It’s not enough to say “I’ll do it tomorrow.”
It’s wrong to say, “It’ll never happen to me.”
And it’s not fair to your business to say, “It’s too hard.”
Your business is your baby. You need to protect it. With everything you’ve got.
Only then can you sit back and reap the rewards of having built a business on rock, not sand.
For example: Do you have a Privacy Policy posted on your website? If not, you’re exposing yourself to all kinds of liability, not to mention breaking the law: the FTC requires (i.e., it’s the law!) website owners to disclose what is done with any personal information they collect from visitors, even if it’s just an email address.
You also must have a Website Disclaimer. This is designed to reduce the risk of liability should someone “misuse” your website content.
And then there’s, you know… the possibility of infringing on someone else’s copyright or trademark rights.
Did you make sure your website name, your business name, your product name isn’t already being used by someone else? Because, if it is, you could get sued AND have to give up any profits you may have earned.
BUMMER to the factor of infinity!
I’ve created the mother (and father) of all online business start-up checklists that walks you through each and every step you must take to “cover your assets online.” Your “assets” are all the things you’ve created, including your business name, tag line, website, products, services, images… all of that is yours.
The thing is, we entrepreneurs are so passionate about some things and rather la-dee-da about some of the most important stuff. Why? Well, to be honest, it’s hard to get passionate about a Privacy Policy or a Website Disclaimer. That’s why I made it super simple for you to get “Website Legal.” Because the last thing you want is to pay big bucks to a lawyer who bills by the hour.
I’m a lawyer, but I’m not THAT kind of lawyer. I’m an entrepreneur, first. I know what it’s like to have exactly 493 ducks that are NOT all in a row. I know what it’s like to feel completely overwhelmed by all the information that’s out there.
So, let’s wrangle those ducks, shall we. They’re adorable, but they’re a handful. And they need your attention, because once you’ve got them all lined up? Whoa… you will feel so much more at peace with your business. You’ll feel the security that comes with knowing your ducks aren’t only all lined up, they’re actually quacking to the beat of your drum.
Legally yours,
Lin E