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More Previous Letters:Open Heart Surgery I Know You! After reading San's inSANity column, I feel as if he's been living in my head. You might say it's mixed pain and pleasure. I wanted to respond since it's always great to hear from people after you've opened your chest cavity and exposed your heart. I found San's column while researching the company, Aquent. Maybe I've found "my kind of people" through your company's culture. Warmly, Huh? What is this web site all about? <Calvanchez@aol.com> 1099 is about professionals who work for themselves. It's about courageous, free people who view corporations as their clients, not their bosses. We appreciate
your letter, but it worries us a little. Most people come to this web
site with some pre-existing context -- for example, they clicked on
a link for a reason, or did a specific search and found us. Would the
purpose of this site be incomprehensible to many people who came here
without any pre-existing context? What could we do to make our focus
clearer to the casual visitor? Hairy Arms and Other Appendages I just read San's inSANity column, The Theory of the Hairy Arm. I've been doing design for about four years now, and friends of mine (designers and other professions) would usually ask me why I always have this out-of-whack element or variable in my layouts. You know, just something that doesn't seem right. So I'd always say something like "Oh, this is just to keep them on their toes" or "If they pick this one, I know for sure where this project's gonna go from here." You can't imagine the ear-to-ear smile that came over my face while reading San's column, because up until now, I hadn't met anyone yet who understood or employed this method of madness (or at least no one who would admit it). And alas here I am, ten minutes after reading the story, still grinning with a sense of validation and humor. Jimmi Fillow I accidentally discovered your webzine... I don't even remember how. The first article I read was San's inSANity column about the Hairy Arm Theory. HATS OFF! This well written, witty article opened my eyes a bit, for I have been known to take things a bit 'personal' in the past. It's the Artist in me that overrides the Professional. Thanks thanks thanks! I'm passing the word around... your site has my full attention. Can't wait to delve deeper, but had to speak my mind now before I put it off and forget. Thanks again... such a pleasure. Best, The Slows and the PickMeUps I like Aquent a lot! I especially liked Judy Fireman's two articles about IP museum curator Zette Emmons and about getting work when you're slow. Both articles are inspirational and informative. I'm an illustrator (my web site is at www.execpc.com/~fredbell) who is a bit slow now, and I enjoyed the pick-me-up. Fred Bell You Know You're Really In Trouble When... I recently logged onto 1099 from my local public library's Internet terminal. The webzine is much more entertaining than your old site, and I found myself reading San's inSANity column, When The Bastards Criticize You. I really have to file a complaint.
In view of this problem, would it be possible to insert a warning at the top of San's columns such as, "The following is absolutely, hilariously, truly funny and could cause uncontrollable laughter. Please read at your own risk." I believe a brief warning such as this will greatly increase my chances of being able to keep using the library's services. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Margie Sejbl Say, You're Not The Milkman After reading June Walker's column You Say You're Self-Employed...?, I was still left with a question. I do freelance work for an ad agency in New York from my home in LA. When they pay me, they do so as though I were an employee: they take out withholding, FICA, and even California state tax. Does the IRS therefore say that I'm an "employee," even though I do the work from my home, set my own hours, and I'm not told specifically how to do the job? It seems the IRS could apply the same rules that cover statutory employees -- allowing people like me to deduct my costs directly on a Schedule C, instead of subjecting them to the 2% AGI. Is there any movement in that direction, given the numbers of people working as IPs (independent professionals) today? Thanks,
June Walker responds:
From now on, remember: if you consider yourself an IP, you must discuss your work status with the individual or firm hiring you prior to doing the work and receiving your pay. In future columns, I'll discuss which factors the IRS looks at in determining "employee" or "independent contractor" status. By the way, since you live in California and work for agencies in other states, be sure to file any tax returns required by your non-resident income. You ask about "statutory employees." The IRS has four categories of independent contractors who are considered statutory employees:
The only
one of these categories you could possibly fit in would be #3. But based
on what you've said, I doubt it. They Have Taxes In Hong Kong? I really enjoy June's column at 1099. I have a question regarding IPs who are overseas. I'd like to offer my engineering services to American companies when I move back to Hong Kong at the end of this year. I am both a Hong Kong and U.S. citizen. Should I contract my work through my Hong Kong-based consulting firm, or through a third-party company? What are the tax consequences? How do I report my taxes? Edwin Lau June Walker responds: Thanks for the kudos. I always think it's cool when someone enjoys tax talk. Unfortunately, I can't really answer your questions based upon the brief general information you've provided. For example, does "my" mean that you own the Hong Kong company, or is it your client? On what tax basis does the "third-party company" you mentioned hire its staff? This can serve as a cautionary note for people looking for tax advice: only if you give the right information will you get the right answers. A good tax professional, like a good doctor, will ask you lots of questions. By the way, some of the factors that may affect your taxes are:
