1. The access collection black hole

You need Figma access, Google Analytics, WordPress admin, GitHub, and the client's Slack. You ask. They forward a password email from two years ago. You ask again. Their developer says they'll get back to you. Three days pass.

The fix: Send a single, complete access list on Day 1 — not "we'll need some access" but the exact list, with specifics for each tool, and a deadline. Include what happens if the deadline is missed. Framing it as "we start discovery without these, but integration builds are blocked until week 3" changes behavior fast.

A good intake form covers this before the project starts. Here's a free 27-question version if you need a starting point.

2. Scope drift that starts in the kickoff call

The sales call sets one expectation. The kickoff call assumes something slightly different. The project brief says something else.…