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    What Parts of Your Business Should You Evaluate Before Expanding Overseas?

    By Lisa 0

    After becoming successful, many companies to expand their business operations globally. In the US, most entrepreneurs fail within the first five years, so if your business is still standing—congratulations!  As a result, you might think because your business is successful here in America that you can easily spread your business out to the rest of the world. However, expanding into other countries just doesn’t happen overnight, and having success in America doesn’t always translate into successful foreign operations. There’s much to be examined in yours business before you should make the big jump. Here are a few things you can evaluate before expanding your business overseas.

    Your Product

    Don’t assume that because your product sells in America that it will universally sell everywhere. Do your research beforehand. Just about every global company tailors their products to different markets. For example, Samsung has what’s called “Made For India” which manufactures and sells products to suit average lifestyles in India. You have to give customers what they want. Read up on the culture, laws and regulations of the country you plan to expand into. From there, tailor your product and your marketing to the specifications needed to succeed in that country.

    Your Leadership Team

    Believe it or not, many businesses have business teams that aren’t very productive. While this doesn’t seem to stifle their success, having a strong leadership team can be the driving force to continued success if utilized properly.

    Any well-functioning leadership team should be able to set the path going forward. While each team member has different functions they oversee, they should be able to come together and overcome any problems within the company. If they have trouble with these tasks, consider team coaching to develop your leadership team’s skills. Evaluate your leadership team on how they accomplish these roles and make changes if needed. Evaluating and investing in your leadership team is important, as the leaders’ decisions affect the rest of the company.

    Your Employees

    Don’t forget about your employees. Your employees are likely the reason as to why you’re in the position to expand your business in the first place. Employees will need to be notified about the international expansion as well as trained on any new tasks they will need to do in the future.

    These are just a few of many things you’ll need to look at before going through with your overseas expansion. Again, this doesn’t happen overnight. Expanding your business overseas can be a successful venture if planned properly. Take the time to carefully examine the current state of your business and make needed adjustments before making the big jump.

     

    Here’s another article you might like: Outsourcing, Offshore And Overseas: What Do I Need To Know?

    Outsourcing, Offshore and Overseas: What Do I Need to Know?

    By Lisa 0

    Many successful entrepreneurs are faced with the eventual decision of taking their business global. Outsourcing and offshoring are two popular options for businesses to take their operations overseas. If you’re not familiar with the two terms, outsourcing involves moving some or all business operations to a third party whereas offshoring involves physically doing business in a different country.

    Why People Do It

    Although there are both benefits and risks to taking your business overseas, the benefits alone are enough for many businesses to go abroad. Businesses outsource their operations for several reasons but the most popular reason is to save money. This reason alone is why many companies with extensive manufacturing processes go offshore to foreign countries where manufacturing costs are cheaper.

    While saving money is the main driving force for most businesses to hire outside the US, there are many other reasons businesses start operations overseas. Bilingual customer service, increased production, and establishing a foreign presence are just some of the many popular reasons why companies set their sights overseas. For example, some businesses find that offshore call centers are more affordable than their onshore counterparts. As a result, many businesses outsource call centers in foreign countries.

    Why Some Avoid It

    Problems can arise with outsourcing and offshoring operations to other countries. Even with modern technology, foreign workers are harder to manage, and there is the possibility that language and cultural barriers or even accents will frustrate customers. As a result, the quality can decrease, miscommunication errors arise, efficiency may drop, security risks to intellectual property may increase, and an overall lack of focus among employees can occur. This can lead to financial problems and customer complaints if the problem is not fixed.

    Also, many US consumers feel that American companies outsourcing work to foreign countries is morally wrong. They believe American companies should strictly operate on American soil and benefit the economy here. By moving operations out of the country you could face public backlash and lose loyal customers as a result.

    Should You Expand Your Business Overseas?

    Just because it’s easier than ever to do business overseas nowadays doesn’t always mean you should jump right in. Before deciding if you should take any of your business operations overseas, you should examine your business and point out its strengths and weaknesses. If you feel like your business can benefit by going overseas then consider the ups and downs of conducting business overseas. Consider your consumer base and their preferences. Determine whether it’ll make your team more efficient and grow your business.

    Taking some or all of your business operations overseas can be helpful or detrimental to your business. Before making the big decision, make sure you look at the benefits and risks and determine whether outsourcing or offshoring is right for you.

    Looking to outsource your business? Schedule a business consultation with us today to determine any legal road blocks.

    Business Safety Requirements You Shouldn’t Ignore

    By Lisa 0

    As a business owner, you understand the plethora of risks that are placed on not only yourself but your company as well. The most important of areas to have a risk assessment conducted on is on your safety requirements. A common mistake made within a variety of “low risk” jobs such as you would find in an office building is that many crucial safety requirements are not followed. This isn’t because they are not considered, but because owners believe they don’t apply to their industry. Therefore, the following list includes a few general business safety requirements you shouldn’t ignore.

    Insurance

    Although most business leaders understand the importance of having insurance, they might not be thinking about the right ones. A company, whether or not it is required by law, should have the right insurance in place, according to NFIB. One of the most important ones to have is workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance can help you greatly as it provides your employees with enough resources to sustain them after a workplace injury. This also reflects well on yourself and the courts if they decide to sue your company.

    PPE

    PPE or Personal protective equipment are pieces of equipment that are used to protect employees from hazardous obstacles and or illnesses. One of the most common injuries seen within an office building is back injuries from attempting to lift heavy boxes. If your employees are constantly needing to reach for heavy boxes and carry them around, you definitely need to provide them with the right equipment, such as an industrial back belt. This also includes the use of signs warning of danger within your various rooms. According to Creative Safety Supply, as the employer, you are responsible for providing PPE, making sure that it is accessible, and sufficient, and that employees know how to use it.

