1. I am a sole-proprietorship and enjoy the independence. What is the advantage of joining the Full Sphere collective?

The advantages are several. First, as a member of the collective, you maintain your independence while increasing your opportunity for quantity and diversity of work.

Second, you are able to tap into the cumulative experience of the collective including knowledge base and reference materials. Through the Full Sphere medium which includes forums, real-time chat and solutions database, you are able to access instant solutions to not only work performed for Full Sphere but also your own independent work.

Third, you have access to workshops, seminars and CEUs delivered under the Full Sphere umbrella.

2. I was laid off and am currently looking for a full-time position with a firm. Can I join the collective in the interim?

Yes. We welcome those idled or slowed by the recession. There is no obligation other than to maintain a commitment to quality. Upon being re-hired you would want to check with your employer about ‘moonlighting.’ Most firms have a policy against this due to liability.

3. What are the risks to being a member of the Full Sphere collective?

None. As an independent contractor you can join or leave the collective at anytime without obligation. A contract is issued for each project and both parties are bound to the terms which include compensation, scope, delivery date, format, guidance etc. Your work is being reviewed and certified by the architect or engineer of record. You assume no liability for errors or omissions.

4. Is there a precedent for the Full Sphere concept – independent professionals working under a common umbrella to serve the industry?

Yes, in the health-care IT consulting industry where the model has become an attractive alternative to off-shoring.

5. How do I get started?

As a member, you will log-into the FSS ‘Project List’ where you will find a list of projects specific to your skillset. You would submit a fee proposal to Full Sphere Studio (FSS) for each project. Where FSS receives multiple proposals for the same job, they will be evaluated on the basis of fee, workload, experience, schedule, past performance with FSS and other project specific criteria.

Upon selection, FSS will negotiate a contract detailing the nature of the work, schedule and compensation. Work will be dispatched and managed via email, chat, phone and for local members, face-to-face meetings as required to expedite the work and ensure quality.

6. Will I be competing with foreign labor?

No. Collective membership is limited to US residents operating in the US only.

7. I live in a large metro area where the cost of living is very high. How can I be competitive with someone living in rural Kansas with a much lower cost of living?

By focusing on your specific skill set, maintaining an efficient work process and accurately estimating your time investment. Bear in mind that your fee is not the only criteria for selection.  See 5 above.

8. How can Full Sphere compete with India or China?

It can’t. Production rates overseas are 30% to 50% below the US rate. Utilizing competitive bidding within a group of extremely motivated, independent professionals who traditionally maintain lower overheads, coupled with the advantages of on-shoring, FSS can provide a feasible and attractive alternative to off-shoring.

9. Will I work directly with the Full Sphere client?

In some cases yes, depending upon the nature of work and your location. Generally however, you will be anonymous to the FSS client.

10. In those cases where I am making direct contact with the FSS client, what would prevent me from working for the client directly cutting out the middle-man?

Nothing. Collective members are free agents and are welcome to entertain solicitation offers from FSS clients.  Firms generally outsource work to lower their fixed-overhead which includes salaries and the cost of maintaining employees (taxes, insurance, training / continuing education, morale maintenance, license fees, etc.).  Given the additional QC layer, FSS is confident it will deliver a higher quality product for less and does not expect to become a farm league for its clients.

11. Does Full Sphere Studio offer benefits to its members?

Currently no. However as the pool and workflow increases, group health policies, profit sharing and other benefits will be offered to interested and qualified members.

12. Do I have to pay my own taxes?

Yes. As a member of the Full Sphere collective you are still an independent, self-employed contractor responsible for your own taxes. You will receive a 1099 every January for work performed during the prior year.

13. How does Full Sphere Studio make money?

A small administrative multiplier is applied to every contract. This covers the administrative costs as well as the coordination, quality control checks and incidental red-lines / modifications.

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