| As we enter 2002, I'm delighted to announce
that my book, Smart
Fast: The Desktop Reference Guide for Running Your Business,
is available.
Drawing from a rich repertoire of personal experience as
well as the expertise of others, my book offers business
owners and entrepreneurs an insider's perspective on avoiding
legal pitfalls. It includes practical strategies
for dealing with traditional business issues such as employees/independent
contractors, contracts, and cash flow, as well as strategies
for protecting intellectual property and leveraging the
Internet.
Houston Merriman, Principal of Atlantic Funding, who brokers
commercial loans and equity investments, says:
'Your new book contains practical
advice that could save thousands of
dollars if followed. The many
examples illustrating sound business practices while warning
of pitfalls are invaluable. The small price of the
book is an investment in success that will be repaid many
times over.'
Here are ten tips excerpted the book:
- Negotiating Tips: Bypass adversarial
lawyers. Use
a one-page list of key concerns called a 'term sheet,'
communicate by email, and insist on a clear, short
agreement that tracks to the term sheet.
- Contracts: Put it in writing! Use
a simple letter or email to confirm your agreement
and the key terms.
- Insurance: Are you covered? Get
competing bids and check the exclusions carefully.
- Renting space: Don't rent from a
jerk! Check
out the landlord's reputation and make sure you understand
the lease.
- Hiring: Don't clone yourself. Communicate
clearly what is expected in the job and listen carefully
for whether there's a 'good fit' with the candidate's
abilities and the company's needs.
- Non-compete Agreements: Heavy-handed
is probably not enforceable. Be fair, reasonable
and effective by not unduly restricting employees'
future options.
- Firing: Painful but necessary. Treat
the person with respect, don't discuss other employees
and don't let the process drag on.
- Protecting Against Copycats: Imitation
is not really flattering. Use smart business
practices and agreements to protect confidential information.
- Business Divorce: Avoid a battle. Lay
the foundation with a 'buy sell agreement' when everyone
is calm and friendly.
- Improve Cash Flow: Get paid promptly. Avoid
collection problems by requiring deposits up front,
accepting credit cards and insisting on payment on
delivery.
Smart Fast: The
Desktop Reference Guide for Running Your Business is
available for $18.95 plus tax and shipping from Infinity
Publishing.
To order the book, or a downloadable version, go to:
http://www.smartfast.com/Book/index.htm
In closing, I want to wish you well in the New Year!
Jean D. Sifleet, Esq.,
CPA
Business Attorney & Consultant
120 South Meadow Road
Clinton, MA 01510
t. 978-368-6104
f. 978-368-6105
www.smartfast.com
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