Here are the answers to some questions you may have after looking at my website. If you your question isn't on this list, feel free to call or e-mail me. There is no charge for the initial evaluation to determine whether I'm the right person for the work you need done.
Is that really you in the hat?
Believe it or not, this is the question I get asked the most. Yes, it's really me. The picture was taken in 2002 by Joan Bobkoff, a photographer working in Berkeley. I can recommend her highly if you need your portrait taken. In case you're wondering, I don't wear the hat to work. It's actually very hard to get anything done while wearing a 10-gallon hat.What's that you're holding in the picture?
I call it my 'File Sling', and no, it's not an accordion. It's actually a Pendaflex® Mobile File Case. You can expand it to hang on a wall or fold it to carry like a mini-briefcase. I have a folder for each client and use it to take papers and disks back and forth. I got it at Office Depot for about $10. Everyone who sees it loves it. (And no, alas, I'm not being paid for that endorsement.)Do you have a license?
So far there's no certification program for fileslinging, but I have a business license from the City of El Cerrito and a Fictitious Business Name registered in Contra Costa County. I also have a Dunn & Bradstreet credit listing (look it up under DUNS 17 121 3478).What kind of clients do you work for?
Most of my clients are sole proprietors (aka independent professionals, consultants, coaches, and solo professionals), small businesses, or private individuals—people who don't already have an in-house staff to do the work I do, and who don't really need a full-time staff. I'd be happy to work for medium-sized or larger businesses if they needed my particular skills.How much do you charge?
My rates vary with the type of work I'm doing. The lowest rates are for basic clerical work and the highest are for work that involves both technical skill and a high level of responsibility (e.g. supervising others in addition to my own work). See my current Rate Sheet for specifics. Payment is due at the time of service.Do you always charge by the hour?
Usually, but not always. In some cases, such as trademark research, I work on a "per project" basis. This fee in these instances is based on the number of hours I expect to spend on the project.Do you work for clients outside the Bay Area?
Most of my office and computer consulting clients are within a 15-mile radius of El Cerrito, but I can do research, editing and design work from anywhere. Whether in person, on the phone, or online, I like to get to know my clients and their businesses so I can help them better.Do you have a minimum appointment time?
There is no minimum time for work that I do from my home. For work done at your home or office, the minimum is 1 hour if you live in my immediate vicinity and 2 hours if I have to cross a bridge to get to you.Do you have a cancellation policy?
Please give me 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel an appointment. I will waive the fee for last-minute cancellations if you can reschedule for the same week.
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