents: "Just checking in" emails (client doesn't know what's happening) Missing access credentials two weeks into the project Scope creep that starts as a "small request" in week one Misaligned expectations about what "success" looks like Here's the exact 30-minute kickoff structure I've found works for small agencies. The 6-Section Kickoff Framework 1. Goals & Success Criteria (8 minutes) Don't just discuss goals — nail them to the wall with numbers. Before the meeting, pull your intake form responses and draft a success metrics worksheet.…