Hi gang,

For those of you that don't know me, my wife
and I recently started a local email club project
that's becoming quite successful.

Now we're faced with the challenge of not
being able to do all the work ourselves. And
will need to add some manpower (or woman power)
to the project.

Specifically we need a Database/Web Programmer, and
a graphic/web designer. Now... I've spoken with the
gentleman in charge of career development at the
University of Michigan and have an appointment
with him next week to discuss the possibilities
of making these positions a student internship sort
of thing.

Two questions:

1. Do you feel this is a wise move? Any pro's or
con's you care to share would be greatly appreciated.

2. As far as compensation goes... we are cash poor
at the moment, so we we're considering something
like a sign-on bonus of a coupla hundred bucks (that
would cover the immediate work we need done), and
then offer them a profit sharing plan for as long as
they fulfilled their performance agreement (say
10 to 15 hours/week). That way they'll feel like
they have a "piece of the pie".

Am I absurd in my thinking... or do you think it's
a viable plan? Any thoughts appreciated. ;o)

Now... this brings me to my next challenge.

I have an appointment Monday morning with
a gentleman who calls himself a Sales Consultant.

He currently works for ADT Security Systems,
and his job is to open up sales offices, hire and
train staff, and put together "affinity" deals
with the likes of Kroger Foods (big grocer chain),
and ABC Warehouse (appliances and electronics).

Well anyways... this guy caught wind of what we are
doing and wants to learn more. He's considering the
possibility of coming on board (if we let him) to help
us open up our market and take control of the
marketing end of things.

This guy sounds like a player... but it makes me
nervous. Obviously I can't just pay this guy a
salary... ain't got no money yet. ;o)

So the only option I see is to cut him in on the
business. If so... how much, and how do I
structure the deal?

I don't just want to give our baby away... but on the
other hand I know we need OPR (other people's resources)
to really make this project cook.

So we could plug along ourselves hiring a sales rep or two
and slowly build revenue... or I can get the people involved
that will allow this project to really take off.

I'm torn down the middle! Can anyone help sew me back up?

Much of this is just gut feeling for now. I'll know more
after I meet with this guy on Monday.

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for everything. I love you guys.

Kind Regards.

Joe Delbecq