A Freelancer's Survival Guide .

Darryl Livingston

10 July 2008

For those brooding about taking the plunge, you have lots of company. "Each one is president of the company" announces Gene Fairbrother, advisor to the nation's organisation for the Self-Employed. "That means being responsible for selling, finances, accounting and everything else. If you do not know this, you are headed for a tumble.".

This 1st step is not just the most vital, it is also the hardest ; iron skin helps. In 2003, after a period of working executive-assistant roles, Perry figured she'd strike out alone as a scribe for hire. When it came to scaring up work, "I attempted it all" she asserts, "but online is where I began to build my portfolio.". She also joined a local chapter of a writers ' group, which yielded some referrals. NASE's Fairbrother recommends signing any letter in blue ink so recipients know you signed it personally. After you land the work, you will need a contract to make it official. It helps to have a counsel when papering a work agreement, but in several cases you do not need one.

NASE members, too, have access to the Legal Club of America at no cost legal support. Then, naturally, there is working with the IRS. Firms that contract for $600 or more in services are needed by the IRS to send you a 1099 form saying what they paid you. Those wishing to sock away for retirement should get an "employer identification number" from the IRS.

And recollect the home-office reduction ( presuming the space is essentially used for business, not playing videogames ). That way, if you do get checked, you've got a record that spells out precisely where the moulah went. Maybe the better part about working for anyone else has health benefits. Flavored self employed staff know the individual-sponsored health insurance market is both confusing and punishing. After all this effort, you will need

to get paid. Beware : Some patrons are slower to pay than others, so prepare to make a ton of follow-up telephone calls. Several standard jobbers, like plumbers and carpenters, are regularly able to command a down payment up-front. That is what Darcy Gans, owner of an one-woman home catering operation in Nampa, Idaho, does. Gans needs her clients put down a 50% deposit, with the rest due the day of the event. Depending on the client, she may not even wait that long. "The bride's pop does not have the checkbook, or things like which will come up" she is saying.