Choosing an Executor for Your Estate
Updated: 05.01.22 by Keven Prather
Here’s an uncomfortable truth you need to accept: Someday – hopefully in the very distant future – you are going to die. The good news: You can make that moment easier on your heirs by taking a few simple steps.
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Charitable Giving, the Tax-Wise Way
Updated: 03.01.22 by Keven Prather
Americans—especially the affluent—are some of the most charitable people in the world. * Chances are, you use some of your wealth to support favorite causes or organizations that are important to you.
View Charitable Giving, the Tax-Wise Way
How Playing the Long Game Could Help Build Wealth and Success
Updated: 03.01.22 by Keven Prather
Many extremely wealthy people have a much better handle than others on a key concept of success: the long game.
View How Playing the Long Game Could Help Build Wealth and Success
The Super Rich’s Three Big Fears – and How They Work to Overcome Them
Updated: 02.01.22 by Keven Prather
View The Super Rich’s Three Big Fears – and How They Work to Overcome Them
Tips For Serving Alcohol Responsibly
Updated: 12.09.21 by Mike Coyne
If you are planning on serving alcohol at your business or office party, here are some planning ideas that can minimize your liability risk.
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Maintaining Control, Minimizing Risk & Rewarding Your Best Employees
Updated: 12.09.21 by Keven Prather
For many small to midmarket business owners, few things are more important than main-taining control of the company, minimizing risks, and rewarding the employees who make the company successful. Ownership transfers to the company’s most valuable employees who can do all of these things properly, but there is a caveat.
View Maintaining Control, Minimizing Risk & Rewarding Your Best Employees
Where Transferable Value Comes From
Updated: 10.01.21 by Keven Prather
Creating an effective incentive plan that fits the needs of your team is the best way to ensure your management team stays in place and continues to increase business value after your departure.
View Where Transferable Value Comes From
Can I Still Test for Marijuana and Not be Liable?
Updated: 09.01.21 by Jo McGuire
Rules for drug testing employees can be confusing, but it’s neither as complicated nor as impossible as you may think.
View Can I Still Test for Marijuana and Not be Liable?
Create a Culture of Safety
Updated: 05.01.21 by Eric Knaak
All employees should keep safety top of mind for the good of themselves, your customers and your company.
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Asset Protection Planning Mistakes
Updated: 12.01.20 by Keven Prather
Asset protection strategies can build a wall around your wealth to stop others from unjustly taking what’s yours.
View Asset Protection Planning Mistakes
When the Worst Happens, Are You Really Protected?
Updated: 11.01.20 by Keven Prather
The vast majority of business owners don’t have any type of disability insurance in place to protect themselves.
View When the Worst Happens, Are You Really Protected?
Refrigeration Regulations are Changing
Updated: 10.01.20 by Helen Walter-Terrinoni
There is increasing global activity to transition to more climate-friendly refrigerants to meet the growing demand.
View Refrigeration Regulations are Changing
Heat Transfer and Insurance
Updated: 09.01.20 by Tom Kaldunski
Insurance is a means to transfer risk away from their balance sheets to those who are in the business of handling risk: insurance companies.
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Time to Sell Your Life Insurance?
Updated: 08.01.20 by Keven Prather
Life settlements can help life insurance policyholders liberate cash that is currently ties up.
View Time to Sell Your Life Insurance?
What to do if You’re Over-Insured
Updated: 07.01.20 by Keven Prather
You’ve got options — from sticking with your current coverage to restructuring it into a new policy to eliminating it altogether.
View What to do if You’re Over-Insured
Prepare for a Safe Refrigerant Transition
Updated: 05.01.20 by Stephen Yurek
If everyone does their jobs correctly, consumers should notice no difference in accessibility, safety or affordability.
View Manufacturers, Suppliers Team up for Refrigerant Transition
Not All Residential Air Cleaners are SAFE
Updated: 02.01.20 by
Be sure to research what you sell to protect yourself from future product liability issues.
View Discover why not all residential air cleaners are safe here.
Workers’ Comp Insurance: What You Need to Know
Updated: 09.01.19 by Hannah Sullivan
Want to protect yourself and your employees — physically and financially? Here’s what you need to know before buying a worker’s compensation policy.
View What You Need to Know about Worker's Compensation Insurance
Refrigerant Round-up
Updated: 05.01.19 by Todd Washam
Because of inaction at the federal level for the past two years, state governments have passed or proposed legislation to phase out HFC refrigerants.
