Thread: "Assistant" spelled out in contract?

For those who work using contracts, if you have someone accompany you to gigs, is it in your contract? How do you word it without it sounding like "I'm bringing my own muscle in case you get out of hand & I need help beating a hasty retreat"? Or do you just verbally tell the client & say you're bringing an "assistant" to help with your belongings/props/whatever? I'm wondering if it'd be best to put a clause in about an accompanying assistant or escort (don't like the way that word sounds)? Or just forget it & tell a client up front I bring someone with me? Ever had anyone balk at you bringing someone?

Originally Posted by DancingRuya

For those who work using contracts, if you have someone accompany you to gigs, is it in your contract? Ever had anyone balk at you bringing someone?

I often invite students to come with me as my assistants. They like to see what gigs are like. I have never mentioned the assistant in a contract. However, I would probably do so if I were performing at a public event (such as a charity black tie fundraiser) that charges admission fees, because I'd want a contractual stipulation allowing my assistant to get in without paying the admission fee.

I often verbally tell the client that I'll be bringing an assistant, but sometimes I don't tell them in advance. I do use the word "assistant" to describe the person's role. If I do tell them in advance, I usually don't bother explaining the role. I just say, "FYI, I'll be bringing an assistant to help me with logistical details," and let it go at that. If they ask, I'm happy to tell them about handling the music, handing me props when I'm ready for them, etc. I don't mention the "bodyguard" role, although safety is one of the reasons I like to have another person with me.

In over 20 years of doing private party gigs, I've never had someone balk at my bringing an assistant.

Originally Posted by *Shira*

I often invite students to come with me as my assistants. They like to see what gigs are like. I have never mentioned the assistant in a contract. However, I would probably do so if I were performing at a public event (such as a charity black tie fundraiser) that charges admission fees, because I'd want a contractual stipulation allowing my assistant to get in without paying the admission fee.

I often verbally tell the client that I'll be bringing an assistant, but sometimes I don't tell them in advance. I do use the word "assistant" to describe the person's role. If I do tell them in advance, I usually don't bother explaining the role. I just say, "FYI, I'll be bringing an assistant to help me with logistical details," and let it go at that. If they ask, I'm happy to tell them about handling the music, handing me props when I'm ready for them, etc. I don't mention the "bodyguard" role, although safety is one of the reasons I like to have another person with me.

In over 20 years of doing private party gigs, I've never had someone balk at my bringing an assistant.

Thanks Shira, that was mainly what I was thinking - so there'd be no charging an entry fee or anything of the sort to the assistant.

I'm inclined to think if a potential client balks at the mention of an assistant coming along then that could be a red flag not to take the gig.

Originally Posted by DancingRuya

I'm inclined to think if a potential client balks at the mention of an assistant coming along then that could be a red flag not to take the gig.

Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

Especially if you use the word "assistant" rather than escort or bodyguard. Nobody with decent motives would shoot you down for bringing somebody to help you do your job.

I don't mention it in my contracts, but when I do the final "confirmation" phone call, i usually just say i will be bringing someone with me. Most of the time, the client is happy to hear that, because it means you can send that person in to get them and/or set up the music, and not ruin the surprise.

I've been gigging for 6 years now and have never had anyone complain about an assistant.

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

Especially if you use the word "assistant" rather than escort or bodyguard. Nobody with decent motives would shoot you down for bringing somebody to help you do your job.

It is possible that the person booking the event might misunderstand, and think you were somehow trying to drive up the cost by bringing another person with you. ("Great...another person who'll expect a tip, and whatever you do, Mabel, don't let her start dancing or that will be another $150 on the bill!") Sometimes people just don't know any better, but it's easy enough to clarify that your assistant's presence is already included in the price you quoted when you bid on the job.

This is the verbiage I have on my website:

"- Do you go to performances alone?

Many times I bring someone with me, so do not be surprised when you see two people instead of one. "

I usually don't bring someone with me. As said above, if I were doing a high end event which was ticketed and I chose to bring someone, I would probably mention it somewhere along the way. Maybe not during the initial booking conversations. Afterall, they did read my website, yes?

{{{HUGS}}}

While I don't use assistants myself, if I did I would let the client know verbally that I was bringing someone along with me to help with my music, props etc. Especially if the gig is at a private residence - I think it's only polite and professional to let the client know that you will be bringing another unknown individual into their home.

