October 8, 2013
The first time it happened, I was shocked. (Okay–naïve too, but shocked). “What did I do wrong?” I wondered. “Wasn’t the client happy with the service I provided? After all, I swooped in, saved the day, and got them their pound of flesh. What’s going on?” It happened to me several times despite my best precautions. It happens because we are basically trusting people. I’ve had clients who paid my invoices like clockwork again and again suddenly disappear without paying their last bill. Past performance, while an indicator of the future, is not a guarantee. How can you minimize the chances that you’ll be cheated? Here are a few suggestions: You Have to Have a Plan Expect to have past-due receivables and be prepared with a plan to recover your fee. Part of your plan involves setting out your terms in advance and inserting collection terms into your services contract. While that still doesn’t guarantee payment, it makes your case easier to prove in court if it gets to that point. Outside of your contract,…
Continue ReadingWhat do open invoices say about your business? Brian Tracy once said, All business is people business. That’s because businesses are built on relationships—whether you build those relationships online or offline. But when your clients…
Read MoreSatisfied customers don’t grow on trees, ripe for the picking. Yet without them, your company is doomed. Most businesses models rely on repeat customers, customer referrals, or at least, the credibility of satisfied customer testimonials. …
Read MoreThey’re there, even if they’re hidden and don’t smack you in the face. They’re on Amazon.com, Shopping.Yahoo.com, and even less-known names like SnuggleMe.com (pet products). “They” are website terms and conditions; your website should have…
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I know first-hand that running a knowledge-based service business has unique challenges. It’s so much easier when you have an advocate in your corner. Over the past 25 years, I’ve worked with thousands of New York business professionals who want a legal advisor to guide and support them as they navigate the business world.
With wide-ranging experience as a business attorney, strategist, and media authority, I bring the added power of a business lens to the legal issues my clients are facing.
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