Going from solo to ??

[Physics Dummy]

I'm wondering if anyone can give me some advice/thoughts/opinions.

Over the past 5 years I have built up a nice little practice for myself. I have a pretty set schedule for seeing clients, and, knock on wood, my schedule has been about as full as I like it lately (about 17 clients/week plus chair massage a couple of times a month). When I was seeing a client earlier, my mind started to wander a bit and I wondered if I should look into hiring someone down the road.

As it is right now, I'm really getting tired of working 6 days/week (granted, they aren't full days, but if you're like me, any day I give a massage, be it 1 or 6, it's a work day) and I know that once spring/summer rolls around again, I'm not going to want to give up half my Saturdays to work like I have done most of this year. So, here is my very new thought/idea...bring in someone to work a couple of days a week (Friday/Saturday and Sunday should they desire) to make up for the time that I'm not there, they would use my office, and I would pay them a commission on each client they saw (I haven't really thought of what the split would be).

For example, Therapist B is scheduled Saturday from 10am-3pm, I would handle the scheduling of clients, let them know what they have scheduled for the day, they go in, see clients, collect payment and then go.

Ideally I'd like to do a 1099 as I don't really want to have an "employee" and have to do the taxes and all that, but rather an independent or subcontractor I guess? And this way I can open the schedule up more to accomodate more clients (and more new clients that want to get in quickly and don't want to wait a week for an opening) and I can free up some time for myself.

I just have one office to use where I'm at (mine) since all of the others are rented out, and like I said, this is a VERY new thought to me, but something I'd like to think more about this winter if things continue to go well like they have been.

Has anyone done anything like this before? Any books/articles/tips?

Thanks in advance!

 

[noodlecakes]

Going from solo to ??

If you want to handle the scheduling, you should look at hiring them as an employee. While the paperwork is a bit more challenging at first, you have a lot more control over how the additional MT(s) conduct themselves, especially since they will be representing your business.

If you want them to be an IC, write up an IC agreement that sets expectations regarding hours of availability, use of the space, etc. Do your homework and see if any folks employing ICs will share a copy of their IC agreement with you. It's generally better to have things spelled out in great detail than not, especially if these people will be seeing your established clientele rather than just bringing in their own.

Pros and cons to both options. I personally prefer the employee option, it works great for us. I hope you find the right solution to achieve success with your needs.

 

[Snowy]

Going from solo to ??

Having an employee is no big deal. You can do your payroll with Bank of America and they pay everything for you. If you read enough post on this site. Lots of MT's have issues with beging an IC beacuse lots of emploers seem to forget your are not an employee. In the eyes of the IRS you are self employed. If are are feeding a therapist clients and supplying them with supplies. Example sheets laurdry, oil, table, business cards paying for ads etc.... than that makes the MT an employee I had a long talk with the small business division of the IRS. If have have any questions about the differece call the IRS I found them to be very helpful

 

[Kuro Yuki]

Going from solo to ??

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99921,00.html

Here is some info from the IRS