brief

name	brief
description	Account dossier and call prep document rendered as a scannable HTML reference page for internal use. Use when user says "brief me on [company]", "account dossier", "call prep doc", "background on [person]", or asks for an internal reference document. Do NOT use for customer-facing documents — use /octave:one-pager or /octave:proposal instead.

/octave:brief - Account Dossier & Call Prep Builder

Build beautiful, self-contained HTML account briefs powered by your Octave GTM intelligence. Designed to sit on your second monitor during a call or to review before a meeting. Unlike plain-text research, briefs render as scannable, styled reference documents with sticky navigation, collapsible sections, and print-friendly layout — grounded in real enrichment data, playbook strategy, proof points, and conversation intel.

This is an internal document for the sales team, not customer-facing collateral.

Key differentiators:

• vs /octave:research — research outputs plain text; brief renders it as a styled, scannable HTML document
• vs /octave:one-pager — one-pager is customer-facing; brief is internal prep
• vs /octave:deck — deck is a slide presentation; brief is a scrollable reference document

Usage

/octave:brief <target> [--for <occasion>] [--style <preset>]

Examples

/octave:brief acme.com                                # Full account dossier
/octave:brief [e-mail] --for discovery           # Discovery call prep
/octave:brief acme.com --for demo                     # Demo prep brief
/octave:brief acme.com --for qbr                      # QBR prep brief
/octave:brief [e-mail] --for follow-up           # Follow-up with prior call context
/octave:brief acme.com --for executive                # Executive meeting prep
/octave:brief "meeting with VP Sales at Acme"         # Context-based brief
/octave:brief acme.com --style paper-minimal          # Specific style preset

Occasions

Occasion	Output Focus
discovery	Company snapshot, ICP fit, discovery questions, playbook strategy, qualification checklist
demo	Stakeholder cards, value props, proof points, competitive landmines, demo flow
follow-up	Recent signals from calls, deal timeline, open items, next steps
qbr	Deal timeline, recent signals, proof points, value delivered, renewal/expansion angles
executive	Concise company snapshot, key stakeholders, strategic value props, board-level talking points
deal-review	Full pipeline context, stage history, competitive landscape, risk assessment
general	Comprehensive account dossier with all sections (default)

Instructions

When the user runs /octave:brief:

Step 1: Understand the Context

Identify the target:

• Email address -> Person-targeted brief (enrich person + company)
• Domain -> Company-targeted brief (enrich company + find key contacts)
• LinkedIn URL -> Person-targeted brief
• Meeting description -> Extract company/people from context

Detect or ask occasion:

If --for not specified, infer from context or ask:

What are you preparing for?

1. Discovery call — First conversation, qualifying the opportunity
2. Demo — Showing the product, proving value
3. Follow-up — Continuing a conversation, advancing the deal
4. QBR — Quarterly business review with existing customer
5. Executive meeting — High-level strategic conversation
6. Deal review — Internal review of opportunity status
7. General dossier — Comprehensive account reference

Your choice:

Each occasion changes which sections are emphasized and which are de-emphasized or omitted. See the section emphasis table in Step 4.

Step 2: Octave Context Gathering

Based on the target and occasion, use Octave MCP tools to build a complete intelligence picture. Tell the user what you're researching and why.

Call as many tools as needed to build a thorough brief. The best briefs layer multiple sources — company enrichment + person enrichment + playbook messaging + proof points + conversation intel all combine to create a document grounded in real data. Don't stop at one tool when several would give you a stronger brief.

Not every tool applies to every brief. Use your judgment about which are relevant to this specific situation. The tables below show what's available — pick the combination that gives you the richest context for the occasion and target.

List vs Search — when to use which:

Tool	Purpose	Use when...
list_all_entities({ entityType })	Fetch all entities of a type (minimal fields)	You want a quick inventory — "show me all our competitors"
list_entities({ entityType })	Fetch entities with full data (paginated)	You need the actual content — "get full proof point details"
get_entity({ oId })	Deep dive on one specific entity	You found something relevant and need the complete picture
search_knowledge_base({ query })	Semantic search across library + resources	You have a concept or question — "how do we position for healthcare?"
list_resources() / search_resources({ query })	Uploaded docs, URLs, Google Drive files	You need reference material, uploaded assets, or source docs

Rule of thumb: Use list_* when you know what type of thing you want. Use search_* when you know what topic you're looking for.

Follow-up briefs — ground them in what actually happened:

If this brief follows a previous interaction with the account (follow-up, QBR, deal review), pull findings and events to anchor the brief in real data rather than generic positioning:

• list_findings({ query: "<company or contact>", startDate: "<relevant period>" }) — surfaces what was actually said in calls: objections raised, features requested, pain points confirmed, competitor mentions
• list_events({ filters: { accounts: ["<account_oId>"] } }) — deal stage changes, meetings held, emails sent — shows the journey so far
• get_event_detail({ eventOId }) — deep dive on specific events (e.g., the discovery call, the demo) to pull exact context

This turns a generic "here's what we know" brief into "here's what happened and what to do about it" — much more useful walking into the next conversation.

