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About the Smartfast Blog
The pace of business keeps you on the run. You need to make (SMART) decisions and take action quickly (FAST). Business attorney Jean Sifleet created the SMART FAST® blog to help. Whether you’re a start up company or an established company, SMART FAST® provides information that can help you make more informed business decisions. This is information – not legal advice.
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Category Archives: contracts
Sweat Equity
In the start up of a business, it’s common for some people to contribute money and others to contribute time and effort with “an understanding” that they will share in the future success of the business. Sometimes “equity earn-ins” are … Continue reading
Convert “Pirates into Partners”
At a conference on Innovations in Learning, sponsored by Brandon Hall Research (See: www.brandon-hall.com), I learned about how new technologies are being used to create “communities” that engage users – and help to improve products and services and build businesses. … Continue reading
Posted in Business Practices, Business Systems, contracts, Copyright, Innovation, Intellectual Property, Legal, Social Media, The Cloud, Uncategorized, Web-based services
Tagged Amazon, Collaboration, Copyright, eBay, Fair Use, Harry Potter, Intellectual Property, Partners, Pirates, Star Wars
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Tips for Renting Space
Finding a space is half the battle, the second half is negotiating the terms of the lease. First — define your space requirements. Make a list of your key requirements: location, size, parking, access to transportation, security, price, as well … Continue reading
Posted in contracts, Lease, Legal, Uncategorized
Tagged landlord, lease, rent per square foot, tenant, triple net
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Checklist for Contract Review
When you receive a contract from a prospective client or for a contractor role, you’ll want to read it and compare it with your checklist. Sometimes, the legal boilerplate is dense and difficult to read – so keep a checklist … Continue reading
Posted in Business Practices, contracts
Tagged checklist, Contractor, Independent Contractor, Intellectual Property
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Legal Issues in the “Cloud”
Web-based services are cost effective – and legally complicated. The “Cloud” refers to computing services performed in the Internet – and it is morphing and evolving every day. From simple email and remote backup services, to processing on-line transactions of all sorts, transmission … Continue reading
Franchises — Advantages and Disadvantages
Want to own your own business? Don’t want to start from scratch? Is a franchise right for you? Franchises are a way to get into business quickly, with a brand name, proven methods of operation and a support structure. Franchises … Continue reading
You Don’t Get What You Deserve, You Get What You Negotiate
Negotiating is complicated. No one style is effective in every situation. The ideal situation is when both parties are clear and collaborative and work towards a win-win solution. Sometimes, the other party does not play by the same rules or behave in a … Continue reading
Trade Secrets & Confidential Business Info
Confidential business information is the most valuable asset for most businesses. Safeguarding it is a lot more complicated than locking the door when you leave. Confidential information is being used every day in your business. Hence, it’s a real challenge … Continue reading