IPs and IPs Wonderful syncronicity! You use "IP" to mean independent professional. I'm interested in "IP" too -- intellectual property. When I used a search engine recently, your brand of IP turned up instead of mine -- and what a brilliant idea you have of matching independent professionals with opportunities! Perfect web venture! The first article I read upon "arrival" at 1099 happened to be John Mello's ["Naming Your Business"]. Boy, John, has this been waiting to be said. I can't tell you how many of my clients and colleagues remain stuck in the "find the perfect name" and "find the perfect logo" syndromes. Aquent, thanks for speaking and writing what's on the minds of so many. I'll look forward to future commentary here about business as pursued by IP's smart enough to affiliate with you! Sherry Lowry, Master Certified Coach - ICF Stuck In The Rat Race, Partially San, you are irreverent in the nicest way. I'm past middle age, self employed (or unemployed, as you may wish to call it), and having a great time doing projects for myself and others. But I'm not quite ready to drop out of the rat race -- business, bosses you don't respect, etc. Your magazine gives me a feel for the people living the creative lifestyle day after day without my having to be there too. Thanks. (Name withheld at reader's request) Thank you
for the kind remarks. We wish you success and courage. Designing Under The Trees I've been doing graphic design for the last several years, and am at a point in my career where I need some help. You see, my wife is just finishing her residency in medicine, and she needs to find a job as a family doctor. However, most good family doctor positions are in rural areas -- where graphic design needs are close to none. Is there a way to find and do design work via telecommuting from a rural area? We can move anywhere in the USA. Mark C. Goodman Graphic design is usually a highly interactive process -- there's a lot of give-and-take between the designer and the client, and between the designer and other vendors (for example, photographers and printers). Perhaps a "pure" graphic designer (if there really is such a thing) could work in isolation, but most graphic designers are also part art director. If you have existing clients who already know and trust you, they might allow you to work remotely. However, clients come and go, and any viable freelancing business requires the ability to attract new clients. You'd need outstanding sales skills (or luck) to land new design clients remotely. Two possibilities come to mind. One is to move away from print design and towards Web design, as many designers have. Not only is there less physical "stuff" involved in the Web world, but Internet people (including clients) are less psychologically hooked on meatspace. (Meatspace is the opposite of cyberspace.) However, our experience has been that landing even a Web project is difficult if you can't show up once or twice. Another possibility, if you happen to have illustration skills (as some designers do), is to try to hone those skills and move in that direction. It can be difficult to build a client base as an illustrator, but if you can develop a consistent and appealing style, it's not impossible. The advantage is that, traditionally, most illustration clients don't expect to ever meet the illustrator face-to-face; the work isn't inherently interactive the way most design work is. An illustrator can work anywhere there's access to a phone, the Internet, and Federal Express. Perhaps
other readers will have other ideas for you. Good luck, and let us know
how it works out. We're Slow But We're Good I enjoyed San's inSANity column, The Better You Are, The Longer It Takes. Not only was it interesting reading, but it helped put in perspective some of my past experiences. As I read what he said, I realized how true it is. Eugene Ruthven Out of Focus Thank you for offering such a valuable resource for the independent professional! I began providing contract services in the areas of special projects and marketing last November. My problem is that I'm having trouble narrowing my focus to offer a specialized service, because I 've done so many different things. I've read articles that say to "do what you like to do," but I'm still floundering. Any guidance would be welcome. Nancy Kelso Being good at a lot of things, and trying to do them all, is very common among independent professionals. The fluidity of the IP lifestyle often attracts people who have varied work experience and a wide range of skills. The conventional advice is to specialize whenever possible, since specialists can usually command higher rates, and often achieve a higher level of expertise in their narrow field than generalists are likely to. However, there are two sides to the argument, and the conventional advice is sometimes wrong. Generalists enjoy a wider range of potential clients; they may have an easier time making a living in smaller cities where there isn't sufficient work of one narrow type to support a business; and they may (sometimes) find their lives more interesting due to the more varied work. On the other hand, we suspect that many generalists have never made a conscious decision to be generalists. Often, they end up in that mode either because they're fearful that if they specialized they wouldn't get enough work (without having actually tried it), or simply because they haven't learned how to say "no" to potential clients. If all this sounds like we're waffling, well... let's just say the issue is complex, and there are very few IPs who haven't agonized over this. Here are two possible approaches you might take:
Another Fan of June... And It's Only May! June Walker has been, simply put, a wealth of knowledge, guidance, and support over the last decade. I was referred to her by a fellow IP musician. With her help, I've organized my record-keeping and approached all aspects of my business in an enlightened way. The security of knowing how to conduct business within the framework of today's tax laws is invaluable. June is a jewel in the desert of the self-employed. Mark T. Dacey For those
who didn't catch the pun, June Walker (our tax
columnist) lives in the desert in New Mexico. We're obviously big
fans of hers ourselves... but we don't entirely accept your metaphor
of IP-hood as a "desert." We know what you mean, but we'd
rather think of it as a tough place to live that can also be very rewarding.
