Category: Business

Truth be told, creativity is the core of any entrepreneurial venture. As a matter of fact, it is through creativity that thousands if not millions of businesses have been established. However, it is also one of the entrepreneurial aspects that require ultimate keenness. It tends to be even more important among creative businesses, especially for sensitive processes such as drafting contracts for employees, clients, and partners.

A clearly drafted contract essentially ensures you are “on the same page” with the parties you are working for or with. It also helps to make sure that your creative business expectations are met efficiently. Most importantly, it helps keep things legal in the running of your business. On the flip side, a poorly drafted creative business contract can be a source of disappointment, losses, and eventual failure.

So, do you run or are you thinking of starting your own creative business but having no idea how to draft quality contracts? If yes is your answer, this piece is for you. 

Here are some tips you could use to avoid poorly drafted contracts.

1. Define the Scope of Your Work Clearly

As a creative business owner, you need to state clearly and specifically every vital element surrounding the creative project you will be undertaking. For instance, it should include the project timelines, deliverables, and so on. Otherwise, wise you may get frustrated when your clients keep requesting frequent project adjustments. In such a scenario, you will just waste your significant chunks of time which could otherwise be used in other productive creative activities. With a clearly defined project scope, once the contract is signed, any additional changes should go along with additional cost implications.  

2. Utilize Disclaimers to Prevent Liability 

Like businesses in many other industries, creative businesses could attract certain liabilities. If you are promoting someone else’s work or product, for instance, you could easily attract lawsuits if it turns out that they are not the original owners of the work or product. As explained at BerkleySweetApple.com, disclaimers can help protect your business from civil liability in various ways. Some of these ways include:

• Providing notice of ownership for your intellectual property
• When promoting free products or at a fee
• Working in industries that need a practicing license
• When running advisory services on a website

3. Ensure You Are Clear On Who Will Own Your Creative Work

When it comes to contracts involving creative work, never forget to include a statement on the particular creative work ownership. For example, as a graphic designer, you may create logos, and as a writer, you may be requested to write a paid guest blog post. In such scenarios, it may be unclear who owns the particular creative work and the rights associated with the work. So, you may decide to assign ownership to the client or grant them a license with terms of usage. The license dictates terms such as how, where, and for how long a client should use your creative work, whether you will be receiving royalty payments upon use or sale of your creative work, etc.

4. Describe the Project Changes and the Associated Cost Implications

Most often, no matter how clear the project scope is, some clients will still want to do some changes here and there to the original project requirements. In fact, some will expect you to do additional work without any extra payments. In this kind of situation, clearly written and signed agreements come in handy. It should clearly stipulate what happens in case of added work or project changes, including costs and obligations.

5. Nail down Everything Concerning Money Matters

Let’s face it; most contracts related clashes are due to money matters. Therefore, it is essential to clearly specify all the details about your payments. In fact, just quoting your price isn’t enough, and invoices are not contracts either. You need to go ahead and clarify the terms of payments. For example, you may decide to either receive some portion of your fees upfront or get paid some set amounts after achieving specified project milestones. Other terms may include outlining how to get compensated in case a client cancels a project after you have already started working on it. Also, elaborate on whether you will be reimbursed for your incurred expenses. In a nutshell, you are just trying to establish a solid agreement with your client on money matters to avoid future money-related conflicts.

6. Specify the Process to Be Followed When Changing the Agreement 

While a written contract is the final agreement with your clients, the reality of the matter is that the contract may still require some unavoidable changes. However, there should be a specified procedure to follow when undertaking this process. The process should be on fairgrounds for both parties. Most people may ask for the changes orally via phone calls, which is rarely a reliable approach. It may lead to arguments since there is no written record to validate the process.

Finally, you will also want to make it clear that the written agreement is final. When putting down a contract agreement, the goal is to identify things that could cause unnecessary misunderstanding and confusion with your client or the parties you work with. It also established laid-down guidelines to address disagreements that could crop up in the process of conducting business. This means that it should be professionally drafted. The above tips can help when running a creative business.

Despite Covid-19 and as we begin to settle into a new decade, a modern business is required to keep up with an almost 24/7 demand. 2020 saw a huge increase in online business and retail as many traditional establishments were forced to close or suspend activities as the pandemic took hold.

Slowly but surely in 2021, as vaccination programs get underway, businesses of all types are set to reopen and resume in the months ahead so whether you are totally based online or in the real world, you are going to need to get back to normal operations as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Streamlining a business is an ongoing process that changes all the time depending on external factors such as economy, demand, and technological advancements or constraints but there are some techniques that you  can implement right now for a more efficient business:

• Answering service
• Managed IT
• Software automation
• Paper reduction
• Website and Social media

You might be lucky enough to be so busy that you can’t answer the phone all the time so an outsourced receptionist service might become necessary while a Managed IT service can secure your digital assets and software automation can provide a huge boost to your production by letting a computer take care of menial and repetitive tasks. The paperless office concept is nothing new but using more electronic programs is quicker, easier, and will reduce your carbon footprint while establishing a website and a social media presence are an absolute must in the information age.

