3 Must-Know Tips for Starting a Small Business

As we near the end of another year, you may be setting some goals for 2019. If starting a small business at the Lake of the Ozarks is on your list of things to accomplish, this blog is for you. Starting a business is an exciting, yet stressful time. The legal requirements for a new startup may seem daunting to many. As your Lake of the Ozarks lawyer, we can help ease some of the stresses you may face when it comes to starting your business in the new year.

1. Decide on Business Structure

The legal structure for your new business has a big impact on you and your venture. Deciding which type of structure is best for your unique situation is key to starting a successful business. A sole proprietorship, corporation, or LLC, there are benefits of each type for the individual and/or business. A legal professional can help point out the benefits and drawbacks to each business structure and what would be best for your situation.

2. Think About Staffing

Who will work for your small business? Whether you plan to work alone or hire employees, it's important to have the right documentation and protection in place. If you do hire a staff, ensure you properly document the hiring process and employee paperwork required by the state. Having this proper documentation on hand can help protect you and your business down the road if there is an issue. Also, if you end up having to let someone go, ensure you properly document the reasoning and your conversation with the employee. This can help protect your business, as well.

3. Double Check Contracts

Whether it's a contract you've drafted or paperwork you are signing on behalf of your business, ensure the paperwork is read over and worded correctly. Your business lawyer can help ensure you know what you are agreeing to in the said contract. Consider having your lawyer look over any paperwork you sign or have them draft up a contract for your business. This can help cover your bases as you enter into agreements with others.

Now that you know some of the legal requirements of a new business, you have a good idea of the decisions and legal documentation you need to have in place. If you'd like assistance or advice on how to move forward with your new venture, contact our Lake of the Ozarks business attorney. Gibbons Law Firm would be happy to assist you through the process as you get your new business up and rolling.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Ways a Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Small Business

Do you own a small business? As a business owner, you've likely poured your heart and soul into your business. Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we know how invested you are in your venture and we want to help make sure you have the proper protection for your livelihood. As an experienced business lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know the ins and outs of running a successful business and having a go-to lawyer on your side is vital. Whether it's a quick legal question about terminating employment or a legal eye to look over your contracts, a lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks is important for your small business.

Advise You Through the Start Up Process

As you create your small business, it's important to have the proper documentation in place. A number of legal decisions will need to be made as you gear up for your venture. Deciding what type of corporation is the first big decision that will need to be made. A lawyer can help advise you as to which option is the best fit for your unique personal and business situation.

Offer a Legal Eye for Your Documents

As you run your business, you will come across the need for a ton of documentation - even on a daily basis. It's important to have that go-to person to review your legal documents before you or someone else signs them. Any contracts you put together should be reviewed and you should have a legal advisor take a look at any documentation before you sign your name or business name. It's best to have a lawyer look at this kind of document before, instead of asking questions after the fact.

Provide Advise for Employment Agreements

Employment can be a very sensitive subject. Many small businesses will hire on a family member or friend and skip over the formal hiring documentation. Avoid skipping the legal stuff when it comes to hiring employees - even if it is a friend or family member pitching in and helping. Hiring someone is a professional process and should be treated as such with the proper documentation. These documents can help save your business from a potential lawsuit, down the road. Any hiring and firing should be fully documented.

Help Establish an Exit Plan

If you are starting up a business, exiting the business is likely the last thing on your mind. Even if it is years down the road, it's important to put this type of succession plan in place. A lawyer can help you iron out the details as to who will gain ownership, who will carry out the day to day activities, and/or how your succession will play out. It's also important to have documentation in writing for whoever will be taking over down the road. This day may be here before you know it and it's easier to have everything documented ahead of time, especially if the takeover is sudden and unexpected.

Now that you know WHY you should hire a business attorney for your Lake of the Ozarks business, you need to find the right person to represent your venture. Our law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks prides itself on offering sound legal advice for your small business. Contact us today to meet our attorney. Don't forget that your first consultation with our law firm is always free!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Top 5 Legal Tips to Help Protect Your Small Business

Your small business is important to you and your family. With any business, there are some legal risks you may face. Preparation and prevention can help to protect your small business from possible legal issues. With your business taking up most of your time, don't spend unnecessary time in the courtroom. Try to prevent potential legal issues with the right preparation for your small business. Below are some top legal tips to help protect your small business at the Lake of the Ozarks.