    Distractions

    Business leaders within the construction business can attest to the serious issue of worksite distractions. Accidents on the worksite can often be traced back to a lack of communication. However, when investigated a little further, it is not a lack of communication that was the issue but an introduction of distraction. This comes in the form of listening to music while working, fatigue, and even using cell phones for other activities other than work. You, as their boss, must make sure that these distractions are not being created within your workplace.

    Running a business is no easy task. You are constantly presented with issue after issue. However, safety must always be your first priority. This is to protect not only yourself but your employees and customers as well. Simply follow some of the tips laid out above to begin implementing proper safety requirements into your business.

    For all your business law-related needs, contact us so we can assist you!

    Event Space for Your Small Business

    By Lisa 0

    Hosting events for your small business is a great way to bring your team together, gain exposure in the community, and network with industry partners. Whether you’re planning a training, networking, or some other type of special event, it’s vital that you make the most of it. To help you plan the perfect event, here’s a list of the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

    Don’t Underestimate Planning Time

    The last thing you want to do is to wait too long to start the planning process. Most business events take several months to plan. Create a planning timeline right from the start to keep you on track.

    Do Set Clear Objectives

    Before you even start the planning process, you must have a clear set of objectives and goals in place. Put these goals into writing to ensure everyone on the planning committee is working towards the same objectives.

    Don’t Assume Anything

    When it comes to planning a business event, don’t assume anything. Instead, get everything in writing, including vendor contracts, RSVPs, and committee meeting notes. This step is especially important for last-minute changes and late registrations.

    Do Plan Thoroughly

    It’s critical that you take the time to plan every single detail of your event. Meeting room experts recommend that you have your entire event planned at least two months before the big day. This two-month period gives you enough time to deal with any potential issues and make changes if necessary.

    Don’t Skip Marketing

    To make the most of your event, you must invest in marketing. Create a social and email marketing campaign that explains why someone should attend your event and how it will help them.

    Do Develop a Contingency Plan

    Chances are that at least one thing will not go as planned on event day. It’s a good idea to always have a contingency plan in place that you can fall back on if the need arises.

    Don’t Forget Follow-Up

    Many business leaders forget one of the most important steps in planning an event – to follow-up. Always take the time to follow up with attendees. Ask them if they enjoyed the event, what could have been better, and what other events they would like to see in the future.

    Do Set a Budget Early

    Planning a business event can become extremely expensive if you are not careful. Take the time to set a clear budget for your event early in the planning process. You can make adjustments can later if necessary, but a preliminary budget should be set right away. 

    Hosting an event for your small business can be a great opportunity. The important thing is to give yourself plenty of time to organize your event and use that time wisely. We stand ready to help you grow and protect your small business for maximum improvement.

    Choosing a Trustworthy Real Estate Agent

    By Lisa 0

    The services of a real estate agent can be very useful when you are looking to buy or sell a home.  Buying and selling a home can be a considerably lengthy and involved process. Having someone on your side  can save you a lot of time, stress, and money. Unfortunately, not every real estate agent has your best interests in mind. Finding the right agent is incredibly important.

    They Should Act in Your Best Interest, Not Theirs

    A real estate agent gets paid by selling and buying homes. Their commission comes from the type of house that you buy or sell. Not every sale is going to bring in a ton of money for an agent, but a good agent will look to help people. They shouldn’t be interested in making the most money that they can. It’s ideal to find an agent who will help you with your buying or selling process regardless of what they’re getting out of the deal. Choose an agent based on positive reviews from past clients who report that the agent put the client’s needs first.

    They Must Follow Relevant Laws

    A real estate agent who tries to skirt the law isn’t doing you any favors. Some agents will try to hide things about a home in order to complete a transaction. A dishonest agent isn’t going to benefit you. There are real estate laws that realtors must follow as they work to sell your home. When they don’t adhere to these laws, they can potentially get you in trouble.

    They Should Be Easy to Get in Touch With

    A real estate agent is essentially working for you. If you have a question at any time during the process, you should be able to get in touch with your agent. If they’re constantly avoiding your calls, giving you different information each time you talk to them or not being honest about a home that they’re showing to you, it’s time to find another agent who will be more trustworthy and helpful in your situation.

    The market is flooded with real estate agents. From their perspective, it’s a great job to have. They get to set their own hours, work as much or as little as they want, and they can make a good deal of money from a few sales. Truly successful agents have a passion for helping people. These are the agents that you’ll be able to trust with your investment.

    Here’s another article you might like: California’s Community Property Law And How It Could Affect Your Business

    Pros and Cons of Becoming a Government Contractor

    By Lisa 0

    Employment with the government, whether full-time and permanent or on a contractual basis, comes with a unique set of opportunities and challenges. The nature of government operations differs dramatically in many ways from the private sector. For example, there are generally tighter regulations around government work as well as more reporting requirements, whereas with the private sector there is a less consistent supply of work and availability of jobs tends to be more volatile than with the federal government. Here are a few tips on what to expect when considering a federal contracting gig.

    You’ll Need to Tighten Up Your Security

    Because of the sensitivity of state secrets and other confidentiality concerns, a clean record is a must for any contracting job which requires access to classified information. Likewise, if you’re dealing with anything tech, you’ll need to make sure that the equipment you’re using is up to date in terms of security.  Recent national security concerns regarding foreign interference in governmental operations mean security will likely only get tighter in the future. If you’re working with the Department of Defense, you’ll need to make sure that you comply with NIST 800-171 cybersecurity requirements.