View Refrigerant Round-up
Industry Study: Transition to Low GWP Refrigerants Underway
Updated: 05.01.19 by Fact.MR
The industry is making the steady shift towards low GWP refrigerants.
View Industry Study: Transition to Low GWP Refrigerants Underway
The State of Refrigerants
Updated: 05.01.19 by Danfoss
Refrigerant transitions are happening now, and will have a big impact on both manufacturers and contractors.
View Learn more about the state of refrigerants in the HVACR world.
Be Proactive About #MeToo, or Face Consequences
Updated: 11.01.18 by Jeffrey S. Ettenger
Understanding the law is one element of protecting an employer from potential liability, but preparing an action plan to handle workplace harassment is a very critical step in avoiding problems and exposure.
View Be Proactive About #MeToo, or Face Consequences
HFC Ruling Update: Changing the Rules of the Game
Updated: 11.01.17 by Howard Weiss
Regardless of the administration’s stance on the environment, if they’re serious about protecting U.S. jobs and U.S. workers, they must appeal this decision.
View HFC Ruling Update: Changing the Rules of the Game
EPA Advances Climate Goals
Updated: 11.01.16 by Michael Weller & Whit Swift
The Environmental Protection Agency released a Final Rule updating it’s Refrigerant Management Program, which is expected to result in significant costs for many sectors of the economy because of the expansion of requirements to non-ozone depleting substitutes.
View EPA Advances Climate Goals
Understand the Tax Implications of Business Mergers
Updated: 08.01.16 by Daniel J. Thrailkill
Whether you’re selling a business, buying a business or merging two or more businesses, there are myriad tax and legal issues that need to be navigated, such as financing structure, purchase price allocation and fair trade laws.
View Understand the Tax Implications of Business Mergers
Texting and Driving
Updated: 02.01.16 by Joseph Dreesen & Catherine Cano
Keep your employees’ hands on the wheel and eyes
on the road. There are many scenarios in which
employers have been found liable for injuries — here’s
what you can do to limit liability.
View Texting and Driving
Risk Management Shouldn’t Be Risky Business
Updated: 06.01.15 by Matthew Stangle
Instead of focusing on finding the best insurance policy for when an accident occurs, why not focus on preventing it from happening in the first place?
View Risk Management Shouldn’t Be Risky Business
Legal Does Not Mean Safe
Updated: 04.01.15 by Jo McGuire
As more states legalize marijuana, employers should know they still have the right to a drug-free workplace policy.
View Legal Does Not Mean Safe
Choosing the Right Lawyer is Crucial to Success
Updated: 03.01.15 by Pete Grasso
A good business attorney provides vital assistance in almost every aspect of your business. Here’s what you need to know to hire an attorney before you actually need one.
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Maximize Your Reach
Updated: 02.01.15 by Daniel J. Thrailkill
With geographical expansion comes a variety of tax and business regulations you need to be aware of in order to remain in compliance.
View Maximize Your Reach
Employee or Independent Contractor: Why it Matters
Updated: 01.01.15 by Christopher Boman
Knowing how to classify employees can be the difference between profit and disaster.
View Employee or Independent Contractor: Why it Matters
Trademark Basics for Small Business Owners
Updated: 04.01.14 by Beniam Biftu
Understanding the value of your trademark is just the first step: Consult a trademark lawyer and pursue legal registration.
View Trademark Basics for Small Business Owners
Copyright Basics for Small Business Owners
Updated: 03.01.14 by Beniam Biftu
Protect Your Intellectual Property with Registered Copyrights
View Copyright Basics for Small Business Owners
Trademark Infringement – The Identity Theft of Businesses
Updated: 02.01.14 by Beniam Biftu
The most important aspect of your business is its identity – its trademark™
View Trademark Infringement – The Identity Theft of Businesses
9 Steps for Reducing Your Exposure to Employee Injury Fraud
Updated: 11.01.13 by Greg Smith
9 Steps for Reducing Your Exposure to Employee Injury Fraud
View 9 Steps for Reducing Your Exposure to Employee Injury Fraud
The Legal Liabilities of Electronic Marketing
Updated: 10.01.13 by Christopher Corpus
You need to err on the side of caution when
sending customers email. This article reveals
how to make sure you’re following the letter of
the law.
View The Legal Liabilities of Electronic Marketing
General Business Liability Insurance
Updated: 08.01.13 by Caron Beesley
If you own, operate or are starting a business, you need general liability insurance. But what does that mean? What protection does it afford? How do you determine your coverage needs?