1) Document, Document, Document

EVERYTHING should be in writing when it comes to your business. Any activities - like hiring, firing, accounting information, and all internal discussions - should be documented in detail. This documentation can help to prove your side of a case, should you need it. It can also be helpful to keep this documentation well organized. This can save you time, should you need to locate and present your documents.

2) Equal Treatment of Employees

A number of small businesses lean on friends and family to help make their venture a success. Even though this is usually beneficial for both parties involved, it's important to keep your relationship professional. Complete all processes with friends and/or family members in the same regard you would a new employee. It's best to keep your business life professional and ensure your employees are on the same page. This can also make things easier to handle should the working relationship come to an end.

3) Present Clear Expectations

Ensure ALL of your employees and/or business partners are clear on your working relationship and all expectations required. Before you hire someone, be sure they know what the position requires and what you expect from them. Many new employees will realize the position is not for them after they have been hired. This can help to avoid a high turn around if you are upfront from the beginning of the hiring process. Hiring and firing require a lot of paperwork, therefore you can make it easier on yourself if you present the ins and outs of the position you are wishing to fill.

4) Guard Your Trade Secrets

Your intellectual property is what sets your business apart. It's important to safeguard your trademarks, copyrights, and other trade secrets. Ensure your intellectual property is properly protected. A new employee should sign a confidentiality agreement to help legally protect your business information.

5) Hire an Experienced Lawyer

There are a number of legal tips to help you protect your small business. Even with these precautions in place, a legal situation may still arise. An experienced lawyer can help represent your business when it is needed. Since you spend most of your time focusing on the ins and outs of your business, let our law firm help save you time!

Now that you've learned more about the ways you can protect your small business, you're ready to protect your venture. Our law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks can help you implement these legal protections that your business may need. While taking the above steps, Gibbons Law Firm can help prepare you to keep your business out of legal turmoil. Your initial consultation with our law firm is ALWAYS free! We look forward to helping to protect your small business venture at the Lake!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Quick Legal Tips For Your Small Business

Starting a new business can be an overwhelming feat. While there are a number of legal requirements that need to be taken care of, the work doesn't end once you are open for business. It may be difficult to focus on the legal side of your business, even though it's important to protect your venture at all times. As your business lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are here for your small business. Take a look below to learn some of these quick legal tips for a small business venture.

Document, Document, Document

We can't say it enough - documentation is vital to the legal protection of your business. Whether it's a new employee being hired, contracts with customers, or outsourcing your marketing - keep good documentation of all agreements. This can help to protect you and your business, should a conflict arise. If you have everything documented well, you can easily prove your side via the paperwork you have on hand.

Use Employment Agreements

Many small business owners utilize friends and family, especially when getting started. While this can be of great benefit the business owner, it's important to ensure you treat these employees just like everyone else. It's also vital to keep good documentation when letting an employee go. Document the reasoning and conversation that takes place, when firing an employee.

Keep Up To Date on Legal Changes

The legal world is always changing. While it can be hard to keep up with, it's important because it can have a direct impact on your business. Try to stay on top of changes that take place in the legal world and anything that may affect your industry.

Review All Contracts on a Regular Basis

Once you have your legal contracts reviewed and ready to go, that's not the end of the road. On a regular basis try to have your business lawyer review these documents. With each year, you may need to make updates to your contracts in order to stay up with any loopholes that may come about. It's also important to update any dates or other information to ensure they are still relevant.

Safeguard Your Intellectual Property

Intellectual property is a BIG deal for any business but can have a devastating impact on a small business. Be sure you protect this property well. Consult legal assistance when it comes to safeguarding your intelligence. Trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and confidentiality are all examples of intellectual property. When hiring a new employee, be sure they are clear as to what information they are privileged to and what they are not allowed to disclose to others outside the business. This can help to keep your vital information safe and help you legally protect this property.

Finding the right business lawyer near the Lake of the Ozarks can help your venture in a number of ways. If these tasks seem too time-consuming, consult a legal professional. A lawyer will be able to assist with all of these legal tips to help protect your small business.

We know you are busy with the many hats required to run your small business. While your attention may be pulled in a hundred different directions, it's important to focus on protecting your business. If you want further advice protecting your small business venture, give Gibbons Law Firm a call today. The first consultation with us is always free! We look forward to helping you protect your small business and livelihood of you and your family!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Top Legal Questions For Starting a Business

Starting a business may seem overwhelming at first. A legal professional can be a big help when working on a new business venture. With the amount of legal documentation needed to get your business off on the right foot, consider seeking legal help through this process. Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm can help you get your business up and running, legally. You may have a few questions as you start your business and Gibbons Law Firm is here to help! Take a look below to read the answers to common legal questions when starting a new business.