    You Can Rely on Your Employer

    Unlike private companies, the federal government is unlikely to “go out of business” – at least not any time soon. The US federal government operates on a multi-trillion dollar annual budget, far surpassing the average corporation listed on the stock exchange.  A huge portion of this is devoted to contracting research and development from third parties, especially in the IT field. Of course, contract jobs aren’t guaranteed, but you’ll know that there’s fiscal stability backing up your contract.

    Expect Delays and Change Orders

    Another important way that government work differs from the private sector is the frequent change in procedure and execution of projects. This is due to the changing nature of government makeup, bureaucratic shifts in priorities and other issues not faced in the private sector. Flexibility can help you excel.

    You’ll Get Guaranteed Payment

    In the private sector, collecting on debts owed eats up a substantial portion of many companies’ bottom lines. Efforts to collect money often mean lengthy campaigns that are sometimes unsuccessful. The government, on the other hand, is usually reliable in terms of paying contractors on time. 

    Working on a contractual basis with the government can be rewarding, but you should be aware of what to expect going in. Many contractors mistakenly assume that working for the government will be much like working in the private sector. It is actually quite different, but not necessarily in a bad way.

    Read more: How Much Protection Does Your Business Actually Need?

    Are Your Hiring Practices Guilty of Accidental Discrimination?

    By Lisa 0

    Workplace discrimination has always been a hot subject. Yet, in today’s progressive society, employers need to be more conscious than ever in how they hire. By focusing your attention on equality and integrity during your hiring process, you can eliminate accidental discrimination. This will ensure you’re hiring the best candidate for every position. 

    Avoid accidentally leaving certain demographics out of the loop. Don’t deprive your company of valuable candidates that could contribute to your company’s bottom line. Read the three major red flags that your hiring practices are discriminatory below. 

    You Use Discriminatory Language

    Check your job listings, website, and career pages for any discriminatory or preferential language usage. For example, using “he” when referring to a general individual instead of “their.” Also, be careful of using words that usually apply to a specific gender. For example, The Hire Talent says the adjective “dominant” may make the posting seem like it favors male applicants. 

    Language preferences can be seen as narrowing down candidates based on race or ethnic group. Avoid writing your entire job post in a different language or peppering in words in another dialect.

    Remove every restrictive term from your job description and ensure that everyone in your office, especially human resources and hiring managers, are well-versed and only use non-discriminatory language. Gender-specific job titles, stereotypical descriptions of men or women, and any references to skin color, ethic background, religion, gender identity, or sexuality should be omitted.

    Hiring Decisions Are Made on “Gut Feelings”

    According to Perception Institute, relying on a gut feeling could result in implicit biases leading to discrimination. Many companies pride themselves on hiring candidates based on connection rather than credentials, but personal connection is subjective. Most of the time, this means people are only being hired based on the opinion of hiring staff or the manager. To avoid implicit bias and discrimination in the hiring process, you should employ a variety of screening measures that ensure applicants are being judged fairly based off their competency, educational background, and commitment to the position.

    Your Workplace Lacks Diversity

    Take a look at your current employee population; are they all from the same ethnic background, or is there a major discrepancy between gender in various positions? If you only hire women to work in support positions and men for high-level roles, you could be at risk of discriminatory hiring practices. 

    Go through your current list of resumes and see what type of candidates are applying to your company. If you find there is also limited diversity among applicants, this could strongly indicate discriminatory phrasing in your job listings. 

    Take a closer look at who is hiring and make sure that your staff completes cultural sensitivity and discrimination training. Sometimes, just learning about the impact of subconscious bias can make people more aware and less likely to discriminate.

    Still have questions on the best way to avoid a lawsuit on discriminatory hiring practices? Speak to the experienced attorneys at Lum Law Group today!

    How Trucker Training Impacts the Company’s Bottom Line

    By Lisa 0

    Training is vitally important in every industry, and even more so in industries such as trucking, which requires technical skills and is known for its related dangers.

    Focusing on training in the trucking industry is for more than profit. It can help protect the safety of the company’s employees, as well as everyone else on the road. Here are three ways in which training for truckers can impact a company’s bottom line.

    Decreased Number of Accidents

    Increased driver training, and the subsequently gained experience, lead to fewer accidents. This can have a variety of positive impacts on your company’s bottom line. For one, it can help reduce your insurance costs. Next, it can prevent injuries to your existing drivers, relieving you from the job of to hiring and training new drivers. Finally, it can also help prevent lawsuits from on-the-road car accidents. 

    How is this all possible? Firstly, according to Concentra, training can help reduce the overall number of accidents. Secondly, and just as importantly, is that it helps reduce your liability by showing that your company is trying to protect your drivers.  All we know is that training your truckers helps your company’s bottom line.

    Improved Performance

    Trucking companies can increase their bottom line by improving their performance across a variety of metrics, and proper training can help show drivers how to improve in a variety of ways, including safer driving, quicker times, better route selection and improved relations with customers and vendors. Improving these areas will lead to more sales, fewer costs and an improved bottom line. In particular, good training can lead to better fuel mileage. According to L3Harris, when drivers are armed with the proper tools and knowledge they can drive more efficiently. This ultimately adds up to the entire fleet becoming more efficient.

    Increased Productivity

    Training can show truck drivers a variety of important skills and techniques which can be invaluable towards increasing productivity and efficiency. Trucker training is about more than just learning to drive, but involves teaching business practices, loading techniques and using technology for better driving. Results of training translate to lower costs—and more money—for both the driver and your company.

    There is a major shortage of truck drivers in the United States, meaning businesses need to do everything they can to save costs, find good truck drivers, and protect existing drivers through effective training practices. By providing good training, businesses can help protect and retain their truckers while at the same time improving their bottom line.

    When you start a business, you’ll want to make sure that you have adequate protection against potential risks. Read more here about what kinds of protection you need!

