LinkedIn's ProFinder is an online source for finding vetted professionals in various fields, including marketing communications and design. This virtual service allows business people to go online, post a description of their project and solicit bids from a pool of pre-qualified professionals.

As a serial early-adaptor, I eagerly signed up and was soon receiving project opportunities. Initially, I responded by submitting estimates despite trepidations due to the limited amount of detail provided.

Unlike the Fast Food industry, where Drive-Thru business transactions work quite well, in professional services a hamburger is not always a hamburger is not always a hamburger.

Through the often sketchy details, determining the quality level (and time associated with the level) is difficult to determine. My estimate may be considering an "11" on the quality meter when a potential client is only looking for a "5" and has budgeted accordingly.

For professions, like graphic design where projects are subjective in nature, clear project parameters are imperative. Unlike the Fast Food industry, where Drive-Thru business transactions work quite well, in professional services a hamburger is not always a hamburger is not always a hamburger. – Doug.