When you are going into the big wide world, starting a new business on your own, or as a partnership can be scary. One of the biggest fears that people share is the fear of having either their content stolen, not being paid for work, wage theft and overall legal issues.
Legal issues can be a huge problem for a big business let alone a small one, so this guide should share some quick tips on how to protect your business:
Protect your Online Assets
One of the first, and main ways in which your customers will interact with most businesses is via their website or online presence. This is one of the main things that you should protect, especially with new laws that have come into place in recent years like GDPR. With websites taking more and more data, it is becoming more and more important for you to keep your online presence protected. Things like privacy policies and terms and conditions are a must when it comes to a website. Also, a page explaining what data your website collects and why it collects it, along with how to contact you about obtaining personal data records. All of these things may not seem important when it comes to a smaller business but it is super important to keep every part of your business protected at all times, no matter the size. According to safetytalkideas.com data protection and confidentiality are also very important when it comes to protecting your business.
Clients and Contracts, Pen and Paper is always Best
When starting new work with a client, it can always be tempting to use technology and simply email. DocuSign and more and bam, the contract is signed. However, the problem with this method is no matter how amazing technology is, it can sometimes fail, or documents can be deleted within the click of a button. Sometimes, pen and paper are best, especially when engaging in new contracts, as you want your work and theirs protected. However, this can all be avoided when you partner up with the experts in improving the application programming interface that would integrate into your existing software to make it more safe and secure for an e-signature while working with new clients online.
Stay in Your Lane and Field (Unless you are expanding)
When it comes to your business, and finding new ways to diversify your business. But you need to make sure you are careful with the work you are doing. If you are a graphic designer, doing business accounting consultancy would be something your customers may be confused with. Also, on a legal side, there are rules and regulations to abide by in the world of accountancy that you do not need too in the graphic design market.
Sharing Policy is Always a Good Idea
Lastly, connecting again to online protection, your website will naturally have some assets that you want to protect. If you offer images of your work on your website or have blog posts that are copyright to your business. You need to make sure you have a page on the website that explains in plain terms what people can do with your online assets. This is called Sharing Policy. If you do not you run the risk of having it stolen or listed on google and being used without your permission.
So, when you are working with your business, keep these things in mind and do not forget to cover all sides of your business when it comes to the legal sides.