At the risk of sounding sappy, let's work together on making it less
of a desert and more of a garden. All In The Family
Thanks for sharing your ideas. Don R. Monteith We're glad
you found the article useful. We're not entirely sure what you mean
by "putting the family name under a generic name" -- do you
mean use both kinds of names together? If you write in to clarify your
situation, preferably with specific information about what your business
is and what kinds of names you're considering, we'll be glad to give
you our feedback. It Wasn't Us, Honest I'm waiting. It's been several months sinced I signed up with you at [Talent Agency X]. Even went in for an interview and a look-see at my work. So far, I've heard nothing. Certainly with all your vast resources there must be some work availabilities... So. Looking forward to hearing from you with the good news you've got something cooking for DeCook. Gordon DeCook We're sorry to hear that [Agency X] couldn't utilize their "vast resources" to help you in a timely fashion. However, the agency you wrote in to complain about isn't us, it's one of our competitors. Apparently you accidentally emailed the complaint to us, which is pretty funny, if you think about it. Aquent's
talent agency is Aquent
Partners. We're forwarding your complete email to their central
office; or you can speed up the process by going to their site yourself
and using it to directly contact the regional Aquent Partners office
nearest you. Clarity and Respect Finally an understanding voice! As an "IP" I need to catch up on articles and information that would help me, but I have not always had the discipline to do so. The majority of my concerns and most of my energy are focused on artistic production. At tax time there is always the added stress of making up for my past lack of effort in keeping the numbers straight. June Walker's column is the clearest assessment I have seen of my situation as a sole proprietor/IP. Thanks June for allowing me to see myself... and thanks for the pronounced tone of respect. Peter Hogan It's The Money, Stupid In response to "What's Money For?" in San's inSANity column... I've been contemplating IP-hood for the following reasons only:
Kateria Niambi Historical Prediction Congratulations on the launching of the magazine. I think it's coming along well. Don't worry about money. Marxism is going to rise from the ashes and strangle the last capitalist with the guts of the last plutocrat. Best wishes, A Lunatic for Summer Great stuff! San's inSANity column is just what I needed to hear: serious points camouflaged inside twisted patter. As a newbie IP, I loved it and will keep it in mind as I advance my career. Thanks, San. Your brand of lunacy was a refreshing draught on a hot day. Robin L. Fisher I've been an IP since last September, after ten years as a corporate marketing art director. It's been an exciting ride so far! I think providing valuable content through a webzine is a great way to connect with IPs... Your philosophy and approach is a breath of fresh air in the creative industry, which is lagging a few steps behind the leading edge of business. Best of luck, Another Satisfied Customer Hi, the magazine looks great, informative and entertaining, just what I needed. David Anderson No Parties For Us Gunslingers Write on, Mr. San. Mr. San, Man... You're absolutely right about the IP [independent professional] phenomenon you described in your first inSANity column [I Don't Get No Respect]. When you're an IP, you are not "of the body" -- you work with and for a client, but you're not on staff. This makes you incredibly desirable to corporate clients -- at least for a time. It's like first date fever. But I've found this fades with time and exposure, until you eventually have the client's "tribal scent" on you. Then you seem to them more and more like an employee. The trick is not to do too much work for any one client. I've done a lot of freelancing for a wide range of advertising clients. They desperately need help from IPs. They covet it, eagerly anticipating our unpolluted point of view. Our fresh insights. But their gratitude only lasts so long: we deliver our work on deadline... and then nothing. No follow-up calls, no updates. Why? The client doesn't have a problem any more, doesn't need us any more. Now they have the ideas they need. Our ideas now smell like their ideas. But we -- the IPs -- are still not "of the body," and the simple truth is that no matter how valuable our contribution, we don't work there. We don't go to office birthday parties for the cute receptionist. Or have hallway chats with the boss. We are the guy on the fax machine, the gunslinger called in to kill the psycho who's terrorizing the town. Once the psycho's pushing up daisies, our services are no longer required, thank-you-very-much. We'll call you when the next headcase comes through town. No matter how well you've done the job, you don't work there. You work everywhere, and nowhere. And that takes getting used to. Clients don't throw virtual office parties in our honor, do they? Continue, Don't Need To Know Your Webzine is a useful resource, and I can see how quickly it will become an excellent one. However, please have Mr. San refrain from telling us that his favourite word is 'heuristic' and have him tell us something we need to know instead. Mike Goran, Creative Producer We expected
