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I talk a lot about legal documents being an important part of your risk mitigation strategy (along with your business structure and insurance). The thing is, when it comes to these things, they’re not set and forget. Each year, you’ll need to check everything to make sure it’s still serving you.
Read MoreI talk a lot about mindset with my followers and my clients, because good business acumen is half of the story, and our mental health is the other. Entrepreneurs have it particularly tough. So if you’re running a business and wondering why your mental health seems to be lacking, you’re not alone!
Read MoreIntellectual property is something you need to get your head around if you’re a business owner. When you do, you might find that you’re set and good to go. But you might find that you’re not, and if that’s the case, you’ve got some work to do on this front. Let’s dive into some famous trademark cases and what we can learn from them.
Read MoreWithout failure, there is no learning, no growth, no upleveling. This is ok, but it seems the public perception of failure is often that it’s bad, it’s hard, it’s ugly. I think it can be ugly (ghastly, at times), and it can feel hard (like really, really hard), but it’s not bad. It’s never bad. It’s not wasted. It’s necessary.
Read MoreIt’s no secret that templates can make life a whole lot easier. Whether you’re aiming to cut costs or time, templates have their place in business. But there are some scenarios where templates are an excellent idea, and some scenarios where they’re a terrible idea—the fact is, there’s little in between.
Read MoreWhere you conduct your work can have a huge bearing on how you mitigate your risk. As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure the safety of your workplace—even when your workplace is somebody else’s property. The fact is, whether you work from home, in an office, outdoors, or at a client’s property, you’ll need to take into account a) the type of work you do, and b) where you’re doing it, in order to get your ducks in a row legally and in terms of insurance.
Read MoreFor many small business owners, growth is inevitable. At some point, you’re likely to find yourself with more work than you can handle, or wanting to expand your services, so you might decide to outsource to a contractor or bring on a new employee. I’m going to share what I’ve learned: top tips to grow an all-star team (from an Australian business lawyer).
Read MoreThink about the parts that comprise your business: the name, your tagline, your logo, the wording on your website, any courses you’ve made… All of these things count as “property”. But do these things really belong to you? Or are you just borrowing them? What if somebody else starts using them? Are they even allowed to do that?!
Read MoreIf protecting your existing wealth is a priority for you, then read on! In this article we’ll explore strategies that can help protect your prized belongings in the worst case scenario, so if the unspeakable happens, you can get right back on that business horse (riding into the sunset optional).
Read MoreOwners of e-commerce businesses need to be clear on their obligations under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). We’re empowered, future-thinking business owners now, and we don’t rely on templates. What do I have to do if a client wants a refund? This is one of the most common questions I am asked by e-commerce business owners. So let’s get clear on what the ACL says about a business’ obligations when this happens.
Read MoreAs a small business owner, your risk mitigation strategy will consist of 3 pillars; Business Structure, Insurance, and Legal Documents. It’s not pleasant to think about risk, but it’s important to plan ahead in order to protect your future self (and your legacy!) from any problems that may arise.
Read MoreDo you still spring clean your home? I do, and to be honest, I kinda love it. I love it so much that I don't stop there. I also spring clean my office, my 5 year plan, and my business. Yes! You read that right: I spring clean my business. So, you ask, how does someone spring clean their business? Here are four elements of my annual business spring clean that you can try for yourself.
Read MoreNobody wants their business plans or ideas stolen. But sometimes you need to disclose information to other parties in order to keep things moving forward. Luckily, Australian business law has your back here! You can use an NDA to prevent people from sharing or using information that could cost your business in the long-term.
Read MoreIf you think of your website as a member of your team, their role would be fairly extensive. They’d be one of those all-rounder “unicorns” that we see described in many a small business job ad. Marketing, copywriting, design, conversion, sales—the list goes on. And just like a member of your team, your website needs to comply with Australian Business Law. It might sound intimidating, but it’s how we keep our website, our customers, and our business itself, safe.
Read MoreWe know launch creation is hard work, and it’s important to see payoff! The key to keeping your hard-won knowledge and those profits secure include protecting your business with solid Ts and Cs - and makes getting paid much easier!
Read MoreIf you are selling your e-commerce business, there are steps you can take to help maximise the value. The process can be daunting as there is a lot to know in terms of what legal requirements you need to meet! Learn tips on how to set yourself up for the best result when you engage small business consulting advice early on, by talking to your business lawyer and accountant.
Read MoreWhen it comes to emails, your business' tone and structure are vital to building long-term sustainable relationships with clients. In emails, the tone is the attitude you want to present to the recipient. Your email tone can convey many attitudes, such as professionalism, friendliness, or optimism. Being clear in your business values and your brand voice is essential when you are building relationships online.
Read MoreNavigating through challenging times takes time and energy and will likely cause stress. Knowing that you don’t have to go it alone is essential. Having a relationship with your small business lawyer means you can reach out and your lawyer knows you, knows your business, and will be able to dive in and understand the issue quickly, so they can provide you with advice that is designed to help you resolve any issues without incurring unnecessary costly fees.
Read MoreThe topic of climate change and the implications for business owners has been coming up a lot since the recent federal election here in Australia. In the lead up to the election you may have heard talk about carbon and emissions taxes and wondered how this might affect you and your business. We are diving in here to explain what you need to know, and what may be helpful for you as a small business owner.
Read MoreHaving the right business structure is important for the operation of your business; for the future growth and direction of your business; for asset protection, and for tax reasons (we don’t talk tax though, so that’s one for you to raise with your accountant!). It’s important for small business owners to understand their options when it comes to business structures and to know what can happen in practical terms when they don't have the right business structure for their business.
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