Recently, I gave a seminar at the Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College, Workforce and Economic Development open house. The first thing we discussed was the definition of social media.
Run a basic Google search on the definition and you will get over 10 million responses. Continue reading »
Linda Nielsen, Director of Professional Development and Continuing Education, Workforce and Economic Development Division (WEDD), contacted me some weeks ago about providing a seminar on social media. The WEDD has moved to the Schoenbaum Family Enrichment Center, on Patrick Street in Charleston , WV. As part of the open house, 21 separate seminars were offered. Continue reading »
Many small businesses and organizations struggle with marketing and image design. My friend, Mark Wolfe, of Mark Wolfe Design, agreed to answer a few questions about what he does. Continue reading »
Employee or Contractor
In our final installment of the contracting series, I will help you understand some key differences in being an employee and an independent contractor. Many small business owners and first time contractors get these wrong. Continue reading »
Confidentiality
The issue of confidentiality between a client and contractor is critical. The relationship is based on privileged communication between the two. You, as a contractor, may be privy to information that should not be discussed with the general public, or a competing firm. Likewise, you may discuss fees or billing practices that you do not want other clients or competition to know. Continue reading »
Here are the top 5 things small business owners need to know.
- Business contents coverage is limited to described premises on the policy. Inland marine coverage is needed to cover business contents taken off described premise.
- General liability policies have exclusions for professional errors and omissions. Professional Coverage is available on a separate policy.
- Owners, officers, and partners can opt out of Workers Compensation only at inception of policy or at renewal.
- Many commercial policies do not contain hired and non-owned auto liability coverage. It is normally available by endorsement and slightly higher premium.
- General liability policies have exclusions for employment practices such as wrongful termination, discrimination, and sexual harassment. The coverage must be purchased by endorsement on a separate policy.
Rob Grishaber
(P)304-768-1234
(F)304-766-7172
rgrishaber.livel01@insuremail.net
Ownership
It may sound silly to address ownership in a contract. However, the client has a right to feel secure in knowing that any document, image, audio file, database, program, etc. that is being developed for them, is theirs. Continue reading »
Illness/Acts of G-d: Including Force Majeure in your contract.
What happens if you become seriously ill, experience a natural disaster, or other event beyond your control and you are unable to fulfill your contractual duties? Without Force Majeure you may be liable to the client for any damages that results. Continue reading »
On July 4, in the United States of America, we celebrate the birth of our nation. From the Library of Congress:
On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall), approved the Declaration of Independence, severing the colonies’ ties to the British Crown. Continue reading »
It has been said that the only constant in the world is change. Part three of our series is going to focus on the need to make changes to contracts after you have implemented them.
I have struggled with the problem of changing a contract because the scope of my work started varying. In another case, a client assured me he needed a 10 hour contract. Three months in, he needed me less than five hours each month.
When I initially brought this to his attention he asked me to continue to bill him at the ten hour rate, which was discounted. In other words, he wanted a “special favor” instead of being held to the contract.
As a small business owner, there are times when you should be flexible and times when flexibility can destroy you. By allowing the client to benefit from the discounted rate my company isn’t making the money it should be. I can’t pull in additional clients because I have “X’ hours dedicated to this client. Should he suddenly need me for 10, and I’ve overextended myself, the quality of my work will suffer. I also face losing the respect of the client getting the “special favor” because he now knows I will reduce my fees.
When you find the contract you have with a client needs reviewed consider taking the following steps;
I am interested in hearing your thoughts on addressing alterations in your contracts. What has worked for you? What are some of your nightmares? I only ask you not to use foul language!
Read about contracts and more in my book “Think Outside The Office: Your guide to becoming a virtual administrative service provider,” available at Amazon and Barnes & Nobel. [For bulk order discounts contact info AT robinsdesktop.com]