San to write a purely utilitarian column -- that should have been obvious
to him from the column's name, "inSANity." Instead he turned
in something slightly... crazy. Go figure. We're reviewing his contract. Dig Them Taxes Great article... I liked June Walker's tax article. I look forward to seeing more of her information. I like your site in general. I am a self-employed person and plan to log on regularly. Fred Bell Aw, Shucks I have been an Independent Professional (my new title, thanks to Lawrence San's inSANity column) with MacTemps/Aquent for 2.3 years and have enjoyed his writing often. I like his writing style and sense of humor. Some of the "San On Web" topics have been vital to my development as a confident IP. Thanks for all the research that must go into such thorough and appropriate articles, and for the thought 1099 puts into choosing words that really hit home. Looking forward to many more. Sincerely, Excluded? Fabulous launch! I am an IP (but not high tech) wishing there was an Aquent for me -- For now, I'll keep on keepin' on and enjoy the learning you offer as it applies to all independent professionals. Congratulations! Chris Graber Thanks
for the good wishes, Chris. Are you sure there's no Aquent for you?
Many of the people we represent aren't high tech, and our goal is to
provide services to all independent professionals. Let us know what
field you're in -- even if we don't represent people in that field right
now, hearing from IPs in other fields might be a good kick in the pants
to us to expand our scope. Benefit me I'm an award-winning, freelance advertising/PR/marketing writer. I do print and broadcast advertising, as well as voice-overs. How could I benefit from your services? (Mr.) Lyn A. Sherwood Straight
to the point, eh? Cool. We've forwarded your name to our Talent Finder
division (talentfinder.aquent.com)
in case you'd like to register for our do-it-yourself marketing service
(which is currently free); we've also forwarded your name to our full-service
talent agency (www.aquentpartners.com)
in case you're interested in exploring that possibility. You don't have
to wait for someone to call you; feel free to visit their respective
Web sites and register yourself if you like. Unsettled I bumped into your website while surfing and think the consolidation of the three agencies into Aquent Partners has great potential for servicing a wide array of both clients and "independent professionals." The idea of making a transition from years of permanent employment to that of a Independent Professional is a bit unsettling and I'd like to get a better idea of job opportunites and income levels before I take the leap. Thanks very much. I look forward to your response and also to further visits to your web site. Debra Guilfoyle Going from wage slavery to IP-hood is more than "a bit unsettling," Debra, it's downright scary. But as we see it, you basically have two choices: lead a life of conventional boredom and then die; or lead a life of adventure and self-exploration. You'll die anyway, but why not make the trip as exciting as possible? Anyway, there's no such thing as "permanent employment" anymore; those days are gone. You're your own brand whether you like it or not, so why not deal with the challenge head-on? We've forwarded
the specific career info you sent us to Aquent Partners, but you should
also feel free to contact them directly through their Web site or by
calling the office in the city nearest you. |
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by Lawrence San Contents copyright (c) 1999 1099 and/or individual letter-writers. |
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When
I got to "Option 1 - Kill them all," I started laughing so
loud that I got a stern glare from the Librarian In Charge Of Keeping
The Silence. Rumor has it that if you receive three of these stern glares
in a 12-month period, they'll confiscate your reading glasses and forbid
you to use the Internet for anything other than downloading the listings
for the local public television station.