    Ways Your Business Might Be Violating the ADA and What to Do About It

    By Lisa 0

    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Nearly all public and private businesses serving the general public must comply. Even if you’re conscious about ADA compliance, there are several ways you may be violating the ADA without realizing it. 

    Being Accessible

    If your business serves the public, it must conform to minimum accessibility standards according to Title III of the ADA.

    • Can individuals with disabilities get into your building? The lack of a ramp, no curb cuts, or a too-high lip at the entrance can impede an individual’s access.
    • Parking spots need to be clearly marked, and there should be room for a van with a ramp.
    • A common violation that may not be immediately obvious is the lack of aisle space. If you sell merchandise, aisles should be wide enough to be wheelchair accessible.

    It’s not only new buildings that need to be compliant with the ADA. Existing facilities must remove accessibility barriers. Your building may not have to remove barriers, however, if making the modifications would be too difficult or too costly. 

    Providing Reasonable Accommodations

    A reasonable accommodation entails modifying the work environment so that an employee can perform the essential functions of his or her job. For example, if the employee were to have a communication disability such as being deaf or hard of hearing, it would be the business’s responsibility to provide accommodations such as sign language interpreters.

    However, if the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the business, you as an employer would not be required to provide that accommodation. An undue hardship involves accommodations that would be too costly to the organization, drain its resources, lower job efficacy, or infringe on the rights of others.

    Watching for Discrimination

    Title I of the ADA focuses on protecting employees with disabilities from discrimination. Businesses with 15 or more employees must comply. This means you cannot let disabilities come into play when making hiring or firing decisions. When writing ADA-compliant job descriptions, the language you use should be careful not to discourage an individual with a disability from applying. Although, you don’t have to hire an individual if they cannot perform essential job functions with the help of reasonable accommodations

    Remember, as an employer, you are also responsible for providing a non-discriminatory work environment. If you have employees who are harassing an individual with a disability, you need to address it.

    Learning to navigate ADA requirements is necessary to protect your business from lawsuits and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. Keep an eye out for common violations and address them promptly when they come to your attention.

    How Much Protection Does Your Business Actually Need?

    By Lisa 0

    If you own a business, you need insurance to protect it. The world is unpredictable. Although you can take some precautions, you cannot control or prevent every problem. An unexpected weather event can damage your main facility. An unforeseen problem can injure someone using your product. Even as attorneys, we have malpractice insurance.  The amount of insurance protection your business needs depends on several factors.

    Where Are You Located?

    Basic liability and commercial property insurance should handle most issues that happen at your physical location. The cost and limits of that insurance are based on the location and nature of your physical space.

    The reason an insurance adjuster will come to your location when you start a policy is because the insurance company needs to have an idea of any potential risks. A business located in a flood plain will have higher insurance costs than a business in a safer zone.

    It also makes a difference if you are a brick and mortar business where many clients will come to you during the day or an online company with little direct customer contact.

    What Do You Do?

    Different businesses carry different kinds of risks. People can be injured in both a family restaurant and a skydiving expedition, but the types of injury and risks of injury are quite different. In the case of product liability, insurance looks at the type of product your company makes, and how risky it is to be on the market. Your legal team or insurance company will ensure that you meet the legal requirement for your type of business. They will also advise you of expanded coverage options if you run a higher risk business.

    What Sort of Equipment Do You Have?

    Your employees are your biggest asset as a business, but they can also suffer injury and bring claims against your company. The level of coverage you need can depend on the type of equipment you use. Even with standard safety procedures, people are injured by manufacturing equipment on a daily basis. Certain types of equipment also require regular maintenance and safety inspections. On the other hand, an office worker has less exposure to serious injury, requiring less in insurance coverage.

    An uncovered claim can have a serious financial impact on your business. It can also take up time and energy as you work through the legal system. By making certain that your coverage is sufficient and up to date, you are protecting your business from the unexpected.

    For all your business advice needs, Lum Law Group is here to help. Contact us to find out how we can best serve your needs!

    4 Ways to Scrape Up Extra Funding for Your Business

    By Lisa 0

    Searching for additional funding for your business can feel like a business within itself. With so much information available, it can be overwhelmingly time-consuming to comb through it all to figure out which sources are credible and worth your time. Read on to learn four ways you can find extra funding for your business. 

    1. Business Grants

    Funding your business through business grants is an often-overlooked option. Grants are different from loans in that they do not have to be paid back, which can make them very appealing to some. However, applying for a grant can be a lengthy process of quantifying on paper why you are the best candidate for the grant.  In order to qualify for a grant, it’s best to hone your writing skills or hire a professional grant writer. 

    It is also wise to search for grants on an ongoing basis rather than wait until you are desperate for money. Similar to school scholarships, grants come in all types and amounts, and each one is specific to the demographic it is meant for. When searching for grants, it is common to come across scams, so the best place to look for grants is on an official government website.

    Resource: https://www.valuepenguin.com/small-business/small-business-grants 

    2. Business Loans

    Business loans can be a good source of funding for your business, but you should be careful. As a business owner, you need to know yourself well and decide if you are comfortable taking on debt that you may be personally responsible for.

    One of the main reasons people apply for business loans is because they need the money to scale and have grown beyond their ability to fulfill orders. Always have your paperwork in order with your current data so that you can expedite your loan application process as soon as possible. Along with having a good credit score, you may have to meet additional requirements for having been in business for a certain length of time in addition to generating a certain level of revenue. 

    Resource: https://sunwisecapital.com/bad-credit-loans/ 

    3. Angel Investors

    An angel investor is usually one person (as opposed to a hedge fund) who provides capital to businesses they believe in. While angel investors are wonderful to have, you cannot risk your business by depending on one. Finding an angel investor is as easy as searching the web, but the hard part is scheduling an opportunity to pitch to them and then nailing it.

