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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 57 F inding employees and freelancers, and building a balanced team, are ongoing challenges in the fl oral industry. I have been fortunate to be on both sides of this exchange where I have had to hire freelance designers and have also been hired as a freelance designer. While writing this article, I took a moment to interview my longtime mentor, Sue Weisser, a freelance fl oral and event designer, educator and owner of e Floral Studio PA in Flying Hills (Reading), Pa., for a few of her thoughts on this topic, as well. I have found that regardless of which side of the coin you are on, the key to a successful employment partnership boils down to communication in the following four main topics. Clear Communication e greatest distance between two people is a misunderstanding. Take the time to set your expectations of what your standards are. is goes for everyone involved, be they employer, employee, freelancer, etc. Compensation, working conditions, meals/food, travel expenses, lodging, skill set and working hours should all be agreed upon before starting the fi rst day of active work. If you're a freelancer, do not go into a new job without getting the full details of what the gig will entail. If you're expecting to work eight-hour days but the employer is expecting you to work 16-hour days, you need to know that in advance so you can plan accordingly—if you agree to work together. Will you need to be on tall ladders during the installation? What sort of design work are you being contracted for (e.g., sympathy design, wedding design, large installations, daily designs), and is that something in your wheelhouse? Is the environment one in which you will be mentored and taught new skills, or is it more of a hustle and busy workfl ow environment? Neither of these necessarily make or break a decision to work together, but you must know what you're jumping into so you can show up ready to go, with your best foot forward. If you are the employer, being squeaky clean with your expectations and communication is an absolute must. Although we are all working in the same industry, every individual business has its unique order of operations. To assume that new employees or contractors will instinctively know how you like things done is sloppy management and, ultimately, sets them up for failure. Meet them with the respect you would like to receive in return, and have a kind and clear conversation about your expectations, protocols and procedures. Be OK with answering a lot of questions even if you think By Shawn Michael Foley, AIFD, CFD, PFCI Your Quick Guide to Fr lancing

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