Write It and They Will Come

Less than a week after authoring a post about what are essentially contract and legal document templates I was referred the following website from a colleague of mine:

http://www.biztree.com

As I stated before, technology and the Internet is lowering all barriers, shattering conventionals costs of entry to starting and operating a business. In my previous post I mentioned another piece of software that provided legal documents and contract management for the tech and IT industries, but BizTree provides documents for ANY business.

The list of available documents is very long, but they include legal resources within the following categories:

• Planning & Management
• Legal
• HR
• Finance/Accounting
• Sales & Marketing
• Internet/Web Design
• … and much more

I highly recommend checking out this software and making an investmnet in your new, or yet-to-be created business through the use of these kinds of tested legal documents. But, remember the overarching idea here, that the internet and various pieces of software available for free or for a free reduced fee, can help supply and make your business more efficient in every facet. So get out there do some searches, and see what you can discover.

Airtight Contracts

Thought I would write another post that plugs great products! As time progresses and I’ve been faced with different situations regarding development and deployment of websites, hosting, and other technological services I am more and more thankful for teaming up with a mentors that steered us in the direction of proper planning, from every direction, most important of which (for the purposes of this article), legal planning.

One such implementation we made early on was the actual creation and signing of real contracts. Although I had worked at various law firms and with legal advertisers and marketers, and was familiar with certain facets of the law, the actual creation and implementation of contracts was - at first - scary. Fortunately, there are some tools available to help you. Like many other things basic contracts are commodities and as such have been refined over time and can be replicated, manipulated easily to take care of every situation.

The software we first used to both create, as well as manage contracts is Contract Edge. According to their website:

You get what you pay for. High-quality legal forms and contracts are critical to your business. Our IT contract forms will help you protect your interests. Whether you need an independent contractor agreement, a non-compete, confidentiality or other contact to protect your business, ContractEdge is for you.

Contracts are a vital part of business, and if you hesitate about implementing them, remember they not only protect you, but also your client. Although Contract Edge deals with the IT industry in particular there are a number of other services out their that provide contract management and contract templates for every situation. As time progresses, especially as your business grows and processes start to change, have a solid contract in place will be vital to your protection and success.

Starting a Small Business Legal

As time passes I see why it is so important to start out right and continue to refine your business from the legal side. First, as you may or may not know, the setup of your business has long standing and expensive tax implications. There are a number of different ways to setup your business:

• Sole Proprietorship
• S-Corp
• C-Corp
• Partnership
• LLC

Each has it’s costs, pros and cons, but take ample time to study each - even if you use an expert to finally recommend and create one for you as it will help avoid confusion and surprises down the road.

Lately though, as has been going on with almost every industry, the web is revolutioning business, lowering startup costs, and leveling the playing field. Just yesterday I read a fantastic post about young entrepreneurs who, instead of actually starting a business, they merelyl started a business website and determined what fit and what was sticking with their audiences. So too, the legal industry has in some ways been leveled. For example, one new website is gaining popularity for its simplicity, cost, and effectiveness: LegalZoom.

According to LegalZoom’s website:

Save time and money on common legal matters! Created by top attorneys, LegalZoom helps you create reliable legal documents from your home or office. Simply answer a few questions online and your documents will be prepared within 48 hours.* We even review your answers and guarantee your satisfaction.

This is not an ad for LegalZoom. I promise, but know that there easy, quick, and cost-effectives are alternatives available online for preliminary, cookie-cutter legal issues.

Welcome to Bonita Business

Thank you for stopping by the newest and most innovative place on the web for Southwest Florida. So, what is BonitaBusiness.com? I’m glad you asked. Bonita Business was created by me, Zach Katkin. I am currently the co-owner of Atilus, a local web development and Internet Advertising company based right here in Bonita Springs (Southwest Florida).

Basically, my partner and I have had to go through a lot in order to setup, and maintain our business. And as it grows, we are faced with new challenges and situations every single day. With that in mind we wanted to produce a true resource for the community, or those thinking about joining the community to assist others in the day-to-day operations of their business.

We also have additional resources we will be rolling out as the site chugs along in order to provide even more helpful information and services to the Southwest Florida (Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Sanibel, Estero) business community.

In total, BonitaBusiness.com will provide visitors with:

1. Information on Southwest Florida’s business environment
2. Articles on business categories/topics from leaders in the community
3. Resources (where to get/find stuff for business)
4. Business Forum (open forum where users can discuss anything business)
5. Networking/Seminar Calendar
6. Business Directory (place for local businesses to gain exposure and market themselves)
7. Photo Gallery (pictures from networking events and seminars)

Articles on business categories will be written by partners of bonitabusiness.com who have been hand selected as prominent leaders in their field. Our articles will be featured under the following categories:

1. Technology
2. Real Estate
3. Marketing
4. Development
5. Management
6. Finance
7. Legal

So, check back often as we will be constantly adding articles and information to help new businesses, seasoned businesses, people and companies thinking about moving down to Southwest Florida as well as potential upstart companies and individuals who may want to start a business, but aren’t exactly sure how, or what they need to know.