How does it work?
View General Business Liability Insurance
Spotting Legal Land Mines in Your Social Media Campaign
Updated: 05.01.13 by Mike Coyne
Your responsibility extends to third-party contributors such as customers and friends.
View Spotting Legal Land Mines in Your Social Media Campaign
4 Ways To Avoid Discrimination Claims Related to Hiring
Updated: 01.01.13 by Mike Coyne
Be aware that a person can sue you even before they become an employee.
View 4 Ways To Avoid Discrimination Claims Related to Hiring
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Address Texting-While-Driving Head On
Updated: 07.01.12 by Mike Coyne
This theory of liability applies when employees are acting within the scope of employment or for the benefit of employer.
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Give Your Section 401(k) Plan a Compliance Check
Updated: 05.01.12 by Mike Coyne
10 point checklist will tell you if your plan needs an adjustment according to the IRS's latest 401(k) Fix-It Guide
View Give Your Section 401(k) Plan a Compliance Check
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Immigration-Law Changes Add To Employer Responsibility
Updated: 04.01.12 by Mike Coyne
Two developments in the immigration law area are causing employers a great deal of concern: the increase in so-called "I-9 Audits” and the Social Security Administration's resumption of the "No-Match" Letter Program.
View Immigration-Law Changes Add To Employer Responsibility
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IRS Targets Independent Contractors
Updated: 03.01.12 by Mike Coyne
IRS reclassification of workers as employees can be an expensive proposition, as the employer can be held liable for back payroll taxes, penalties, and interest.
View IRS Targets Independent Contractors
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Partners Should Plan Ahead For Disability
Updated: 02.01.12 by Mike Coyne
Dealing with a disabled partner is never an easy matter. Human nature is such that many of us would find it difficult to ask a disabled partner to step aside due to his or her disability. Yet, this is often the only solution.
View Partners Should Plan Ahead For Disability
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Medical Marijuana Clouds Employer Drug-Use Policies For Employees
Updated: 01.01.12 by Mike Coyne
Until recently, it has been fairly well understood that an employer can require pre-employment drug testing and refuse to hire someone who tests positively for illegal drugs. However, changes in the law with respect to the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes have made it difficult for employers to know how far they can go to maintain a drug-free workplace.
View Medical Marijuana Clouds Employer Drug-Use Policies
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Protecting Against Data-Related Risks
Updated: 01.01.12 by Matthew Stangle
This exposure is excluded in standard general liability policies, but may be insured separately under a policy that covers “electronic-data incidents” resulting in damage to, loss of, loss of use of, cor- ruption of, inability to access, or inability to properly manipulate, electronic data.
View Protecting Against Data-Related Risks
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Why Boilerplate Can Be Your Best Friend
Updated: 12.01.11 by Mike Coyne
That gobbledygook at the end of contracts matters greatly when disputes arise.
View Why Boilerplate Can Be Your Best Friend
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How To Resolve Disputes In Family-Owned Businesses
Updated: 10.01.11 by Mike Coyne
Family-owned businesses present unique and difficult problems that are generally not found in other closely-held businesses.
View How To Resolve Disputes In Family-Owned Businesses
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Changes Coming To Retirement Plans
Updated: 10.01.11 by Mike Coyne
If you currently have a retirement plan that allows you to make large contributions, you may want to think about maximizing your contributions this year, as the opportunity may not be available in the future. It's also a good time to discuss personal contributions and 401(k) fee-disclosure rules with your plan investment adviser or broker.
View Changes Coming To Retirement Plans
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Controversial Labor Reversals Overshadow Idle Congress
Updated: 10.01.11 by Charlie McCrudden
View Controversial Labor Reversals Overshadow Idle Congress
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Do You Have Too Much Liability Coverage?
Updated: 09.01.11 by Matthew Stangle
Typically, general liability includes three areas: bodily injury and property damage, personal and advertising injury, and medical expenses. Determine the amount of liability coverage you need by evaluating your potential risk, the state in which you operate (both its legal minimum and its history of awarding high damage amounts), and your personnel quality.
View Do You Have Too Much Liability Coverage?
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Does Your Business Need an Outside Board of Directors?
Updated: 08.01.11 by Mike Coyne
An advisory board might be a better option for business owners.
View Does Your Business Need an Outside Board of Directors?
