Considered An Independant Contractor?
For marketing and tax purposes how would a bird-dog classify himself?? I have not assumed a business name and I don't plan to until sometime in the future. I want to get business cards in order to circulate my name and contact number around when attending rei networking sessions as oppose to writing on tissue or notebook paper. **smiling** 
I would probably just operate under a sole proprietership. You have no risk or liability. To file a trade name form it costs $7 where i live.
You would report your income on Schedule C and be subject to earned income taxes as well at 15.3% Self Employment tax on Schedule SE.