Just a Moment

Using a receptionist goes back almost as long as the use of the telephone and a receptionist is usually the first point of contact between a customer and your business, therefore they are an integral part of any modern company. Depending on your business scale an extra full-time salary could be a huge expense that your business might not be able to afford. 

Additionally, you may be performing jobs where answering the phone just isn’t viable for a large part of the day. If this is the case then you might want to get an answering service. Outsourcing to a professional answering service like this can save time and money since they charge a small fee for each answered call rather than paying somebody to sit at a phone in your office at a full salary. 

For a nominal fee, a trained receptionist will answer calls to your unique number with the information provided by you. They can also forward calls directly to you over a cell or landline number or as a message via SMS or email. Additionally, they offer Virtual Assistant services that can perform administrative duties that normally cost a business manager on average 25% of their professional time, therefore freeing you up to get on with more pressing tasks.

Do you know that having a calendar template is one of the best strategies for improving productivity?

Everyone’s a Target

Protecting your business against unwanted intrusion is a vital and necessary tool for any company in the modern world, whether you operate as an online business or not. Any type of digital data is at risk of being stolen and sold on the dark web, which has become a very lucrative business over the past few years.

Malicious hackers steal personal data that includes names, addresses, and bank account details which is then auctioned to the highest bidder, sometimes for a lot of money. Just recently, the Polish developer of the video games Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher, CD Projekt Red, had some of their source code stolen as well as employee’s personal information, all of which was reportedly sold for millions on the black market.

While large corporations do indeed suffer cyber-attacks, the vast majority of cyber-attacks are inflicted upon small and medium-sized businesses. Small businesses are the main target of hackers and over 60% of small businesses don’t implement security measures since they don’t believe that they will be targeted, which is exactly why they are. Because of this, using a Managed IT Service should be considered if you use any type of online service, which in the 21st century is highly likely. 

A Managed IT Service can help with all aspects of online security for a relatively small fee which includes anti-malware and intrusion techniques, internet security, cloud-based services, data backup, software updates, and hardware as a service.

Let the Computer Do It

While process automation is usually thought of as an initially large expense, which it can be, depending on the circumstances, using programmed technology to perform repetitive tasks pays off in the long term. However, not all process automation involves complex and expensive robots or machines and also refers to automation software that can increase the efficiency and productivity of your business model as well as the shop floor.

The most basic example would be an email automatic reply. By setting this up via an email client, whenever your email address receives a message, an automatic reply message will be sent back with previously written details such as “Thank you for your inquiry, we will get back to you soon”. 

Imagine if you had to write that message every time you got an email; it would be boring and time-consuming, and these can be customized with logos and details with information gathered from forms that can make it seem like a manual reply, which is great for customer service. In addition to this, a personalized welcome message can also be programmed, further compounding the customer service relationship between your company and a new client.

Other examples of software automation include reminders of appointments and jobs, social media posting and blog scheduling, or reminding customers of shopping cart abandonment for e-commerce sites.

Email, E-Signatures, Easy

Bill Gates is probably the most famous proponent of the paperless office which was the driving force behind the development of Microsoft Office which has been a huge advantage in the digital office since 1990. Office applications such as MS Office, Open Office, and G Suite provide digital solutions and tools for all manner of office activities that would normally require paper and other materials.

Internal memos, important procedure documents, classified material, presentations, schedulers, and financial reports can all be created in office software and sent as electronic files to necessary staff. Because of the global pandemic, 2020 also saw a significant increase to double the number of users signing up for e-signature software which allows for the secure and legally binding signing of digital contracts and documents through various software such as DocuSign, Zapier, and AdobeSign.  

Not only are these tools extremely useful and quick to use but they can reduce the costs of an office when you consider the amount of paper a modern-day office requires, whiteboards for meetings, pens, and even paperclips. In addition, using digital tools over paper will contribute to reducing your carbon footprint and all digital data can be encrypted and secured in ways that are impossible with physical media.

Online and Ready for Business

The proliferation of the world wide web and social media over the past 20 years means that a web presence is no longer optional but rather a necessary and key component of any business. Apart from physically calling your company, the majority of people will interact with your website or social media profile as the first point of contact, if only to gather information.

Because of this, it is highly recommended that you develop a professional website with all of the necessary information required by a prospective client such as contact details, a mission statement, what you offer, and why you are the best choice over others in your industry. Some businesses even write blog posts based on their industry which not only provides users with educational information but establishes and certifies your authority in a given industry.

A good accompaniment to a website is a social media presence and since almost 80% of small businesses now use social media as a promotional tool you will have to do so as well if you are to beat any competition. While a website is accessible by almost anyone in the world, a social media account is a great tool for promoting your business on a local level. 

Platforms like Facebook provide tools for local advertising based on your company location and can be set to expose your ads to Facebook users based in and around your physically provided location. This type of advertising can also be focused even more based on user interaction and it costs a relatively small amount for what it can potentially provide.