    Additionally, the financial blessings of angel investors often come with strings attached.  It is seldom free money. The terms of the investment vary for each situation. However, usually the investor becomes, at the very least, minimally involved in your business.

    Think of an angel investor as similar to a hedge fund in the sense that you are beholden to the initially agreed-upon terms.   

    Resource: https://donnagriffit.com/guides/the-ultimate-guide-on-how-to-find-an-investor-and-get-a-meeting/

    Crowd-sourcing

    Funding via crowd sourcing is not just for musicians and artists. Over the past decade, crowd-sourcing has become a respected avenue for acquiring business funding. Consider using government websites for crowd sourcing education in general, and then begin with Kickstarter as just one example of the format.

    Resource: https://digital.gov/event/2019/04/09/federal-crowdsourcing-mobilize-citizen-scientists/ 

    Now that you have a little more information about where you may be able to find additional money to fuel the needs of your growing business, go out there and get searching. 

    Need more assistance setting up your new business? Consult Lum Law Group about legal complexities that might affect your business!

    4 Assets That Can Help You Scale Your Startup

    By Lisa 0

    Just because you have a small-scale business operation doesn’t mean you have to forego a professional look and feel. In fact, securing a professional appearance is essential to the successes of all small businesses. Consider using these four assets to help your small business project a confident and high-level demeanor.

    A Professional Phone Number

    Voice over internet protocol (VOiP) is a technology that allows you to use broadband internet to make telephone calls. Using VoiP will provide you with cost savings and other advantages. One of the biggest advantages is that you can talk to your clients from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. VOiP services generally have excellent phone connections and can be bundled with other services such as voicemail, fax, caller identification, call forward, last number redial and more.

    Small business owners may also consider purchasing a toll free line (subscription) to give your business further credibility.

    A Professional Business Presence

    Even if you’re operating out of your home, you can use a virtual office to direct mail to a real business address. The appearance of a physical business location will go a long way toward establishing the power of your brand.

    Entrepreneurs have several choices in this matter. If you work completely on your own, you can share a co-working space with one or more individual. Many co-working spaces also offer mailing address only services for a fraction of the cost of having conference room and shared space access. Other options include setting up a virtual mailbox online that will provide you with a physical mailing address. Vitrual mailbox services provide alerts when it receives physical mail on your behalf,  allowing you to manage your mail online. 

    A Powerful Web Presence

    A website isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. However, these days it is not just enough to have a website.  You need a website that will help potential clients to identify your brand. A website with an attractive design, informational blog posts and other key elements will help establish your small business as a local authority in your industry.

    A Loyal Network

    You are your own biggest asset. What you know and how you keep your customers happy is, perhaps, the biggest factor in scaling your business. By providing the best possible products or services, you’ll keep customers happy.  By keeping in touch with your previous customers and bringing them back as repeat customers, you are forming a network around your small business.  Doing so can lead to word-of-mouth, or testimonial marketing, a recognized economical method of getting more customers.

    Remember that every business was once a startup. The key to scaling it is to wisely use assets available to you, including your own talents. 

    If you’re growing your business and need legal advice, we’re here to help! Contact us today to discuss how we can help you.

    4 Ways to Build a Socially-Responsible Business

    By Lisa 0

    Customers are increasingly choosing to patronize businesses that aim to do the right thing and act responsibly. People are now basing purchasing decisions in part on a business’ behavior. Here are some ways that your business can be more more socially responsible.

    Be Active in the Community

    Participating in the wider community through both charitable initiatives and volunteering will show customers that your business cares. This demonstrates that something beyond profit governs your activities. Charitable donations are a way of giving back to the community, and your customers definitely take notice. Even if you give a little bit of money or some of your time, the satisfaction that you and your business will derive will be immense. When you support the community, the community will support you in turn.

    Look into Solar Energy

    Reducing your business’ carbon footprint by going solar is not only socially responsible, but  it can help your bottom line, too. Besides the environmental impact, there are plenty of profit-driven motivations that make solar energy sensible. After investing the upfront cost of installing the solar panels, your electricity bills will be greatly reduced. Once installed, these systems can last for 20 to 25 years, which, given there are tax incentives for turning to solar power, make the change worthwhile. At the same time, you are doing your part to reduce greenhouse gases.

    Adopt a Code of Ethics

    Your corporate behavior affects both your employee’s morale and your business image in the community. You can impact how your company does business by incorporating behavior rules and standards. This code then becomes part of how employees do their jobs, governing their employment evaluations.  This code of ethics can include various rules that mandate respect and a requirement to follow rules and regulations. It can proactively define what constitutes bad behavior to shape employee expectations.

    Create Incentives

    Employees will behave in a more socially responsible way when it is worth their while. By offering awards for workers who engage in socially responsible behavior, you provide an incentive for them to become good examples to other employees. This will trigger a domino effect in among your employees. Examples of incentives could include corporate programs meant to teach the right kind of behavior, including ethics training and credit for time spent engaging in socially responsible activities.

    As a business owner, you have a multitude of ways to make your business more socially responsible. Any initiative should start from the top, so why not get started today?

    For more advice on how your business can act responsibly, we are happy to help with our consultation services. Check them out today!

     

    The 3 Benefits of Improving Workplace Safety

    By Lisa 4

    Workplace safety is important for employees and businesses alike. Without it, chaos takes over and employees tend to trust their employers a whole lot less. Here are three benefits of improving the safety of your workplace.

    Improved Employee Morale

    The definition of morale, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time. This describes exactly what happens when a company improves the safety of its workplace. Feeling safe in a workplace makes employees bond together and form better relationships with each other. Observe this when your company holds demonstrations or drills for fires, tornadoes, or intruders. Practicing for danger is a great way to boost employee morale. This is due to the fact that the employees can treat the drills as real-life scenarios. In the real case of an emergency happening, people are more prone to help each other stay safe and calm. This simple safety activity builds confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline in workplace relationships.