---

For Person-Targeted Briefs

Start with person and company enrichment, then pull positioning context:

What you need	Tool	When to use
Person deep-dive	enrich_person({ person: { email, firstName, lastName, companyDomain } })	Always for person-targeted briefs — gives background, role, priorities
Company profile	enrich_company({ companyDomain })	Always — gives industry, size, tech stack, signals
ICP fit (person)	qualify_person({ person: { ... } })	When you need persona match and fit assessment
ICP fit (company)	qualify_company({ companyDomain })	When you need segment match and ICP scoring
Additional contacts	find_person({ searchMode: "people", companyDomain, fuzzyTitles })	When you want to map the broader buying committee
Matching playbook	get_playbook({ oId, includeValueProps: true })	After identifying relevant playbook — full strategy + value props
Playbook search	search_knowledge_base({ query: "<industry> <persona>", entityTypes: ["playbook"] })	When you need the best-fit playbook by concept
Proof points	list_entities({ entityType: "proof_point" })	Fetch all proof points with full data — metrics, quotes, logos
References	list_entities({ entityType: "reference" })	Customer references with full details
Competitive context	search_knowledge_base({ query: "<signals>", entityTypes: ["competitor"] })	When competitor is mentioned or likely in the deal
Recent intel	list_findings({ query: "<company or person>", startDate: "<90 days ago>" })	Conversation-based insights from past interactions
Deal history	list_events({ filters: { accounts: ["<account_oId>"] } })	Timeline of deal events
Synthesized prep	generate_call_prep({ companyDomain })	Quick comprehensive brief to use as a starting point

---

For Company-Targeted Briefs

Start with company enrichment and contact discovery:

What you need	Tool	When to use
Company profile	enrich_company({ companyDomain })	Always — gives industry, size, tech stack, funding, signals
ICP fit scoring	qualify_company({ companyDomain })	Always — segment match, fit score, fit reasons
Key contacts	find_person({ searchMode: "people", companyDomain, fuzzyTitles })	Find stakeholders to populate the Stakeholders section
Enrich contacts	enrich_person({ person: { ... } })	Deep dive on each key contact found
All playbooks	list_all_entities({ entityType: "playbook" })	Quick scan to find the right strategic approach
Playbook details	get_playbook({ oId, includeValueProps: true })	Full content + value props for the matching playbook
Value props	list_value_props({ playbookOId })	Fetch value props for the recommended playbook
All competitors	list_all_entities({ entityType: "competitor" })	Quick scan of competitive landscape
Competitor details	get_entity({ oId })	Deep dive on a specific relevant competitor
Proof points	list_entities({ entityType: "proof_point" })	Full proof points for the evidence section
References	list_entities({ entityType: "reference" })	Customer references for social proof
Topic search	search_knowledge_base({ query: "<industry> <use case>", entityTypes: ["proof_point", "reference"] })	Find proof points relevant to their specific situation
Recent intel	list_findings({ query: "<company>", startDate: "<90 days ago>" })	Conversation signals from calls and meetings
Deal events	list_events({ filters: { accounts: ["<account_oId>"] } })	Full deal history and timeline
Event details	get_event_detail({ eventOId })	Deep dive on specific past interactions
Uploaded resources	search_resources({ query: "<company or industry>" })	Relevant uploaded docs and assets

---

Output of this step: Present a content outline to the user for approval before generating:

BRIEF OUTLINE: [Company/Person] — [Occasion]
=============================================

Target: [Company name / Person name at Company]
Occasion: [Discovery / Demo / Follow-up / QBR / Executive / General]
Style: [Will be selected in Step 3]

---

SECTIONS TO INCLUDE
-------------------

1. Header — "Account Brief: [Company]" + date + occasion badge
2. Company Snapshot — industry, size, HQ, funding, tech stack, signals
3. ICP Fit — fit score, matched segment, key fit reasons
4. Key Stakeholders — [N] contacts with persona matches
5. Recommended Playbook — [Playbook name], strategic angle
6. Talking Points — [occasion-specific: questions / demo flow / next steps]
7. Value Props — [N] value props tailored to this account
8. Competitive Landscape — [Competitor names if detected]
9. Proof Points — [N] relevant case studies and metrics
10. Recent Signals — [N] findings from conversations
11. Deal Timeline — [if existing deal]
12. Quick Reference — cheat sheet with key facts

Octave Sources Used:
• Company enrichment: [Company] — [key insights]
• Person enrichment: [Person] — [persona match]
• Playbook: [Playbook name] — [strategic angle]
• Proof points: [N] references pulled
• Findings: [N] recent signals
• Competitive: [If applicable]

---

Does this look good? I can:
1. Proceed to style selection and generation
2. Add or remove sections
3. Go deeper on any area
4. Change the occasion / emphasis

Wait for user approval before proceeding.

