Just in case you are looking for me in the next four months, I'll be hiding under a desk, with a gun, hoping the tax man doesn't find me. He will though; I'm legit. It is so freakin' expensive being honest!

As you feel your wallets squeeze (or possibly inflate) over the next few months, just think about me - huddled in a corner, in the dark, staring blankly at a red number on my computer screen - a number that tells me I owe the government way more money that I want to pay them.

Work on freelancers. Work nobly. And please start working above the table so the IRS will remove their forearm and come play with you for a while.

Have a lovely tax season everyone!

There's an infographic floating around out there that asks, "How Would You Like Your Graphic Design?" While the illustrated concepts have everything to do with output from the graphic design process, they are equally applicable to just about any kind of work product. The original version can be found on Visual.ly, but I've cropped the title off the version below so that you can see how this diagram directly relates to your work and the quality of work you expect from other people. Enjoy!

Sometimes you see something online and you just can't help but laugh hysterically. I found the following image online yesterday, and I feel compelled to share it here. This is an absolutely perfect explanation of work relationships in modern business. I admit to falling into the project manager column, and I believe almost everyone I've ever worked with views me as one of these variations. Enjoy!

You're always seeing how Joe Freelancer got screwed because of a bad (or worse, no) contractual agreement with Jeff Client. This happens all the blessed time. I have read several great posts lately about how some firms are approaching the idea of contracts with their clients, and that came about at a fortuitous time because I've currently got two contracts outstanding.

Deliverables and escape clauses seem to be the most common client concerns I encounter. Every firm is different, both in scope of work and firm-client relationship management, but these two concepts seem to be the crux of just about all I read on the subject of contracts. Funny, I would have thought money would have been a pivotal concern, but it really doesn't seem to be that big of a hang up. I think that's largely because we are steadily moving toward a more freelance-centered project environment. Most firms realize they are actually saving money by bringing in a freelance professional because (1) the person would likely cost too much to justify hiring for a full-time position, (2) one person can be tasked with the work it would take a team to do in the office, and (3) management can focus on other projects.

So why are deliverables and escape clauses such a big factor? In my situation, I have one potential client who doesn't really know what he needs. He thinks he does, but he really has no earthly idea. Because of that, it is difficult getting him to lock in a set of deliverables. The other potential client just doesn't understand software maintenance provisions. If I maintain your software, you pay me - pretty simple concept. His concern is being able to cancel his maintenance term at any time. I have no problem with cancellation of maintenance provided I have some notice and some control over the transition away from my services.

Ultimately, I believe (and I think this is a common opinion) the contract negotiation process is the absolute worst part of any freelance project. The work is cake, but nailing down the contract can be a nightmare. Luckily, there are a ton of great contract writing resources out there. I will continue to make use of them going forward. If only there were a way to get the client to sign a blank page that could later add the contract on to.... Interesting thought. I must pursue this...

Peace and goodwill to all!
-ELC