    Improved Organization

    Staying safe in the workplace is much more than practicing drills. Many safety improvements help the workplace stay more organized, which in turn improves efficiency and employee productivity. Incorporating safety measures such as fire alarms, security systems, and network safety are all wonderful ways to keep employees safe in their place of work. If employees know that they’re safe while at work, they will more likely work harder, thus benefiting the business. No one wants to worry about if he or she will get out in time if there’s a fire or whether his or her car will be broken into while at work. By taking precautionary measures inside and outside the building, you will make your employees feel much safer and happier while at work.

    Less Employee Turnaround

    In order for an employee to stay in a job for more than a few months, he or she needs to feel safe and secure in the workplace. Forgoing safety precautions is not only bad for your employees, but it is also bad for business. The higher the number of your employees who leave, the more individuals your business will have to hire. The hiring process takes a considerable amount of resources, time, and effort on the part of the business. The gap in manpower may also negatively affect your business. By incorporating employee safety into your company’s goals, you will effectively encourage your employees to stay in their jobs. As a bonus, you’ll even save money in the long run.  

    There really are no good reasons to forgo business safety, and there certainly are no good reasons for boycotting the law. Bringing extra safety precautions into a business not only benefits the employees, but the employer as well. Benefits such as improved employee morale, enhanced organization, and less employee turnaround will work to your business’ advantage.

    Need help with an employee dispute? Lum Law has the tools and experience to help.

    4 Characteristics of Wildly Successful Startups

    By Lisa 0

    If you’ve studied successful startups, you might think that what makes a startup take off or remain permanently grounded is just luck–or a fluke. While all startups are unique, and there’s no guaranteeing that one will be a success, there are certain characteristics of startups that help them succeed better. Here we list the characteristics that every successful startup needs to ensure they cover.

    Location, Location, Location

    Where you place your startup is of great importance. Entrepreneurs should take into account several factors, including the visibility of signage, rent, utilities, and the relative safety of the area. This isn’t just a matter of choosing the right neighborhood in your city. It’s also about choosing the right city. You want to make sure your startup is located in a city that will be conducive to its growth but not so competitive that it’ll be washed out. Even if your startup is based online, you still need to consider practices like choosing shorter domain names and having a worthwhile host.

    Business Sense

    A startup can really teach you about the ins and outs of running a business. However, while there’s plenty you’ll learn through trial and error, there’s plenty more that needs to be grasped before you open your doors. As a startup founder, you should have a thorough comprehension of basic budgeting, hiring needs, and marketing. Be sure to hire people who have at least some startup experience.

    Pacing

    The most successful startups didn’t start raking in mountains of cash overnight. They got to reach their impressive heights because of discipline. As much as you might long to be a smash right out of the gate, you need to work your way up the ladder of success. Make a multi-year plan of things you hope to accomplish by certain dates. This will help you know what to strive towards. Then you can follow the steps and check-in with yourself regularly. Remember, consistency is key!

    A Strong Legal Foundation

    You need to consider what sort of business you want your startup to function as. You could be an S-corp, which lets owners and workers share income easily but caps the number of allowable shareholders at 100. You could be an LLC, which allows business assets to be kept separate from personal ones in the event of financial hardship, but you’ll have to cover self-employment tax. You could be an LLP, which can be more cost-effective but are restricted by some states. You could also be a proprietorship, which gives you singular reins of your organization but which makes you culpable for any marks on the business. This is a decision you shouldn’t make lightly.

    When creating a startup, entrepreneurs can get stuck on having the most innovative idea above all else. While that’s certainly important, they shouldn’t forget about basic standards to follow. All of these characteristics are common among successful startups because they are sensible and important when it comes to sustainability.

    Before you go anywhere with your startup, you need to make sure that you have all your legal bases covered. Lum Law Group would be happy to answer your questions and help your new business get started!

     

    Scheduling a Meeting for Your Startup? 3 Locations to Consider

    By Lisa 0

    Startups already have it tough without having to worry about where to meet–those coffee house meetings get expensive after a while. Entrepreneurs have enough on their plate, between gathering financial resources and pitching projects, to have to worry about what address to send people for the next meeting. If you have a startup, you understand all of the struggles that are prevalent in the early days of a business, and how much you need a place where you can come up with solutions to your problems quickly with your partners and employees. While you might not yet have an office space to hold your work meetings, there are plenty of places available for meetings. We’ve compiled a list of a few of the best ones below.  

    Library

    The public library is one of the best places to hold meetings for your startup. First of all, in many public libraries, you can reserve private rooms. Secondly and even more importantly, you have access to lots of information that you can either find in book format in the library or order from another one. You also have access to wi-fi and even computers if you don’t have enough. Another option is a university library, which will give you access to an even larger amount of resources, but a public library will suffice if you don’t have access to a university library. A couple of the few downsides of using a library as your meeting place is that your meeting location might change depending on the other events that the library is holding, and university libraries might have more restrictions on who they allow to use their resources.

    Meeting Room

    Reserving a meeting room at a conference center is another option. Like a library, you’ll have access to wi-fi, and you might even have access to their computers. This option is also great because they are used to having people use these spaces for the very purpose of holding meetings. A formal meeting room has access to business tools and technology as an added bonus. This option can be less than desirable, however, if you need to pay for it, and it won’t give you the same level of access to information that a library will give you.

    Chamber of Commerce

    Your local Chamber of Commerce might be a great place to hold a meeting. First of all, if you have a membership, a meeting room should be free. It will have wi-fi, and it also has rooms that are designed for work meetings. But you’ll need to check with your local Chamber of Commerce to find out which rooms are available and if there’s a fee if you aren’t already a member. There are also Chamber of Commerce membership benefits that could make it worth your while to join.
    While you have a lot of hurdles to overcome as a new business, there are a lot of resources available. Check out your city, and then make a decision based on your needs.