Step 3: Style Selection

The brief uses the same CSS variable / style preset system as /octave:deck. Full preset definitions are in the deck skill's style-presets.md.

Briefs default to readability-optimized presets. If --style was not provided, ask:

Pick a style for your brief:

1. midnight-pro     — Dark navy, white text, blue accents (default for briefs)
2. paper-minimal    — Off-white, black type, editorial simplicity
3. executive-dark   — Charcoal + gold, premium boardroom aesthetic
4. soft-light       — Warm white + sage green, calm and approachable
5. swiss-modern     — White + red accent, Bauhaus minimal
6. Use my brand     — Extract from website or provide colors
7. Match my deck    — Use the same style as an existing /octave:deck

Your choice (or press Enter for midnight-pro):

Occasion	Recommended Default
Discovery	midnight-pro
Demo	midnight-pro
Follow-up	paper-minimal
QBR	executive-dark
Executive	executive-dark
Deal review	paper-minimal
General	midnight-pro

If the user selects "Use my brand," follow the brand discovery flow from the deck skill (website extraction via browser-use or WebFetch, manual fallback). If they select "Match my deck," ask for the deck file path and extract its CSS variables.

Step 4: Generate HTML

Build a single self-contained HTML file. The brief is a scrollable reference document — not a slide deck. Natural page scroll, sticky sidebar navigation, collapsible sections, and a print-friendly layout.

Output Directory

.octave-briefs/
└── <kebab-case-name>-<YYYY-MM-DD>/
    └── <name>.html

Example: /octave:brief acme.com --for discovery -> .octave-briefs/acme-discovery-2026-02-11/acme-discovery.html

The .octave-briefs/ directory should be in .gitignore.

Document Sections (Full Dossier)

Not all sections appear in every brief. The occasion determines emphasis:

Occasion	Emphasized Sections	De-emphasized / Omitted
Discovery	Company Snapshot, ICP Fit, Talking Points (questions), Playbook, Qualification	Deal Timeline, Competitive
Demo	Stakeholders, Value Props, Proof Points, Competitive, Demo Flow	ICP Fit detail
Follow-up	Recent Signals, Deal Timeline, Talking Points (next steps), Open Items	Company Snapshot (condensed)
QBR	Deal Timeline, Recent Signals, Proof Points, Value Delivered	ICP Fit, Playbook
Executive	Company Snapshot (concise), Key Stakeholders, Value Props, Strategic Angles	Technical details, granular signals
Deal Review	Deal Timeline, Competitive, Risk Assessment, Stakeholder Map, Next Steps	Company Snapshot (condensed)
General	All sections at equal weight	None

Section definitions:

1. Header — "Account Brief: [Company]" + generation date + occasion badge (pill label like "Discovery Prep" or "QBR Brief")
2. Company Snapshot — Company name, logo (if available), industry, employee count, HQ location, funding stage, tech stack highlights, recent news/signals. Card-based layout.
3. ICP Fit — Fit score with a visual progress bar, matched segment name, 3-5 key fit reasons as checkmarks, any red flags as warnings.
4. Key Stakeholders — Cards for each person: name, title, LinkedIn URL, matched persona, inferred priorities, communication style notes. Highlight the primary contact.
5. Recommended Playbook — Playbook name, strategic angle, key themes to drive. Brief summary of the recommended approach.
6. Talking Points — Occasion-specific content:
   • Discovery: open-ended questions organized by category (rapport, pain exploration, qualification, future state)
   • Demo: recommended flow, features to highlight, proof points to weave in
   • Follow-up: recap of what was discussed, open items, proposed next steps
   • QBR: value delivered, metrics to highlight, expansion opportunities
   • Executive: strategic themes, board-level talking points, concise value narrative
7. Value Props to Lead With — 3-4 value props tailored to this account, each with a headline, supporting evidence, and a "say this" phrasing.
8. Competitive Landscape — If competitors detected: comparison table with key differentiators, landmine questions to ask, traps to avoid. Omit if no competitive signals.
9. Proof Points to Reference — Relevant case studies with metric highlights, customer quotes, and logo. Organized by relevance to this account's industry/size/use case.
10. Recent Signals — From findings: what was said in calls, objections raised, features requested, sentiment indicators. Each signal has a date and source. Omit if no findings data.
11. Deal Timeline — If existing deal: visual stage history (horizontal timeline or vertical step list), key events, current stage, days in stage, next milestone. Omit for new prospects.
12. Quick Reference — Sticky sidebar or footer cheat sheet: key facts at a glance, do's and don'ts for this conversation, one-line reminders. Always visible while scrolling.

