Business Tips by Chris Reich
Tips from growing a business to dealing with disputes
The Fiduciary Duties of Partners in a Business Partnership
Partners in a business partnership, other than limited partners, have legal obligations to the partnership that are called the Fiduciary Partnership Duties. In this post, we’ll look at these duties and, hopefully, clarify what they mean.
You Can Backdate Agreements in Business Legally
Many people are trying to work out new arrangements with their business partner but find themselves in bad place on the calendar. Despite both parties agreeing to a change, it could take months to worth out the terms. Don’t worry.
Discuss, Agree, and Document How Partners Will Be Paid
This might surprise you. Compensation does not have to be equal in a 50-50 partnership. You can, in fact, do anything you want as long as it’s agreeable with your partner or partners. Read on!
In Mediation Use Sense and Don’t Fight Over Cents
When business partnerships go bad, very often someone wants out. That starts one of two possible processes. The business enters Wind Down and begins the process of closing or the partners start discussing a Buyout.
Funny Friday: Video Conferencing
Video Conferencing is sometimes riddled with issues. If you’re working remotely this should give you a good laugh. Enjoy, Chris Reich
Do Not Stop Working if You Want to Leave the Partnership
When the business partnership breaks down, the darker sides of the personalities come through. A dominant partner turns into a bully. A person who does not do well with conflict will withdraw. As the bully gets more aggressive, the pacifist withdraws further. Eventually, the bully gets so angry they are ready to lock the other partner out. The pacifist quits coming in. The next blowout is over money. The course is as logically predictable as what will happen to your car if you hit the highway with no oil in the engine. It will get louder and louder until the engine seizes.
How to Draft Resolutions to Strengthen Your Partnership
I recommend that partners talk through a specific issue and then draft an agreement (called a resolution) that sets a policy. You can keep this in a binder to serve as amendments (or foundation) to your Partnership Agreement. In this post I’ll explain how to talk about things that bug you with your partner and how to draft a binding resolution to fix the problems.
When Politics and Business Partners Don’t Mix
Unless you are in some sort of political business, you should keep politics out of your establishment completely. Of course, you have freedom of speech, but we are in very contentious times and displays of political or religious positions might be off-putting to to your customers.
Relatives Should Never Keep the Books in a Business Partnership
Even when people get along well, having one partner’s relative handling the books just isn’t good policy. There is an inherent conflict of interest.
About Documenting Partnership Expectations
Many partnership disputes begin around expectations not being met. But were they ever defined in the first place?
5 Points to Consider When a Partner Is Locked Out Of the Business
Locking a partner out is a risky move. The locked-out partner has rights that if violated could entitle him to reinstatement and damages.
What Should Be Included in Your Partnership Agreement
There are many things to cover in a solid Partnership Agreement. In this video, I’ll explain the items that need to be covered. You may have other items to include as well. Keep in mind that there are many ways to address each clause. My job is to offer you options and to help partners agree on how they want to address every line item.
Protect Your Interests with a Partnership Agreement
Your Partnership Agreement protects your interests. Ideally you would go to a qualified business attorney and have the proper legal document drafted. But if you are putting it off because of the expense, you can get the key items on paper to protect you and your business.
It May Be Legal to Lock Your Partner Out of the Business
There are times when you legally can and should lock your partner out of the business. But, those are rare circumstances. Locking your partner out, even if your partner is showing bad behavior, open you to potential liability.
3 Signs That a Partnership Is Never Going to Work
I pay close attention to what is expressed during my private interviews before we start a mediation process. There are 3 signs a partnership will fail.
Tip for Talking with Your Business Partner
Anyone who starts a business has many hats to wear. Sales, manager, accountant? You will wear them all in a day. Be careful when you talk!
Business Partnership Problems with Someone You Were Dating
What happens with the business when people break up? Here’s the information you need to make big decisions and protect yourself.
Beat Stress and Depression By Doing This Simple Thing
Is the news, confinement, money problems, fear of the unknown making you depressed? Do this!