    For all your business law needs, get in contact with Lum Law Group and see how we can help!

    4 Tools All Startups Need to Start Up Successfully

    By Lisa 0

    It’s definitely exciting when you first embark on a new startup. However, like any other business venture, it can be risky. While there is a chance of making a sizable amount of money and becoming financially secure, there is also a chance of going bust. Hence the importance of capitalizing on as many personal tools as possible for guaranteed success. Here are four tools to make your startup an immediate success.

    Organizational Software

    In any startup, leadership is of paramount importance. One of the best ways to exhibit leadership is to  ensure everyone is on the same page. Luckily, in this day and age there is a whole host of organizational software available to even the smallest business or startup.  Organizational software can provide a digital drawing board for easy remote work, and instant responses that traditional meetings, agendas, and minutes cannot.  Certain organizational software programs are cloud-based, and can also manage your team’s time, online meetings, client documents, and customer outreach.  As a startup business owner, your investment in good organization software will become the foundation that your company expansion is built on.

    One example of organizational software is Trello board.

    Point of Sale Software

    Point of Sale (POS) software is crucial for today’s businesses. Modern POS systems include features to protect customer data from cyber threats, which is a must if you’re aiming for PCI compliance.  

    Setting up POS software for your business may seem like a daunting process, but it is actually much easier today than it used to be. In fact, there are even POS systems that can run off of a tablet or mobile phone. All you have to do is follow the provided step-by-step instructions to set it up. Be sure to allow yourself a couple of days to set it up fully before you expect to use it.

    The Right Business Structure

    There are a number of ownership structures you can utilize for your startup, including sole proprietorships, limited liability partnerships (LLP), C-Corporations, and limited liability companies (LLC).  The ideal business structure for you depends on the type of goods and services your business offers, taxes, and the extent to which you’re willing to be personally liable for the business outcome.  If you’re unsure which business structure best suits your business needs, do contact an attorney and tax professional for additional guidance. 

    Keep in mind that there are many states that will not allow your startup to be an LLC if the service you are providing requires some type of state license. Moreover, you may even need a business license. Whichever ownership structure you decide upon, we can help you set it up effectively.

    A Trademark

    A trademark can become your startup’s most valuable asset.  Trademarks are important intellectual property for your startup because it a trademark becomes your business’ brand.  Trademarks are vital to protecting your business, as they help you preserve your brand name, logo, slogan, website domain name and much more. You will want to consult an intellectual property attorney for additional information on how to make intellectual property part of your business strategy. 

    Contact Lum Law Group and ask us how we can provide you with the tools to  establishing a successful startup business today!

    How to Plan for These 5 Deadly D's of Business Partnerships

    By Lisa 0

    Your partnership may be going along smoothly without a worry in sight. However, it’s important that you and your partner talk about what you would do in the case of certain events. Some of the subjects can be difficult to talk about, but it is better that you are prepared for whatever may happen.

    Disinterest

    No matter how excited you are for your business, you can’t always know how excited your partner is going to be during the long run. There needs to an exit clause within your partnership agreement that allows your partner to leave if they are more interested in other career opportunities. You will need to put in place that your partner will not be financially compensated if they leave due to disinterest.

    Divorce

    When your partner goes through a divorce, it is going to be difficult to deal with their ex. Since California is a community property state, they will most likely have a stake in your business due to their marriage with their partner. It is important to get a lawyer involved in order to deal with an ex-spouse who wants to take as much as they can get their hands on during a divorce. Even when an ex is just trying to stick it to the one they are divorcing, it is easy for you to get caught in the crossfire.

    Source: https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/separation-and-divorce

    Drug Addiction

    One thing that will keep any business from flourishing is someone who is addicted to drugs. What often begins as an innocuous use of prescription pain management solution can easily spiral out of control. As conventional substances cease to provide the relief they once did, users begin seeking stronger substances such as fentanyl or heroin. This doesn’t make someone bad, it just means that they need help. It is important to confront your partner when you feel as though they might be sliding down a slippery slope. If they are not willing to get the treatment they need, you may need to push them out of the partnership. There are legal ways that you can do this with the help of an attorney.

    Source: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/fentanyl-addiction/treatment-rehab/

    Default

    When your partner has financial issues of their own, it could begin to affect you as well. If they are so far behind on their payments that they are defaulting, their creditors could come after your business. This is why it is important to have your business protected by articles of organization. A limited liability partnership will disallow creditors from levying your business income or targeting your business assets. 

    Death

    The last thing that you will want to talk about with your partner is the potential of death. However, there are times when untimely deaths happen in a partnership. It is crucial to sit down with your partner and an attorney to go over what is going to happen in the event that one partner dies. They need to put in their will what will happen to their stake in the business.

    Source: https://justwillsandlegalservices.co.uk/latest-news/happens-business-partner-dies/


    While having a partnership comes with certain obstacles, there are still great advantages to starting a business with someone you trust and love working with. Before long, you can have all of the legalities in place that will help you have a partnership in a safe and easy way.

    If you need help in establishing a partnership or starting a business, let Lum Law Group help!

    3 Things You Can Do to Make Interviewing Job Candidates Easier

    By Lisa 0

    While startup founders are well-known for their skills in selling their business, they’re also known for being smart about hiring.  Small business owners, especially long-term owners or new entrepreneurs, may not be as hiring savvy. If you’re new to the hiring process, here’s a few strategies you can employ for a more successful interview. 