HTML Architecture

See html-architecture.md for the full HTML scaffold, inline CSS, and key differences from deck HTML.

Content Density Guidelines

Briefs are reference documents, not presentations — they can hold more content per section than slides. But keep it scannable:

Section	Content Limit
Company Snapshot	6-8 data fields in cards, 3-5 recent signals
ICP Fit	Score bar + 5 fit reasons max
Key Stakeholders	4-6 stakeholder cards max
Talking Points	8-12 talking points grouped by category
Value Props	3-4 value props with evidence
Competitive	Comparison table with 4-6 rows max
Proof Points	3-5 proof point cards
Recent Signals	5-8 most relevant findings
Deal Timeline	6-10 timeline events
Quick Reference	8-12 key facts / reminders

If a section would exceed its limit, prioritize by relevance to the occasion and trim the rest.

Step 5: Delivery

After generating the HTML file:

1. Open the brief in the default browser
2. Present a summary:

BRIEF READY
============

Folder: .octave-briefs/<brief-name>-<date>/
File:   .octave-briefs/<brief-name>-<date>/<brief-name>.html
Style:  [Preset name or "Custom Brand"]
Sections: [List of included sections]

Navigation:
- Scroll naturally to read through sections
- Click nav dots on the right edge to jump to sections
- Click section headers to collapse/expand
- Print-friendly: Cmd+P / Ctrl+P for clean PDF output

---

Want me to:
1. Adjust or expand a section
2. Add/remove stakeholders
3. Go deeper on any topic (competitive, signals, value props)
4. Change the style
5. Export as PDF (print dialog)
6. Generate a customer-facing one-pager from this (/octave:one-pager)
7. Build a presentation from this (/octave:deck)
8. Done

MCP Tools Used

Research & Enrichment

• enrich_company — Full company intelligence profile
• enrich_person — Full person intelligence report
• find_person — Find contacts at a company by title/role
• find_company — Find companies matching criteria
• qualify_company — ICP fit scoring for a company
• qualify_person — ICP fit scoring for a person

Library — Fetching Entities

• list_all_entities — Quick scan of all entities of a type (minimal fields, no pagination)
• list_entities — Fetch entities with full data and pagination (proof points, references, etc.)
• get_entity — Deep dive on one specific entity
• get_playbook — Retrieve a playbook with full content and value props
• list_value_props — Value propositions for a specific playbook

Library — Searching

• search_knowledge_base — Semantic search across library entities and resources
• list_resources — Browse uploaded docs, URLs, and Google Drive files
• search_resources — Semantic search across uploaded resources

Intelligence & Signals

• list_findings — Recent conversation findings and insights
• list_events — Deal events (stage changes, meetings, outcomes)
• get_event_detail — Full details for a specific event

Content Generation

• generate_call_prep — Synthesized prep brief (useful as a starting point)
• generate_content — Generate positioning or messaging content

Error Handling

Octave Connection Failed:

Could not connect to your Octave workspace.

The brief builder needs Octave data to generate useful content. Without it, most sections would be empty.

To reconnect: check your MCP configuration or run /octave:workspace status

Company Not Found:

I couldn't find detailed intelligence for [domain].

Options:

1. Check the domain spelling and try again
2. Try a different domain or company name
3. Provide company details manually and I'll structure the brief

Person Not Found:

I couldn't find detailed information for [email/name].

I found their company ([Company]). Would you like me to:

1. Proceed with company research + generic persona guidance
2. Search for them on LinkedIn (provide URL)
3. Create a brief based on their title and company alone

No Matching Playbook:

No playbook matches this audience profile directly.

I'll use your general value props and positioning from the knowledge base. Consider creating a playbook for this segment: /octave:library create playbook

No Findings Data:

No conversation signals found for [company/person].

This may be a new prospect with no prior interactions. I'll skip the Recent Signals and Deal Timeline sections and focus on enrichment data, playbook strategy, and proof points instead.

No Proof Points:

No proof points found in your library.

The Proof Points section will be omitted. To strengthen future briefs, add case studies and customer references to your Octave library.

Related Skills

• /octave:research — Text-based research and prep (brief is the visual, rendered version)
• /octave:one-pager — Customer-facing leave-behind document (brief is internal)
• /octave:deck — Full slide presentation (brief is a reference document)
• /octave:battlecard-doc — Competitive reference document (brief includes competitive context but is broader)
• /octave:pipeline — Deal-level coaching and pipeline strategy
• /octave:generate — Generate outreach content with brand voice control
• /octave:insights — Conversation intelligence deep dives