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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
layoff checklist: what should I be doing?
Dominic Hanna, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Bear | DE | United States | Posted: 10:06 AM on 04.27.09 |
->> So in about 3 weeks, I'll be joining the ranks of the unemployed. This past week I've been trying to get a list together of things I need to do in preparing to be a full time freelancer.
So far I've..
-Separated by personal/business bank accounts.
-Gone over my regular expenses, to get a better CODB.
-Filed for a W-9 tax ID
-Updated my physical portfolio.
-Networked whenever I could. If I met another photographer, I made sure they at least got my business card to see if they needed an assistant.
Is there anything else I should be doing? |
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Pouya Dianat, Photographer
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Atlanta | GA | | Posted: 10:19 AM on 04.27.09 |
| ->> Have you registered as an LLC? Have you planned to do estimated quarterly taxes? Have you set up a system for tracking all receipts and expenses? Take a look at the Freelancer's Union, too. Let me know if you have any other questions via e-mail. |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 10:22 AM on 04.27.09 |
->> Were you laid off? If so check what you qualify for as far as unemployment, COBRA etc.
Make sure your gear is in good order. Check your memberships in anything like CPS or NPS that you may need, make sure they are still good (that you are a member and it wasn't the paper who handled all repairs etc. and in the case of CPS do you qualify for the level you want)
Do you have a web page to help market yourself?
Have you explored other areas besides editorial for work such as weddings, advertising etc?
Explore other areas of promoting yourself such as promo cards, ads for wedding photography in the local media etc. |
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Karl Stolleis, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | | Posted: 10:25 AM on 04.27.09 |
->> After you get all the unemployment, ect taken care of - find an accountant. One who handles small biz, or even photogs. You will get lots of advice like "register for an LLC," that may not be a wise idea based on your situation.
A good accountant is worth their weight in gold. |
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David Harpe, Photographer
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Louisville | KY | USA | Posted: 10:29 AM on 04.27.09 |
->> Obtain the services of an accountant and a lawyer. Although there are plenty of do-it-yourself options for setting up an LLC, this task can be a good ice-breaker to get a relationship going with these professionals. A good accountant and lawyer are a valuable part of your team once your business gets going, and it's far better to have a relationship already established versus playing catch-up when you're in a pinch.
Shore up your web site, and if you're not technically inclined hire someone (or do a tradeout). A lot of your work will come from your web site, so spend time on it.
Good luck. It ain't easy - but it can be rewarding. |
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Jeff Stanton, Photographer
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Princeton | IN | USA | Posted: 10:32 AM on 04.27.09 |
| ->> The idea of your unemployment compensation is important. You have to eat and pay your bills during this transition period. If you have any savings, you could end up going through it very fast if you don't have some source of income flowing through. Freelancers are a dime a dozen and everyone else owns a digital camera nowadays. I would also look into at least some kind of part time job to help if unemployment benefits are not enough or you're not eligible for some reason or another. |
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Jack Howard, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Central Jersey | NJ | USA | Posted: 10:37 AM on 04.27.09 |
->> Realize it is not the end of the world.
Realize you are not your job.
Relax. Take some time that first week to do some things that don't involve hunching over the computer.
Join LinkedIn.
Don't spend all your time on message boards.
Don't get down on you for being temporarily out of work, and don't feel guilty for having free time. Make the most of it! |
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