    Prepare to Sell the Position

    A job interview is a two-way street. The candidate is interviewing you every bit as much as you are interviewing them. You will need to give a candidate a reason to want to work for you, knowing that they may have several employment options available to them. In order to prepare, you should figure out ahead of time what the selling points of your organization are and prepare an elevator pitch.  Rehearse how to work them into the interview. Expect that every candidate who walks in the door will be the right candidate for the job and be ready ahead of time to seal the deal.

    Prepare Questions Beforehand

    Job interviews are generally not very long. Before you know it, you are saying goodbye to the job candidate and sending them on their way. Wasting time during an interview helps neither you nor the candidate.  By taking some time before the interview to plan the flow of the interview and the questions you’ll be asking, you can use the scheduled time more effectively.  Just like you can sense that a candidate came unprepared, they can sense the same of you.  Not only does a little preparation go a long way to making a good impression, it also helps to guide the conversation. Come up with a few questions that you believe will give you a sense of your candidate’s abilities. It’s also a good idea to know who you can and can’t hire.

    Practice Active Listening

    President Lyndon Johnson once said, “You aren’t learning anything when you’re talking.” This holds true when you are conducting an interview as talking too much is one of the common mistakes that interviewers make. While you want to sell your company, an interview is also your chance to see how a job candidate handles certain situations and responds to pressure. It is difficult to get a sense of the candidate when you are the one who is doing all of the talking. At the same time, practicing active listening does not necessarily equal silence as it is possible to listen and still participate in the conversation.

    By knowing ahead of time how best to conduct a job interview, you can go a long way to ensuring that interview will be productive.  A good job interview helps you schedule fewer interviews, spend less time interviewing, and ultimately find the right candidate quicker.

    If you would like share your interviewing tips and experiences with other new employers, please comment below!

    Services Your Business Can Outsource to Save Time and Money

    By Lisa 0

    You are trying to run a successful business on a budget, but there are just too many tasks to complete for your staff to keep up with in their daily routine. Hiring more full-time employees is just out of the question at this point. The additional expense would place a huge burden on your company, and you would have to figure out some way of training new employees without disrupting your workflow. As a consequence, you are forced to put more responsibilities on your already overworked employees.

    This is no way to run your business. Still, it is a mistake many business owners make because they think in terms of working harder rather than smarter. Fortunately, the problems your company is facing are easier to overcome than you might expect.

    The trick to getting more done and taking the bulk of the burden off your employees is to outsource some of the work. This will free up your employees to do more of what you actually hired them to do. The following covers a few areas where outsourcing makes sense for your company.

    Downsizing Your IT Department

    A lot of business owners think it is necessary to have IT staff on the premises. This is not necessarily the case at all. In fact, a lot of companies have downsized their IT department and outsourced the majority of this work to a third-party IT solutions provider. In making this simple change, a business owner can reduce the amount of operating space they need. This may even enable a business owner to relocate to a smaller building with lower monthly rental costs.

    Another advantage to outsourcing your IT needs to a third-party provider is that it is much cheaper to scale your service if the need arises. If you had to scale your IT department yourself to meet increases in demand, such an upgrade could get extremely expensive. Additionally, you can have peace of mind knowing that IT professional services tend to screen for the most qualified and credentialed IT people to work for their company. You can use IT asset management to help audit your IT processes so you know where you can make cuts and what you can outsource. 

    Source: https://www.ivanti.com/blog/what-is-it-asset-management

    Regular Maintenance

    Every business location is going to need some maintenance services from time to time. Your business is really no exception to that rule. Toilets overflow and pipes break, and these types of issues are going to require the right person with the know-how to fix them. Most likely, however, you do not need a permanent janitorial person on staff to keep your building operating at peak performance. It is perfectly reasonable to outsource these tasks to a maintenance service or private contractor that you can keep on speed dial for any unexpected emergencies.

    Source: https://www.manufacturing.net/

    Making Your Building Shine

    You operate out of a sizable building, but it is not large enough to justify hiring a full-time cleaning person to be on your staff. It can be more cost-effective to pay a cleaning service to come in and do a good cleaning a couple of times a week. As for small cleaning tasks, it will not hurt your employees to learn how to empty their trash and exhibit some level of responsibility toward keeping their own area clean.

    Source: https://www.southerncrosscleaning.com/

    Landscaping and Lawn Service

    When you started your business, you may have assumed that you would do all your own landscaping and lawn maintenance yourself. This seemed alright because you like getting outside and working with your hands from time to time. However, if you’re like many business owners,  your time has probably become more precious as you’ve grown your business.

    Don’t fret if you can no longer keep up with mowing and landscaping. You can outsource your landscaping and lawn maintenance tasks to a qualified company. Doing so will ultimately free you up to do more of the executive duties you need to remain focused on completing.

    Source: https://www.legionlandscaping.com/

    Holding Business Meetings Offsite

    Whether it’s a formal meeting or a training seminar, meetings are a necessary part of business operations. If you don’t have the office space or seating to host your next professional event, then it may be wise to host it at an offsite location. You don’t want the added expense of buying and storing seating just to accommodate larger meetings—particularly when they don’t happen regularly. You can find professional office spaces that rent by the day or hour that will provide for all your business needs.

    Source: https://blog.davincimeetingrooms.com/meeting-rooms/meeting-space-vs-hotel/

    Headed in the Right Direction

    You have taken charge and turned the situation with your company around. Your regular full-time staff is no longer being swamped with an endless array of tasks and duties. By outsourcing many key company procedures, you are finding it so much easier to run your business like a well-oiled machine. In addition, you are noticing that you are saving more time and money than you thought you would. In fact, things are running so much smoother these days that you think it might be time for you to take a long overdue vacation.

    If you need business advice, especially from a legal point of view, contact us to see how we can help you today! You’ll be glad that you did!