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Be Weary of Retirement-Plan Checks That Show Up Unexpectedly
Updated: 07.01.11 by Mike Coyne
If you get a check and do not know why he received it, check with your retirement plan advisers first. Chances are the check belongs to your retirement plan.
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Employee Handbooks Can Provide Important Legal Protection
Updated: 06.01.11 by Mike Coyne
Regardless of the number of employees you have, you have to inform them of you policies. The best way to communicate these is through an employee manual. It will also provide your business important protection.
View Employee Handbooks Can Provide Important Legal Protection
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Copyright Vs. Trademark
Updated: 05.01.11 by Mike Coyne
How to navigate the murky waters of intellectual property rights. In this article, legal expert Mike Coyne differentiates between copyright and trademark and how they apply to your business name, slogan, fleet design and marketing materials.
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Take Advantage of Estate Tax Benefits
Updated: 02.01.11 by Mike Coyne
Improvements to the estate tax law in 2011 offer business owners and familyowned businesses some interesting planning opportunities during the next two years.
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Social Media Poses Legal Risks for Businesses
Updated: 12.01.10 by Mike Coyne
Although social media has many benefits, be aware of the employer liability regarding employee’s participation on a social media sites.
View Social Media Poses Legal Risks for Businesses
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Use Trusts For Continuity Planning and Avoiding Probate
Updated: 11.01.10 by Mike Coyne
Trusts can provide benefits even for incorporated businesses.
View Use Trusts For Continuity Planning and Avoiding Probate
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How to Plan For Your Extended Absence
Updated: 10.01.10 by Mike Coyne
Find the best way to plan for your business to succeed whether or not you are present for the daily operations.
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Are You Using Contract Labor?
Updated: 09.01.10 by Mike Coyne
Congress considering changes to address 'worker misclassification' regarding independent contractors.
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Healthcare Reform: Readers’ Questions Answered
Updated: 08.01.10 by Mike Coyne
Changes coming this fall but recipients won't be taxes on benefits. Readers raise questions about the healthcare reform and we answer.
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How Health Reform Threatens Small Business Health Plans
Updated: 07.01.10 by Mike Coyne
The problems facing small businesses due to healthcare reform are two-fold.
View How Health Reform Threatens Small Business Health Plans
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Estate-Tax Repeal Leaves Many Unknowns
Updated: 04.01.10 by Mike Coyne
Business owners should consider pitfalls and special circumstances before reviewing estate plans.
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How to Be a Savvy Negotiator for Commercial Leases
Updated: 03.01.10 by Mike Coyne
Consider more than just the rental rate when evaluating commercial property and negotiating leases.
View How to Be a Savvy Negotiator for Commercial Leases
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Tactics for Avoiding Lawsuits
Updated: 02.01.10 by Mike Coyne
Litigation is always the result of a failure of people to deal with each other reasonably.
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Carefully Consider Coverage for Liability
Updated: 01.01.10 by Mike Coyne
Too often, customers do not appreciate that such demands for protection against damages cannot be accommodated without exceptional costs that translate into significantly higher prices for services.
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Is Identity Theft a Looming Risk For Your Business?
Updated: 12.01.09 by Mike Coyne
Companies that accept and extend credit need to comply with the new "red flag" rules.
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How to Take Control From Minority Shareholders
Updated: 11.01.09 by Mike Coyne
Several options focus on shares and voting. Also, consider alternatives before rewarding key employees with ownership shares.
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Corporate Control Can Be Complicated
Updated: 08.02.09 by Mike Coyne
Agreements among shareholders concerning corporate control must be carefully drafted and usually must comply with very specific state laws. This is one time when a competent lawyer's help is absolutely necessary.
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Controlling Healthcare Insurance Costs
Updated: 08.01.09 by Mike Coyne
Every contractor should be watching what is happening with healthcare costs. If you already provide employee health insurance, you are well aware of how rising insurance premiums affect your business.
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Homeowners Have Limited Liability for Worker Injury
Updated: 06.01.09 by Mike Coyne
Is an hvacr contractor responsible for injuries to an employee by hazards in a customer's home?
View Homeowners Have Limited Liability for Worker Injury
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Protect Your Secrets
Updated: 05.01.09 by Stephen A. DiTullio
With an understanding of when and how to use confidentiality agreements, you can prevent information on your business operations from landing in the hands of your competitors.