I often bring my boyfriend or a.n. other if he isn't available. I am up front and say that I feel more comfortable bringing someone since I don't know the venue, I find it safer. People often say things like " oh, I'm so glad to hear that", as it must have crossed their minds too. If anyone said, "no, you must come totally alone" I was be concerned.

I remember one time on new years eve, a man I'd never met before offered me a life home. It was late, everyone was so friendly. But I said, "I really appreciate the offer, but I've only just met you, so I'm going to get a cab, as I'd feel safer". He just *wouldn't take no for an answer*. I got away as quickly as I could. Weird. Most genuine folk have the first reaction of "oh, thank god you take security precautions".

Sometimes I tell them I am bringing a photographer who will gladly photo their event free and that I'll be happy to email a couple of shots later. Since my nubby is learning photography, he gets to escort and I get an excuse to contact the client for feedback and marketing later. Plus, they often get excited about this freebie. If he doesn't want to go, sometimes I take another dancer and pay her a fee for helping me out with music, getting the money up front, etc. If it's in a public place I don't worry about it. Most people completely understand why you want company to go to a strangers house...if they didn't I'd worry...

Most of my gigs are "surprise we hired a belly dancer" gigs.
Usually I tell them up front "I usually bring my husband, he goes into the party and gets the contact person so as not to spoil the surprise" No one has ever not been OK with that.
It is good to bring him because I can relax in the car! I do bring advanced students as well so they can see what a "private party" looks like. all clients have beeen OK with this as well. I don't put it in the contract though.

i just call them "assistant" or "driver" or "trainee".

I put this in all my contracts and it is stated on my website:

"A properly dressed escort may accompany Maha. A seat must be provided for the escort and the escort will not be demanded to pay any admission into the event."

I've never had any issues :)

Originally Posted by Bellydancingcaroline

... If anyone said, "no, you must come totally alone" I was be concerned. ..
I remember one time on new years eve, a man I'd never met before offered me a life home. It was late, everyone was so friendly. But I said, "I really appreciate the offer, but I've only just met you, so I'm going to get a cab, as I'd feel safer". He just *wouldn't take no for an answer*. I got away as quickly as I could. Weird. Most genuine folk have the first reaction of "oh, thank god you take security precautions".

Originally Posted by Sonja2

... Most people completely understand why you want company to go to a strangers house...if they didn't I'd worry...

Yes, yes! People with only good intentions would never ever have an issue with you bringing someone or with you refusing a ride home *from a stranger*.
Either reaction is a huge red flag.
Another hint- if you are taking a cab and some creeper (like in Caroline's post) is hanging around- don't give the driver your home address within earshot of the guy.
If someone says "can I see your drivers license so I can spell your name right on your check?"- give them your business card (that should have your dance name and no address).
If there is any hesitation about you bringing someone to a gig- do not do the gig.

Originally Posted by Mahabellydance

I put this in all my contracts and it is stated on my website:

"A properly dressed escort may accompany Maha. A seat must be provided for the escort and the escort will not be demanded to pay any admission into the event."

I've never had any issues :)

I like the way that's worded Maha, thanks.

I've also wondered about the tax implications to a sole proprietor if an assistant is spelled out in the contract - which basically would show they are an employee, so then potentially employment taxes could enter into the equation, right? I know LC/LLC can have employees, but unsure about sole proprietor. I'm all for keeping things as simple as possible, but legal, of course.

Originally Posted by DancingRuya

I like the way that's worded Maha, thanks.

I've also wondered about the tax implications to a sole proprietor if an assistant is spelled out in the contract - which basically would show they are an employee, so then potentially employment taxes could enter into the equation, right? I'm all for keeping things as simple as possible, but legal, of course.

I'm thinking it's more of a contractor position, than an employee. I contract them as an assistant for an evening or for a couple hours every now and again.
Independent Contractor (Self-Employed) or Employee?
If you paid someone, such as a contractor more than $600 in one year you do file a 1099 for them
Forms and Associated Taxes for Independent Contractors
If you paid less than that, you can still claim the expense but do not have to file 1099.
This is per the advice from my accountant, and seems to be backed up by the above sources. As always- I recommend talking to your own accountant.

You could call them an intern for taxes, this would work for students, then no problem in the contract with taxes! Interns aren't expected to make $

See I WIN the thread killer for sure!!!!..g.:

..l;,