Question 1

What exactly does MAX<>IO do?

Accepted Answer

We're a growth and strategy consultancy for founders and operators. We diagnose what's holding your growth back, design the strategy and operating plan to fix it, and stay on as a strategic partner while you execute. In practice that means a Diagnostic, a Strategy Sprint, and an ongoing Advisory Retainer — focused on positioning, priorities, operations, and the decisions that move the business.

Question 2

Who do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Primarily SMB founders and operators doing $500K–$10M in revenue who have product-market fit but are hitting operational ceilings. We also work with executives who want to use AI and automation to multiply their own output. If you're earlier-stage or later-stage, reach out anyway — we'll tell you honestly if we're the right fit.

Question 3

How does an engagement typically start?

Accepted Answer

It starts with a free 15-minute screening call. We'll ask you a few direct questions about your business, your bottlenecks, and what outcomes matter most. If there's a fit, we'll map out the right engagement — whether that's a Diagnostic, a Sprint, or a Retainer. If not, we'll point you somewhere better.

Question 4

What does an engagement cost?

Accepted Answer

A Diagnostic starts from $997. A Strategy Sprint starts from $2,500. An ongoing Advisory Retainer starts from $800/month, month-to-month. We don't sell fixed off-the-shelf packages — every engagement is scoped to your business on a short call so the price matches the work. No hourly rates, no lock-in.

Question 5

How quickly do you start?

Accepted Answer

Quickly. A Diagnostic is usually delivered in about a week. A Strategy Sprint runs two to three weeks. We scope and schedule clearly upfront — we set a timeline and hit it.

Question 6

Do I need to sign a long-term contract?

Accepted Answer

No. Project-based work is fixed-price with no lock-in. Retainers are month-to-month — you can cancel with 30 days notice. We'd rather earn your continued business on results than lock you in on paper.

Question 7

Do you work with businesses outside Brisbane?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most of our operational and automation work is delivered remotely and location doesn't matter. We're based in Brisbane but operate with founders and operators across Australia and globally.

Question 8

What makes you different from a traditional agency or consultant?

Accepted Answer

Traditional agencies run retainers without accountability. Consultants write reports and leave. We execute — we build and deploy, not just advise. We're also a smaller, founder-led firm, which means you work directly with the people doing the work, not account managers. And we measure ourselves against your outcomes, not activity.

Question 9

I'm not sure if I need a full engagement. What's the first step?

Accepted Answer

Book the free 15-minute screening call. It's a short, practical conversation — we'll quickly identify where your biggest leverage points are. No pitch, no pressure. If a paid engagement makes sense, we'll say so. If you'd benefit more from a different resource, we'll tell you that too.

Growth & Strategy Consulting

Business Growth

Automation & AI Advisory

Growth Infrastructure

Business Systems

Strategic Positioning

Execution Support

Automation & AI Integration

Three ways to work together.

Diagnostic

Strategy Sprint

Advisory Retainer

From conversation to execution

Screen

Diagnose

Strategise

Execute

Frequently asked

Start with a conversation