For the love of your business

Articles to LIFT Your Life and Business

Legal Considerations for Launching a Home-Based Business

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than half of small business startups in the last 10 years have been home-based.  Whether you are contemplating setting up shop at home as a consultant, a baker or a handy man, there are certain legalities that need to be considered to ensure you have protected yourself […]

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Lessons from Oprah on How to Protect Your Brand

When you hear the name “Oprah,” you think of one person.  Not only because the name itself is so unique, but also because billionaire entrepreneur and media mogul Oprah Winfrey has done such an outstanding job of protecting and promoting her brand. A recent article at Entrepreneur.com examined the legal strategies Oprah has employed to […]

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What Will Happen to Your Family Business When You Die?

Maybe you have dreamed of leaving the business you have built to your heirs, but if you do not have a buy-sell agreement, a business succession plan, a business transition plan or a business preservation plan in place, that dream may not be realized. Any number of factors can work against your dreams if you […]

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The Importance of Adhering to a Franchise Agreement

These days, many people are reinventing their work lives by investing in a franchise.  Franchises offer the benefit of a proven business model, making them attractive to new business owners who seek to manage risk and protect their investment. However, franchise agreements are not forever and there are circumstances when a franchise owner chooses — […]

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How to Divorce-Proof Your Business

Whether it is due to the high unemployment rates that hit several years ago or the entrepreneurial itch Baby Boomers are now scratching instead of retiring, many married people have started their own businesses. These businesses could be put in jeopardy if the owners divorce. If you own a business, it is probably your largest […]

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3 Reasons Why DIY Legal Documents Won’t Work for Your Business

It’s pretty amazing to think of all the things we do online today that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.  But just because you can do something online doesn’t necessarily mean you should.  And that certainly applies to fulfilling your company’s legal needs. Here are three reasons why do-it-yourself legal documents won’t […]

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FMLA Rights Now Extended to Same-Sex Married Couples

The Department of Labor has announced that legal rights given to married couples under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) will now be granted to same-sex couples who marry in states that recognize same-sex marriage. Enacted in 1993, the FMLA allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave for specific medical and family reasons, including a […]

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Know the Difference Between a Name and a Trademark

Business owners should be aware of the difference between choosing a name for a new company and registering a trademark for your business and/or product.  The process of choosing a name for a company is necessary when creating a corporation or LLC (limited liability company). Once you have chosen a name, you should check your […]

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7 Items That Should Be Included in Every Contract or Letter of Agreement

Whether you are creating a written contract or letter of agreement to formalize a business deal, there are certain items that must be included in order to minimize risk in case of litigation as well as clarify the terms of the business relationship. These include: Official Names of the Parties – Be sure to sign […]

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Can Emails be Considered Enforceable Contracts

It is a common misconception that oral contracts are not enforceable. It is true that certain agreements must be in writing to be enforceable. For example, the statute of frauds requires agreements involving real property, marriage, performance over multiple years and the sale of goods over $500 to be in writing. If an oral agreement […]

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Practical and Legal Considerations for Launching a Business in 2015

If all it took to make a new business successful was the desire to be your own boss, no business would ever fail. A new business includes lots of sacrifice, determination, hard work and a clear understanding of both your business and your ability to perform well as an entrepreneur. Before deciding if owning your […]

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