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How to Advance and Present a Project as a Strategist

This guide outlines the process for advancing a project through Surge’s qualification, proposal, and presentation stages - and delivering a professional, high-conversion presentation to the client.

Updated over 2 months ago

Purpose

The goal of this process is to help Strategists efficiently convert qualified opportunities into signed Letters of Intent (LOIs) or contracts while maintaining the professionalism, compliance, and brand standards of Surge.


Before the Presentation

Review Lead Qualification

Confirm that the lead meets all Surge qualification standards before proceeding.
A project should only advance if it has:

  • Verified ownership or decision- making authority

  • Energy bills or usage data uploaded

  • A viable roof or site for installation

  • Clear financial or sustainability motivation

If anything is missing, work with your Mentor or the client to complete the information before advancing to proposal stage.


Coordinate with Your Mentor

Every Strategist must collaborate with a Mentor for oversight and compliance.
Your Mentor helps ensure that:

  • The system design and financials are accurate

  • The proposal reflects correct allowances and pricing

  • All documentation is properly structured for client presentation

No proposal should be sent to a client without Mentor review and approval.


Work with the Surge Proposal Team

Once the project is approved for proposal development, the Surge proposal team will provide system design, pricing, and technical documentation.


Be sure to review:

  • System capacity (kW)

  • Roof or land layout and equipment details

  • Estimated production and savings

  • Warranty and maintenance terms

Keep communication organized within the platform so that all updates are documented and accessible to your Mentor and Surge operations.


Delivering the Proposal

Prepare for the Meeting

  • Schedule a dedicated presentation time with the client.

  • Review all financials and proposal slides in advance.

  • Anticipate common questions (cost, savings, payback, financing).

  • Have your Mentor available to join live or on standby.

Make sure you are presenting the approved version of the proposal - never modify designs or pricing on your own.

Walk Through the Proposal

During the meeting:

  1. Begin with a short overview of Surge and our partners to build credibility.

  2. Explain the system design and expected energy production in clear, simple terms.

  3. Highlight financial outcomes: savings, ROI, and incentive programs.

  4. Review payment options or financing structures available.

  5. Ask for feedback and address any concerns transparently.

The goal is to educate and advise - not to oversell or pressure the client.

Secure the Commitment

When the client is ready to move forward:

  • Review the Letter of Intent (LOI) or contract terms together.

  • Confirm signature and document upload through the Surge platform.

  • Notify your Mentor and the EPC immediately once the document is signed.

Once the LOI or contract is executed, the project officially moves into the contracting and permitting phase.


After the Presentation

Update Project Status

Immediately update the project stage in your dashboard to reflect “LOI Signed” or “Contract Executed.”
Upload the signed document and any new client notes to keep records complete.

Communicate with the EPC

Ensure the EPC receives the signed LOI and any additional data they may need to begin final design, permitting, or interconnection.

Notify Your Mentor

Your Mentor should always be looped in on every signed project to confirm next steps, ensure compliance, and prepare for installation tracking and commission eligibility.


Best Practices

  • Always present with visuals and data - never just a quote.

  • Use simple, client-friendly language to explain energy terms.

  • Focus on financial and operational benefits, not technical jargon.

  • Let the client set the pace; listen more than you talk.

  • Keep Surge’s brand values - professionalism, accuracy, and trust - at the forefront of every conversation.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Presenting unapproved or incomplete proposals

  • Overpromising savings or performance outcomes

  • Failing to document client feedback or next steps

  • Skipping your 1:1 Mentor review

  • Allowing outdated pricing or designs to remain active


Summary

Stage

Action

Owner

Pre-Meeting

Verify lead qualification and gather data

Strategist / Mentor

Proposal Review

Confirm EPC pricing and Mentor approval

Strategist / Mentor

Client Presentation

Deliver professional, data-backed proposal

Strategist

Commitment

Obtain LOI or contract signature

Strategist / Mentor

Post-Presentation

Upload documents and update project status

Strategist

Handoff

Notify EPC and Surge Ops for next phase

Strategist / Mentor

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