FAQs
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Basically think of it as being part of your team but only for as long and as much as you need. Additionally, as I shall be officially self-employed, you don't need to worry about other costs such as medical insurance.
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What is the "peformance assurance"?
I am happy to agree with you some form of performance related pay as a portion of my fee. We can decide between us how we might be able to measure this and what proportion. But for example, I have agreed in the past to something as open as "discretionary upon customer satisfaction" and making up to 50% of the fee directly contingent upon it. In this way we both can be assured of each others commitment as we both "have some skin in the game".
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What is your employment status?
In terms of how I work with you, I am a self-employed contractor. In terms of my US-legal status, I am a UK citizen on a Visa with current work permission until 17th August, 2008.
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As a general rule, no. What you get is me, working as part of your team. However, on occasions there is work that might make more sense to outsource. For example, cleaning up a large database might be very very time consuming but does not require that high a level of skill. In such instances it makes more sense to contract that elsewhere rather than have me do it. I can organise and manage such work to save you the hassle and pass on the charge at cost; you would already be paying for my time.
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Can I contract you exclusively?Well, as they say, everything is open to negotiation! However, I do have to say that it would have to be a very interesting offer...
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The exact amount will depend upon the nature of the work, amount of time and likely period of contract. But the amount is going to be in line with the sort of salary, pro rata, that you would expect to pay an experienced professional with my skills. But, of course, you don't have other costs such as medical insurance and are only paying for a smaller amount of hours.
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How long is a normal contract?
That depends on how long you need me. It can be as short as five to ten days for a short-term project or, as has happened, a couple of years on a rolling basis.
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A lot of my work is home-office based which I have equipped with all necessary requirements. However, if practical, I am happy to work at your offices which can often help team relationships.
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My business is not near you. Is that a problem?No, is the short answer. It is good to meet face-to-face when first starting work together and maybe periodically thereafter. But with modern communications it is very feasible, and can be more efficient, to work remote. I have worked from Massachusetts for companies in Atlanta, GA and even back in the UK.
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What if there is a conflict with another client?
It is pretty rare and, in fact, has never happened to me. If it did, my view would be that if I was already contracted to you that is where my loyalty would lie and I would decline the new contract. Likewise, if you were to request my services and it conflicted with an existing client I would have to politely decline.
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