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Ann Marie Puig discusses common legal mistakes startups make and how to avoid them

Legal issues are one of the most important things that a businessperson must keep in mind when starting a new company. These are the things that can make or break an organization, and it’s tragically true. Entrepreneurs could be setting themselves up to fail by not thoroughly investigating the legal aspects of their business before they start. Ann Marie Puig is a veteran business consultant and discusses the common mistakes entrepreneurs should avoid when starting a new venture.

Many entrepreneurs fail to set up the right legal structure for their businesses. This can lead to them having to seek out financial professionals, leave their organization, or be sued by a client. They could be exposed to personal risk if they do not have the right structure.

An investor’s understanding is crucial to everyone’s success when the time comes for the organization to be sold or the originator to go. Without such understanding, there will be turmoil. Asserts Puig, “Have an attorney draft an authoritative record that outlines how investors will be resolved and what happens if one leaves, gets bitten by the dust, or gets separated.”

Because they lack worker manuals, small organizations can find themselves in difficult situations. Many cases of extremely successful organizations failing to pay back claims made by previous employees are common. To plan the best human assets strategies for your organization, seek the advice of a human resource adviser or proficient software.

Private companies are being encouraged to make fun of their competitors, either publicly or privately, on the internet. You must be careful not to criticize them. Puig adds, “Seek legal guidance to determine what constitutes criticism and what is permissible speech.”

Do not neglect to obtain a trademark, copyright, or patent. Many independent companies fail to discover a way to protect their innovation until an organization steps in. Get the advice of a lawyer to take stock of your organization’s protected innovations.

Don’t get sue-happy. Individuals can sue each other and then explode. Both sides end up losing a lot of money and are unable to make a decision. It is better to negotiate than to prosecute. A great lawyer will always say something similar.

Secure your client data on the website. Hacking is more common in independent ventures. Not only is the site at risk of being taken down, but so is the possibility of losing sensitive client information. SiteLock is a service that can help you make sure the site and information are secure before it happens.

Use work computers only for your personal entertainment. Independent companies are unable to prevent employees from using the internet for personal reasons while at work. To protect the organization and other workers, block unseemly sites. Screen site usage of company PCs every now and then to ensure that they are being used in a responsible manner.

When necessary, seek out outside financial experts. Many entrepreneurs seek out outside investment if they require cash to grow their businesses. They can have problems with the way the company is run, and investors can make it difficult for a legitimate business to continue. The personality and financial resources of an investor are as important as the cash they bring to the company. However, be careful when choosing.

Finally, ensure that you properly remit the payroll tax (or sales charges) information to the appropriate government agency or entities. Independent businesses should legally gather finance and sales tax. The government will not accept these numbers and the independent venture will be shut down. To transmit employer and employee taxes, use a finance administration. For the collection of sales and use fees, create a separate record.