Independent Contractor & Business Courses - Focused on Laws & Structure
Structure with Purpose
About Business Matrix Toolbox
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
You Don't Know What You Don't Know.
Fiona believes that business owners should not have to learn everything through costly mistakes. Education creates awareness, awareness creates better decisions, and better decisions create stronger businesses.
Her philosophy is to provide practical education that helps business owners understand the are
You Don't Know What You Don't Know.
Fiona believes that business owners should not have to learn everything through costly mistakes. Education creates awareness, awareness creates better decisions, and better decisions create stronger businesses.
Her philosophy is to provide practical education that helps business owners understand the areas that can impact their success—including business structure and legal compliance, independent contractor compliance, financial management, operations, HR, contracts, risk, and insurance.
The goal is not to replace attorneys, CPAs, or other professionals. It is to help business owners recognize potential issues, ask the right questions, make informed decisions, and know when to seek professional guidance.
Learn before you need to know.
Understand before you decide.
Prepare before there is a problem.
That philosophy is the foundation of Business Matrix Toolbox.
Experience
Philosophy
Philosophy
Fiona Ratzlaff is an entrepreneur, Fractional Chief Operations Officer, educator, and business strategist with decades of experience across healthcare, business operations, research and development, startups, client services, and nonprofit organizations.
Since founding her first nonprofit in 1988, Fiona has founded and managed eight busin
Fiona Ratzlaff is an entrepreneur, Fractional Chief Operations Officer, educator, and business strategist with decades of experience across healthcare, business operations, research and development, startups, client services, and nonprofit organizations.
Since founding her first nonprofit in 1988, Fiona has founded and managed eight businesses, including co-owning two optometry practices. She brings more than 30 years of experience in research and development, along with expertise in business operations, training, human resources, compliance, process improvement, and organizational development.
Fiona is a Certified Paraoptometric, a credential she has maintained for more than 20 years. Her professional work has included recognition by the American Optometric Association and contributions to New Mexico Optometric Association rules and regulations for continuing education.
Today, Fiona combines her extensive real-world experience with education as an instructor at NMSU Global Campus and creator of Business Matrix Toolbox. Her courses address the often-overlooked fundamentals of operating a business, including business structure, independent contractor compliance, financial management, operations, risk, and legal considerations.
Her philosophy is simple: business education should be practical, understandable, and applicable.
Business Matrix Toolbox was created to give business owners the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions, reduce risk, and build stronger businesses.
Services
Philosophy
Services
Practical Business Education for Business Owners & Independent Contractors
Whether you hire independent contractors or work as one, you need to understand the rules that govern the relationship.
The Business Matrix Toolbox provides specialized, condensed courses created specifically for business owners and independent contractors who want
Practical Business Education for Business Owners & Independent Contractors
Whether you hire independent contractors or work as one, you need to understand the rules that govern the relationship.
The Business Matrix Toolbox provides specialized, condensed courses created specifically for business owners and independent contractors who want to better understand their responsibilities, reduce risk, and build a stronger foundation for success.
For business owners, the courses address the critical considerations involved in working with 1099 contractors—including proper classification, contracts, compliance, financial considerations, risk management, and operational practices.
For independent contractors, the courses focus on what it truly means to operate as a business—including business structure, contracts, financial management, legal responsibilities, and the expectations that come with being an independent contractor.
Don't Assume You're Doing It Right.
Simply calling someone a "1099" does not automatically make them an independent contractor. Likewise, calling yourself an independent contractor does not mean your business is properly established or compliant.
Understanding the difference matters.
Mistakes in classification, business structure, contracts, finances, or compliance can create unnecessary financial and legal risks for both businesses and contractors.
Business Matrix Toolbox helps you understand what you need to know before problems arise.
What You'll Gain
Our courses are designed to help you:
- Understand your role and responsibilities
- Recognize potential compliance and business risks
- Better understand the 1099 working relationship
- Identify gaps in your business practices
- Make more informed business decisions
- Strengthen your financial and operational foundation
- Reduce avoidable mistakes and costly surprises
- Build a stronger path toward sustainable growth
Knowledge Creates a Stronger Business
Business owners need to know how to properly work with independent contractors. Independent contractors need to know how to properly operate as a business.
Business Matrix Toolbox brings the essential information together in focused, practical courses designed to save you time and help you understand the issues that matter.
You don't have to learn everything the hard way.
Learn what you need to know. Understand your responsibilities. Protect what you're building.
Explore Business Matrix Toolbox courses today and take a smarter approach to your business.
Contact us to learn more.
Emailed Reviews From Course Attendees
5/16/2024
My name is Michelle and I took the Business Matrix Toolbox course. I found this course to be very informative. It helped me understand the difference between an employee and an independent contractor. It also helped me as a business owner recognize the difference if I will be bringing on any collaboration in my business how I have to be very specific with either hiring an employee or an independent contractor. As far as setting up my business, it gave me very clear direction in what ways are best for me to have the most success financially With tax breaks and the ability to use my money for my business and me rather than to pay taxes. I highly recommend this course for everyone honestly whether your employee or Buisness Owner because it makes things very clear as far as responsibilities, rights and benefits.
Michelle Kathlyn Gibson
5/16/2024
“When I started my businesses I was fortunate to have Framework in my corner. Fiona Ratzlaff is not only knowledgeable, she is an educator. As a client you are sure to be given the tools to become successful. She is dedicated to her clients and has the unique ability to create an environment where those who are willing to learn and grow have every advantage available. Fiona stays up to date on changing laws and makes sure her clients are educated on all possible options. There is no better source for solutions. I highly recommend her to my closest friends and family members for her reliability and skillset. “
-Jenna Parker Business Owner and Philanthropist
Ready to take the first step?
Check out our upcoming courses that we have available in person in Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Soon we will have them available online to take at your leisure from the comfort of your home or office anywhere in the USA.