by Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. on May 23, 2013
Ever feel like your big box competition is an immoveable mountain? Well, it doesn’t need to be that way. One way that small business can compete with larger rivals is by forming strategic alliances. Strategic alliances can fill gaps in your value proposition when you’re compared to huge competitors … yet allow you to retain [...]
Read More
by Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. on May 23, 2013
If you ever watched cheesy Saturday afternoon B movies featuring the Hydra—the many-headed mythological sea serpent—you’ve seen an image of an entrepreneur. (And definitely me on a bad day!) Everyone knows you have to wear a lot of hats when you start your own business. Even with a partner or two, there are more [...]
Read More
by Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. on May 22, 2013
Don’t partner up with anyone until you ask yourself these 10 questions. Strategic alliances: They’re great when used effectively to expand the range of your product or service offerings; they’re not so great when you collect them like Manolo Blahnik shoes, merely because, well, everyone else has them. “Strategic alliance” is a chic but vague [...]
Read More
by Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. on May 21, 2013
Are you at odds with your partner because your partnership agreement can’t help you avoid disputes? Are you gung-ho on sales but your partner takes more of a wait-and-see attitude? Do you feel like you’re talking to your business partners until you’re blue in the face but no one seems to understand your position? Well, [...]
Read More
by Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. on May 20, 2013
A simple solution? Who says there’s a problem with verbal agreements? As a lawyer who has had to litigate contract cases involving verbal agreements, I say, “I do.” Do you remember playing the game “telephone” as a kid? Where you are supposed to repeat the exact phrase that the person on your left whispers into [...]
Read More
by Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. on May 17, 2013
Hereâs a terrific resource for you â and not just because Iâm the guest expert for their monthly teleclass next week: The Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce.  J Itâs not just for virtual assistants; their programs, columns, and forums can benefit all entrepreneurs who are in business by themselves.  Iâve entitled my teleclass âYouâd [...]
Read More
by Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. on May 16, 2013
Entrepreneurs occasionally ask me about the value of forming a nonprofit (“not-for-profit corporation” (NFP) in legalese). I suppose they say, “Hmmm . . . nonprofit . . . that means I don’t have to pay taxes!” And to a certain extent, they’re right. Nonprofits are exempt from paying federal and state income taxes, provided you [...]
Read More
by Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. on May 15, 2013
Q.: What is sweat equity and how does it work? My husband has recently started a new job where the salary is $50,000; however, he only takes home $25,000. The other half is going into sweat equity. Is this a normal practice and how might my husband benefit from this? Read on to find [...]
Read More
by Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. on May 15, 2013
The word “motivate” means “to stimulate towards action.” I emphasize towards because too often, we hear of stories where it’s only the threat of the lash (and termination) that keeps employees in their seats … for fear of losing their income. But that’s not motivation—as in moving forward. That approach doesn’t bring your team happily [...]
Read More
by Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. on May 14, 2013
6 smart ways to ensure your peace of mind and your company’s protection against loss. Few things in business–or in life–provide you with an ironclad guarantee. There’s no assurance of 100 percent success or 100 percent protection. That’s something to consider when it comes to the potential for lawsuits. There’s no way to absolutely, positively [...]
Read More