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“At the bottom of the newsletter, you asked for feedback. I wanted to let you know I really enjoy the emails, I like how they are organized, remind me of upcoming events and showcase relevant articles I may have missed from fellow members.

I always take away new ideas and feel positive and motivated after reading the newsletter. Keep up the good work.”

So, what do we share in our newsletter? All of the important things of course - what members are discussing in Slack, upcoming events, jobs, resources and more. Here’s a preview of our recent send out.

Contract, hire or partner? Plus PPP Round 2 requirements

The work is coming in! Now what?

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We're hearing from members that projects are coming in and pipelines are filling up. Is the tide rising or is it just a wave to start the year? Nobody seems sure, but it leads to questions about how to handle the work. So read on and learn more about how Bureau shops are tackling this positive problem.

Upcoming events

Whoa! Thanks to everyone for grabbing their spot at upcoming events. Both the SEO Workshop and Design Leadership Camp might be sold out when you get this. If so, please add yourself to the waiting lists and we'll try to accommodate the demand. 

Contract, Hire, or Partner? 

Last week the Bureau Slack caught fire on the topic of how to handle the recent increase in work coming in. Specifically around the question of using contractors versus hiring people for the team. Or partnering with another shop in some cases. Here are the words of wisdom that were shared.

  • Because contractors don't get benefits and have less security with your company, they are going to cost more from a pure take-home pay perspective.

  • Contractors often make more because they assume the risk, but if you offer a longer-term agreement they may be willing to discount their rate.

  • If you treat a contractor like an employee, then realize the IRS will think of them as an employee and you can end up owing payroll taxes and penalties. Here's more info from the IRS on how they decide a worker's status.

  • Don't list contractors on your website, give them company email addresses, or anything else that indicates they are a part of your company. This is a trigger for the IRS.

  • The biggest issues with true contractors are cost and control.

  • Ask yourself if your vision for the company includes a larger team in certain areas? If so, consider a contract-to-hire approach.

  • Realize you may limit your talent pool if you don't consider hiring an employee versus a contractor. Some people need the security and comradery of joining a company.

  • Consider partnering with an agency if there is:

    • limited overlap in capabilities

    • a strong existing relationship

    • concern over quality or reliability

What successes and failures have you dealt with involving more work than your team can handle?

Bureau Sessions are back next week 

Don't miss this chance to connect with your peers in a small group setting. Click on the session below you want to join to get registered.

January 19 (2-3pm ET)

January 21 (2-3pm ET)

PPP Round 2, do you qualify? 

A lot of shops weathered the pandemic thanks to the PPP loans. And as we're filing for forgiveness on the first round, new requirements for round 2 have been made available.

In order to receive a PPP second draw loan under the Act, eligible entities must:

  • Employ not more than 300 employees;

  • Have used or will use the full amount of their first PPP loan; and

  • Demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts in the first, second, or third quarter of 2020 relative to the same quarter in 2019.

More info on regulations should be out by January 21, so stay tuned!

Jobs, resources, and other fun links!

Have we got you convinced to sign up yet? If so, just click this link and remember you can always unsubscribe at any time. Look forward to visiting your inbox soon!

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