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Then it’s Oscar and you.

Oscar: Do I know you?

You: Yes, but only in your dreams.

Oscar: What? Are you trying to sell me something? I thought you were from our external espionage—I mean new product research—group!

You: I’m sorry for any misunderstanding. I wanted to talk to you about Competitor A’s and Competitor B’s plans to move into the umbrella field. You risk losing the edge unless a few things are done.

Oscar: I already know about that. We’ve got our ways. But how do you know this?

You: I keep my head up. (An instant winner’s phrase, and not just to use with an umbrella mogul. Use it well.)

Oscar: What are you proposing?

You: To give you a week of my services for a fixed, refundable fee.

Oscar: You mean like a consultant? We’ve tried that before and wasted our money. They told us to just fire everyone. We already knew that.

You: That’s why I didn’t suggest being a consultant. I don’t want to consult . I want to do. There’s a big difference between advising and assisting . (Use that verbatim!) I’ll indemnify you against any loss you incur up to the amount of my fee.

Oscar: Let me get this straight. You’re so sure you’ll add value that you’re willing to pay us back whatever we pay you?

You: Yes. But you’ve got to assign a project to me so you can see my capability. We’ll meet at the end of the week and decide if this will work with me as an employee.

Oscar (checking his wallet): How much are we talking about?

You: Whatever you think is fair. At the end of the week, we’ll talk. I brought an agreement for you to sign.

Oscar: Let’s see it—I might have to run it by our lawyers.

You: It’s not a major buying decision. Here it is.

Okay, now here is the template for your one-page document.

Worksheet

I, Oscar the Offeror (“Oscar”), on behalf of Worryworks LLC (“Worryworks”), hereby agree to pay Cleve R. Clever (“Cleve”) the amount of $ ______on or before____________ (date). In exchange, Cleve will provide services to Worryworks from (date) to _________(date) as an independent contractor. Said services shall be on a project basis as requested by Oscar.

Cleve shall perform said services from home and shall spend whatever time and effort he deems necessary at his sole discretion. Cleve shall not hold himself out as an employee of Worryworks.

Cleve shall be solely responsible for any payment of taxes of any services rendered to Worryworks. This includes but is not limited to federal and state income taxes.

Cleve shall not use, disclose, or retain any confidential information he receives in conjunction with the services provided to Worryworks. All documents received from Worryworks shall be returned by Cleve on the date the services cease.

Cleve shall indemnify and hold Worryworks harmless from any amount up to the amount paid to him by Worryworks.

Oscar shall determine at his sole discretion the amount, if any, Cleve is to repay. The request from Oscar to Cleve may be oral or written but must be made within five business days after Cleve’s services cease.

Cleve shall repay the amount to Oscar within five business days after the request therefor.

Oscar and Cleve enter into this independent contractor agreement to determine whether hiring Cleve as an employee after the week of services would be in their mutual interest. Oscar shall decide this at his sole discretion.

____________(date)

__________________________

Oscar the Offeror, Principal

Worryworks LLC

__________________________

Cleve R. Clever

Before you use this little device, look in your local Yellow Pages under “Attorneys—Employment Law.” Some advertise an initial free phone consultation. Call one or two and read the agreement to them slowly. If they suggest any changes, make them. Use the template as a guide.

We’re not writing a formal release indemnification, a hold-harmless agreement, or an independent contractor agreement. Oscar is going to pay you a small amount of money. You’re only presenting the agreement to get his attention