It has never been so easy to start your own business. With the advent of online enterprises and the ever-increasing accessibility to the market that these offer, almost anyone with an idea they believe in can give running a company a go.
This doesn’t mean that building a successful start-up will be plain sailing. Aside from the exceptional number of competitors you’ll be up against, you’ll need to make certain that you’re following the letter of the law – or else face the consequences.
With everything from contracts to company ownership leases and litigation to consider, here’s how to avoid jeopardising the future of your enterprise by falling foul of the rules and regulations that govern us all.
1. Budget in potential legal expenses
It’s best to understand from the get-go that running a business will inevitably involve some legal expenses, so be sure to factor these in – and then add a little more on top. The constant back and forth and legal complexities involved in founding a company mean that you will almost always spend more on this than you imagine, and it’s best to be prepared. On top of this, don’t forget that you’ll also have licence fees, bonds, and more to cover, all of which will need to come out of your coffers. Try cutting costs and corners and you’re almost certain to pay extra in the long run.
2. Make sure you have the right professionals helping you
Although it may seem that hiring a lawyer should be an easy task, it’s not a case of one-size-fits-all. Law is an incredibly complex field, and specialisation really does matter. Yes, there are general practice professionals out there, and seeking their help may save you money in the short-term, but success is best secured by using the right experts when you need them. Whether it’s trademark litigation or bullying in the workplace that you require advice on, be sure to pick someone who really knows their stuff.
3. Always work within the letter of the law
Although it can seem costly to have someone cast their eye over your business at its beginning, the consequences of not doing so can be very expensive. Accidentally break the law in some way and you could find yourself being fined millions for failing to play by the proper rules. Not only would this inevitably do damage to your bank balance, but it would also have a massively detrimental impact on your reputation – fail to appear as someone that your clients can trust, and you say goodbye to their custom. That’s why we advise bringing in a trusted legal advisor early on to help make certain that you’re operating within the letter of the law.
Business is, by its very nature, about outshining and undercutting your competitors, but believe us when we say that cutting legal corners will never bring you the success you seek. A dangerous and damaging game, it will deliver nothing but heartache and must be avoided at all costs. Keep this in mind, play by the rules, and your enterprise will have every chance to thrive.
