Before collecting debts, collect your thoughts and avoid traps that could lead to a lawsuit ... against you.; accounts receivable; collecting debts; creditor rights; dunning call; harassment of debtor; legal; past due payment; When must I hire a hired gun????? Are business lawyers really worth the expense?????; business lawyer; forming company; legal representation; liability protection; risk; In court, you may win. But the battle's not over if you want to cash in.; civil judgment; collecting debt; default judgment; enforcing court order; judgement; small claims court; If you're buried in accounts receivable, you might be the cause of your own collections problems.; bill collectors; creditor rights; debt collection; fair debt collection practices; fdcpa; harassment; New business is risky business. How can we minimize the downside through insurance?; business insurance coverage; commercial liability policy; company liability; insuring risk; policy forms; specialty coverage; The lawyers always want to put "everything" in writing. Can I protect myself without burying the deal in paperwork?; Contract Law; draft agreement; fine print; legally binding; parol evidence rule; terms of deal; Why are so many companies forming "LLCs"? Are they really easier to run than corporations?; corporation; law; legal entity; Limited Liability Company; LLC; managing member; operating agreement; pass through entity; Do I form an "LLC" ... or put "Inc." after my company name? Which startup is less taxing?; Accountant; CPA; LLC; business formation; corporate law; corporation; entities; inc; lawyer; legal entity; limiting liability; tax advantage; Should We Shake on It? Is it "legal" if it's not in writing? And what's the harm in a handshake?; Terms; drafting contract; enforce; evidence; legally binding; oral agreement; proof; verbal contract; writing; "Who needs a written agreement when we have trust, our personal assets, and 30 years of friendship on the line?"; avoiding litigation; dissolution of business; drafting contract; partner dispute; partner liability; partnership agreement; profit and loss; Should Startups Take It Personally? In most cases, they have few alternatives if they want to do business.; commercial transaction; contract negotiation; extending credit; guaranty; individual liability; law; legal; personal guarantee; sign in official capacity; startup business; Before you buy someone else's business, make sure you're not buying more trouble than it's worth.; business broker; buying a business; corporate revenue; Due Diligence; legal; Whether you're buying or selling a business, how can we figure out the final figure?; Accountant; audit; business valuation; Due Diligence; financial statements; formula for appraising value; profitability; review records; selling company; Some regulations only apply to larger employers. Does that mean small business can get away with more?; 50 employees; Federal law; jurisdiction; labor regulation; legal compliance; number of employees; size of employer; state statutes; When starting a business, give it lots of "TLC" and a healthy dash of "CYA" -- Cover Your Assets.; business interruption; business risk; commercial general liability policy; employee dishonesty claim; errors and omissions; nature of operation; specialty lines of coverage; worker's compensation insurance; If you think "selling out" is easy, think again: What's Your Exit Strategy?; exit strategy; law; legal; sale of company; selling business; Before putting your name on the bottom line, S.T.O.P. to review the pages above it.; conditions; fine print; legally binding agreement; payment terms; prime contract; read contract; scope of work; sign contract; When you resort to the small claims court, keep your case simple and your questions short.; Judge Judy; cross-examination tips; evidence; how to win at trial; people's court; pro se; proving case; representing self; small claims court; testifying; wapner; witness; They're popular with small business. But small businesses who want to grow may want to ask venture capitalists for their views.; business strategy; corporation; investors rights; Limited Liability Company; LLC; new venture; preferred stock; startup company; Venture Capital; You don't really need a written partnership agreement to form a partnership -- and if you're not careful, you may not like the looks of your partner.; Risky Business; draft formal agreement; legal representation; no agreement needed; partners; partnership; personal liability for other partner; sharing revenue; split profits; What can you do to protect your company's records from the enemy within?; confidentiality clause; covenant not to compete; law; legal; proprietary records; stealing employer documents;