The method

The Proposition
Architect Method

Seven steps. One output: the specific failure pattern costing you deals and the ranked sequence for fixing it. Every diagnostic follows the same path. Every output meets the same standard.

The Solid Foundation Rule

Your lowest-scoring layer is your priority constraint. It does not matter how strong your upper layers are. A weak foundation limits everything built above it. Fix the foundation before adding more content, services, or sales activity.

01
Surface
Read what a cold prospect encounters

We read the proposition exactly as a cold prospect encounters it. No prior knowledge, no relationship, no context. Website, homepage, services pages, LinkedIn, any public-facing material.

InputsWebsite URL, public-facing pages, any sales or pitch material
RuleScore only what is present. Intended meaning does not exist to a cold prospect.
Timebox5 min (free) / 60 to 90 min (Reviewed Diagnostic)
02
Score: 5S
Apply the 5S Proposition Score

Five dimensions that determine whether a buyer stops, recognises themselves, and decides they have found the right partner before price enters the conversation. Each scored out of 5. Maximum 25.

Output5S score out of 25, dimension-by-dimension verdict, lowest dimension flagged
RuleSpecific and Standout below 3 means price will always enter the conversation
03
Stress-test
Apply the Commercial Architecture Score

Seven layers of commercial foundation, each scored independently out of 5. Maximum 35. The lowest-scoring layer is the priority constraint regardless of total score.

OutputCommercial Architecture score out of 35, layer-by-layer verdict
RuleFixing higher layers before fixing the lowest layer is wasted effort
04
Name
Identify the active failure pattern

Every proposition failure has a root cause. We name it from four patterns so the founder can see the cause, not just the symptom: The Mirror Trap, The Wrong Invite, The Trophy Cabinet, The Comparison Trap.

OutputNamed primary pattern with a paragraph explaining the commercial cost
RuleMore than one pattern can be active. Name the primary one first.
05
Locate
Apply the Solid Foundation Rule

Identify the single highest-priority fix. The lowest layer in the Commercial Architecture is the binding constraint. Everything above it is limited by it.

OutputSingle named priority constraint. Fix sequence numbered 1 to n with rationale.
RuleIf two layers are tied, fix the lower-numbered layer first.
06
Blueprint
Design what the proposition should say

The structural rewrite. What the proposition should say when the failure pattern is resolved and the priority constraint fixed. Headline, positioning, outcomes, method, proof plan, No List.

OutputProposition Block, One-Liner, Positioning Statement, Disqualifiers
RuleNo fabricated metrics. No invented case studies. Assumptions clearly labelled.
Included inReviewed Diagnostic and Full Engagement
07
Sequence
Produce the fix order

A ranked, time-bound action plan the founder can execute without needing to hold the whole framework in their head. Not a list of improvements. A specific order, with owners and timeboxes.

OutputFix sequence table. 14-day immediate actions. 90-day outline.
RuleActions are specific and owner-assignable. Not principles or aspirations.
The governing rule
Your lowest layer is your only priority.

It does not matter how strong your upper layers are. A weak foundation limits everything built above it.

This is the reason the fix sequence always starts at the bottom. Adding more content, services, or sales activity before fixing the lowest layer compounds the problem rather than solving it.

The seven layers
Commercial
Architecture
  • 01
    The Foundation
    Issue-led, outcome-driven, audience-specific, named methodology
  • 02
    The Fit Test
    Right client situations shown, not general claims
  • 03
    The Visible Path
    Progression visible, not one-off project positioning
  • 04
    The Right Tools
    Services serve a journey, not a standalone list
  • 05
    The Easy Yes
    A low-friction entry point exists
  • 06
    The Public Proof
    Expertise demonstrated publicly, not described
  • 07
    The Open Door
    Every question answered before it is asked
What the scores mean

Combined score out of 60

5S Proposition Score
Maximum 25 points
1 to 8
Invisible
Buyers cannot self-select. Price wins by default.
9 to 13
Fragile
Wins are happening despite the proposition, not because of it.
14 to 18
Emerging
Core is sound but 2 to 3 dimensions are underperforming.
19 to 22
Strong
Proposition is doing real commercial work.
23 to 25
Market-leading
Pipeline generated independently. Buyers arrive pre-sold.
Commercial Architecture Score
Maximum 35 points
1 to 10
Unbuilt
Growth depends on relationships and luck. Start at Layer 1.
11 to 17
Unstable
Gaps exist. The lowest layer is limiting everything above it.
18 to 24
Developing
Architecture is taking shape. Targeted work will unlock the next level.
25 to 30
Functioning
Buyers can self-select. Growth is less founder-dependent.
31 to 35
High-Performance
Each layer reinforces the next. Pipeline is generated by the system.
Definition of done

Six questions
you can answer
without hesitation

  • 01What is our combined score out of 60?
  • 02Which failure pattern was active and why?
  • 03Which layer was the binding constraint?
  • 04What is the one thing we fix first?
  • 05What does the proposition say now versus what it should say?
  • 06What are the next three actions, in order?

If any of these cannot be answered, the method has not yet produced its output.

The free diagnostic answers questions 1 through 4. The Reviewed Diagnostic answers all six.

What this is not

Five things the Proposition Architect does not do

Brand audit

We are not assessing logos, colours, or visual identity. We are diagnosing the commercial failure in your positioning.

Strategy workshop

No facilitated sessions, no sticky notes, no alignment exercises. A diagnostic and a ranked fix sequence.

Marketing review

We are not auditing your channel mix, your ad spend, or your content calendar. The proposition is the constraint.

Website redesign

We tell you what the proposition should say. A developer implements it. We do not manage web projects.

Sales training

We fix what the proposition says before the conversation starts, not what you say once you are in it.