What is the right business structure for me?

Before starting a business, you will need to decide upon the business structure. As a sole proprietorship or general partnership, you and your business will be seen as the same entity. This can cause issues in your personal life should your business go into debt or be sued. To help protect against this, you can structure your business as a corporation, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership. This can help protect the personal assets of those involved in the company. Limited partnership and nonprofit corporations are also options for your new venture. A legal professional can offer the pros and cons of each type and offer advice as to which one is best for your future business.

What risk to I face when hiring employees?

Your business may be open to a number of risks and regulations as you hire employees. It's important to know the details of employment laws and to abide by the rules of employment for your state. Don't forget to keep good documentation of any employee activity - hiring, firing, and everything in between. Your business lawyer near the Lake of the Ozarks can help you know the regulations you need to follow and help you draft accurate documentation for any employment activity.

Should I trademark my brand?

A business name, logo, and slogan can be trademarked to help prevent other businesses from using the same branding technique as yours. To do so, you must register these items to be trademarked and ensure you are not using a graphic, name, or phrase that another business has already used.

What contracts do I need?

This depends on what type of business you are operating. Well-written contracts are very important for a business. They can help to protect your business, ensure you get paid for work you have completed, and help decrease the number of disputes brought against your future business. Your lawyer will be able to specifically narrow down what contracts are needed for your unique venture.

Do I need a lawyer for my business?

While it's not required, a legal professional can help your business in a number of ways. From helping establish your business and initial documentation to giving legal advice throughout your time in business, you may use your business lawyer a lot. It's best to have a legal professional on your side who knows your background when a legal issue arises. We'd be pleased if you would consider Gibbons Law Firm to be your legal professional for your new venture!

Are you ready to get your business established? Have more questions about starting your business? Our lawyer near the Lake of the Ozarks is here for all of your legal needs; Give our law firm a call at 573-348-2211 to set up a consultation today - remember your first consultation is always free. We look forward to helping you legally prepare for your business to open!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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5 Legal Tips for Your Small Business

As a business owner, you want to help protect your small business from legal issues. Protecting your small business from possible legal issues requires some preparation and prevention. As your Lake of the Ozarks law firm, we have provided some tips to help your small business avoid unnecessary time in the court room - we know your time can be better spent focused on your business. Here are some legal tips to help protect your small business at the Lake of the Ozarks.   

1) Keep Good Documentation

As a business owner, it's important to put everything in writing. Document your formal activities like hiring, firing, accounting information, and other internal decisions. It is vital to protect what you've worked so hard to create. Keep good records of anything that happens pertaining to your business, and keep these documents organized. Time is important with legal business issues, so finding the proper documentation quickly is important.

2) Treat All Partners and Customers the Same

Many small business owners conduct business with friends and family. While this is usually beneficial for your business, it’s important to keep it professional. If you have a family member working for you or are doing a project for a close friend, treat the situation like a typical employee or client, and keep your documentation in order. Think ahead for if and when this partnership or working relationship will dissolve or come to an end.  

3) Guard Your Intellectual Property

Safeguard your trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and confidentiality. Ensure your intellectual property is properly protected. When hiring a new employee, be sure your documentation is worded accurately and you have a lawyer conduct a review of your confidentiality and non-compete agreements. Much time, money, and effort may be required to protect your business without this proper documentation. 

4) Make Solid Agreements with Employees

Before hiring someone on, communicate clearly your expectations. An employment agreement is a document to establish straightforward expectations and rules for everyone to follow. Company policies are another piece of information that should be included with this agreement. 

5) Seek Out Legal Representation

While you are the expert of your own business, the legal world is a whole different arena. It's important to have a legal professional help you set up these documents to ensure you have your bases are covered. Your lawyer can also keep copies of your legal documents in case you need them! 

Hopefully you’ve learned more about some ways to protect your small business. We can help you implement these legal protections that your business may need. While taking these steps can help keep your business out of legal turmoil, Gibbons Law Firm can help to represent your small business should a situation arise. Remember, your first consultation with our law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks is free! Give us a call today to schedule an appointment to legally represent your small business venture. 

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.