This year has been my most eye-opening year when it comes to the legalities of running a business. In 2005, I celebrated 20 years in business. I believe up until then I just sailed though when it came to the legal aspects. Oh yes, I did everything the best I could. Dont get me wrong and I did most things right. But this year it seemed to all hit. This year I learned the importance of protecting my business and this year I learned the true meaning of a contract. I learned the importance of realizing that its a business and I need to run it as such in all I do.
ContractsThose all important contracts. If youve read my books on starting a business you know I always say, Get those contracts signed by the clients before the inception of work. I firmly believe this and stand by it. In fact, I do it 98% of the time, its that 2% that got me this year. It was that client who said, You have to produce the work first. We need to approve and accept it. Has this ever happened to you? It did me.
Even as an experienced veteran I fell for it. Attorney fees I could ill afford, tons of work and long, long hours spent, a big, You should know better. from everyone...