Who is in Control?

Dot begins work on January 1 and is eager to help your company grow. She delivers expertise in managing social media and web content for small businesses, and you are anxious to see what positive impact she will have on your business.

It is worth the cost

Dot is a respected social media manager in the community. Hard work, experience, and creativity generate that respect. Therefore, she charges a premium for her services. You decided months ago that the best way to grow your business is to invest in social media, and adding Dot to the team is the perfect first step towards taking your business to the next level.

Like many professionals Dot loves to work independently. She can typically be found working from her home in rural Tennessee, from Poet’s Coffee Shop in Cookeville, or from her small RV. She loves the independence and freedom the Internet affords and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Get your ducks in a row

You tell Dot that you are fine with her “location independence” but expect to communicate and collaborate with her on a regular basis. Dot comes at a high cost; as a result, you expect her to produce tangible results and to keep you updated on her progress.

Above all, our advice to you in this situation is to pay very close attention to employment law. Know the rules and build systems in your business to comply with them. Does Dot’s work style impact how you manage her? Does your business need to pay Dot through your payroll system? Do you pay her like any other vendor who provides services to your business? Good questions!

Take your medicine

Grab a cup of coffee, read this IRS notice on Understanding Employee vs Contractor Designation, and then contact us for some guidance and advice if the article provides more questions than answers. Congratulations on hiring Dot to help take your business to the next level because she will boost your business and is definitely worth the money!

Photo by Lindsay Henwood on Unsplash