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Laser Printing Primer
Updated: 04.01.09 by Frank W. Abagnale
Prevent check fraud by understanding how laser checks can be altered and put technology in place to prevent disaster
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Small Business Scams on the Rise
Updated: 04.01.09 by Mike Coyne
Watch your accounts payable and establish internal controls to protect your business from falling victim.
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Protecting Your Right to Get Paid
Updated: 01.01.09 by Mike Coyne
Mechanic’s liens can assist you in collecting from a non-paying customer; however, statutes exist in all 50 states, and the rules vary dramatically.
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Addressing Business Disputes
Updated: 12.01.08 by Mike Coyne
Incorporate the option for alternative dispute resolution in your service agreements as an inexpensive and less detrimental way of resolving would-be problems.
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Shedding Light on Moonlighting Risks
Updated: 10.01.08 by Mike Coyne
Permitting employees to "borrow" equipment is a bad idea.
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Exercise Caution With Government Contracts
Updated: 09.01.08 by Mike Coyne
Detailed records are the best defense against potential false-claims allegations.
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Workplace Violence - Are You Liable?
Updated: 08.01.08 by Mike Coyne
Your employees could land you in trouble.
View Workplace Violence - Are You Liable?
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The Impact of Consumer Protection Laws
Updated: 06.01.08 by Mike Coyne
Being a good contractor means being truthful and fair. Know what is expected of you.
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Disability Insurance Basics
Updated: 05.01.08 by Mike Coyne
Helping companies attract and retain good workers.
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Can Big Brother Watch?
Updated: 03.01.08 by Mike Coyne
Adopting workplace privacy policies is a prudent business practice.
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Growth by Acquisition
Updated: 02.01.08 by Mike Coyne
Identifying and acquiring businesses takes finesse.
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Take Stock In Rewards
Updated: 01.01.08 by Mike Coyne
There are a myriad smart ways to reward key employees. Issuing company stock isn't one of them.
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Property/Casualty Insurance
Updated: 12.01.07 by David Myer
Understanding property/casualty insurance coverages can help you stem serious loss potential for your business.
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Independent Contractor or Employee?
Updated: 11.01.07 by Mike Coyne
The Internal Revenue Service has rules for determining whether someone is an employee or an independent contractor.
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Pre-Employment Screening Requires Caution
Updated: 10.01.07 by Mike Coyne
To find the best people, you need to adopt good hiring practices. Pre-employment screening should be one aspect of these hiring practices. However, you need to be aware that there are important limitations on an employer’s right to pre-screen potential employees.
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Protect Your Company with a Corporate Minute Book
Updated: 09.01.07 by Mike Coyne
Corporate minutes can help ensure that owners shield themselves from being held legally responsible for corporate business failures. In addition, they can help quickly settle inevitable shareholder disputes, smooth business transactions and even help answer questions during an audit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
View Protect Your Company with a Corporate Minute Book
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When Soldiers Return From Service
Updated: 09.01.07 by Mike Coyne
What you need to know about military personnel's reemployment rights.
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Why your limited liability company needs an operating agreement.
Updated: 08.01.07 by Mike Coyne
A good operating agreement can be a useful tool for running your business as an LLC.
View Why your limited liability company needs an operating agreement.
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How Effective Are Non-competition Agreements?
Updated: 07.01.07 by Mike Coyne
If you need a non-competition agreement to protect your business, you will need to get legal help and follow these guidelines.
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Take Sexual-Harassment Claims Seriously
Updated: 06.01.07 by Mike Coyne
Written policies and clear instructions are two ways to protect your business from costly claims.
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Complying With Immigration Law In Hiring
Updated: 05.01.07 by Mike Coyne
The safest way to avoid problems under the immigration laws is to understand your responsibilities as an employer.
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Getting Ready To Sell Your Business
Updated: 04.01.07 by Mike Coyne
A successful sale of any business requires planning, and some of that planning must start well before the business is even offered for sale. Here are some ideas on how to get your business, and yourself, ready for a sale.
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How to Protect Your Business Secrets
Updated: 01.01.07 by Mike Coyne
Your trade secrets may consist of customer lists, training manuals, financial records, contracts with distributors, and the like, that would be very valuable to your competition. Keep them secret with some of these simple, inexpensive steps.
View How to Protect Your Business Secrets
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Be Careful with Letters of Intent
Updated: 07.01.06 by Mike Coyne
Find out why letters of intent may be binding and some practical advice when crafting them.
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Will Your Business Die With You?
Updated: 06.01.06 by Mike Coyne
Strategies for leaving your company to family members.
View Will Your Business Die With You?