CLIENT ONBOARDING CHECKLIST — First 48 hours
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Print or copy into client notes (SideLedger Pro → Clients page).

── BEFORE YOU START ───────────────────────────────────────────────
□ Signed contract or written scope approval
□ Deposit received (recommend 50% on projects > $1,000)
□ Client added to SideLedger CRM with email + billing address
□ Gig type selected on invoice template (loads correct line items)
□ Rate confirmed ≥ your minimum (rate-worksheet.txt / calculator)

── DAY 1: KICKOFF ───────────────────────────────────────────────────
□ Send kickoff email (email-scripts.txt #3)
□ Share project timeline with milestone dates
□ Request assets / access / brand guidelines (list everything upfront)
□ Confirm single approver — avoid "committee feedback"
□ Set communication channel (email vs Slack — email for payment trail)

── DAY 1: ADMIN ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
□ Create project folder (Drive/Dropbox) with naming convention
□ Log client in SideLedger with private notes (Pro: profile + notation)
□ Block calendar time for delivery date
□ Send W-9 if US client requests it for 1099 purposes

── FIRST INVOICE ────────────────────────────────────────────────────
□ Deposit invoice sent same day contract signed
□ Line items: Hours for time work, Qty for flat deliverables
□ Due date set (Net 14 recommended for new clients)
□ Payment link tested
□ Invoice number logged (SideLedger auto-increments)

── ONGOING ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
□ Weekly status update for projects > 2 weeks
□ Scope changes → change order email (#6) BEFORE extra work
□ Milestone invoices — don't wait until the end on large projects
□ Mark paid in SideLedger when payment clears (keeps Collections accurate)

── AT PROJECT CLOSE ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
□ Final invoice within 24 hours of delivery
□ Completion email (#5) with revision deadline
□ Request testimonial or referral (#8)
□ Archive contract + final invoice PDF
□ Elite: export backup ([your-site]/automation.html → backup)

── RED FLAGS (pause before starting) ────────────────────────────────
⚠ Won't sign contract or pay deposit
⚠ "We'll pay when we raise funding"
⚠ Scope vague — force specifics in writing first
⚠ Multiple stakeholders, no decision-maker named
⚠ Rate pushback below your minimum — renegotiate or pass

Tools: [your-site]/clients.html · [your-site]/invoice.html