The modern world means that almost every business requires the use of some kind of digital data whether it’s office-based administration, digital invoicing, or e-signatures for contracts. Data has become a valuable commodity and the threat of being maliciously hacked for the purposes of personal data theft is real and probable if you do not employ the necessary security measures. 

As a business, you have a responsibility to protect the data of not only your company and your employees but your customers as well. While the threat of a data breach is always looming, fortunately, even basic protection can greatly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Depending on your business type, different methods in varying combinations might be required but some of the best ways to protect data include:

• Encryption
• Managed IT
• Employee training

Encryption makes it almost impossible for data to be accessed without authorization while a managed IT package can deliver great results and employee training on data security should be the first step.

Lock and Key

Data encryption is an excellent tool against the unauthorized access of data since the methods used make it very difficult, if not impossible for someone to access it. Every business type including the Construction industry, food and hospitality, and medical centers needs to use some kind of electronic data transmission. This could include emails, electronic invoices, or patient records and if these aren’t adequately protected could be very easy for a hacker to steal and disastrous for your company.

Fortunately, encrypting data is easy and can be done with software and/or plugins for apps. It works by scrambling the data of a message or file in such a way that it is unreadable unless opened by special software and an access key provided by the sender or an authorized user. There are multiple methods of encryption but some of the best tools to use are LastPass, BitLocker, and VeraCrypt.

Outsource to Professionals

A survey found that 60% of small businesses don’t believe that they will be the target of a hack and don’t take necessary measures, which is exactly why hackers target small businesses. A growing trend and a popular form of securing data is the use of a Managed IT Service. These specialized companies can provide all the necessary security that a business needs and more. 

Employing your own IT security team and all purchasing and installing the equipment necessary for a network can be very expensive, so outsourcing this could be more beneficial. For a relatively small fee for the services provided, Managed IT companies can provide round-the-clock network monitoring, cloud-based network services, antimalware scans, regular data backups, and IT support. The support of a Managed IT service is one of the best long-term solutions to data security and should be considered as soon as possible.

Educate and Train Your Staff

As with the old days of hacking, employee ignorance is still a key security weakness when it comes to data breaches. A responsible business owner that deals with any kind of digital data should make it a priority to train staff on correct data security procedures. A recent study found that 65% of participants employed password reuse across multiple sites and accounts which is obviously a huge risk. 

Employees should be educated in at least proper password usage that includes different and complex passwords for different sites, not writing down or sharing passwords and usernames and never revealing them to anybody over the phone or in emails, not even “IT security”, who could in fact be a hacker posing as a network administrator. Other training could include encryption, authorized device network access and chain of custody procedures.

Have you recently been struggling with the adjustment process after beginning to work at home? Maybe you have moved the majority of your business operations online and need a way to log your worker’s hours? Perhaps you are in the process of looking for options to keep track of your online class attendance now that in-person classes have been canceled? If this sounds familiar, then read on for some more useful information. This article will outline a few things that you can do to find the right online attendance tracking system for your business or school. It can be frustrating dealing with new technology if you are not a computer wizard, but using an excellent online attendance tracker can make all the difference. Make sure that your business is ready to meet the demands of online work. 

Interface

The first thing anyone notices about a website or software program is the type of user interface used to allow users to utilize the platform. The GUI, or graphical user interface, is something that many computer users take for granted to be easy and intuitive. If you have an old or outdated system for tracking attendance online, then one of the biggest things which usually needs an update is the GUI. You should always strive to use online attendance trackers with a slick and navigable interface system. Otherwise, you might find that some employees will have difficulty getting things to work correctly. 

Accessibility

A vital component of any good online platform is the overall accessibility for its users. If you have a platform or website that your employees must use for attendance, you want to make it as painless as a process for all parties involved. Having an attendance tracker which works appropriately on computers, tablets, and mobile phones is essential in the modern age since there is such a wide variety of access points for your employees. A big problem with many programs and websites is that they are not optimized for mobile devices, resulting in difficulties using the platform, excess data use, and several other issues. 

Time Tracking

An essential part of any online attendance tracker used for business purposes is the time tracking portion. Many online attendance trackers are great for things like schools but less useful for workplaces since they do not include a timestamp. Using an attendance tracker that logs the exact time that your employees sign in and out, you should have no problem incorporating the system into your online work protocol. Tech wizards at timetrackapp.com talk about the different types of features that leading online attendance trackers use to help businesses accurately and efficiently log their employees’ hours. Make sure that you have an attendance tracker which has been designed specifically with the intent to help out companies like yours. 

Customer Support

When you experience persistent issues with a piece of technology that is not working as it is supposed to, it can cause high-stress levels for your management and employees alike. As you pick an online attendance tracker for your business, you should always look at customer service and support offered. BY finding a platform that can help you 24/7 with any issues you encounter, they can rest easy knowing that your employees will be taken care of regardless of their problems. 

Ease of Use

It can quickly become extremely frustrating for you and your employees if you force them to use an online attendance tracker, which is not easy to use. You want your employees to spend their time doing work while on the clock rather than trying to figure out how to log their hours at the end of their shift. Be sure to always rigorously test any system which you intend your employees to use. 

After checking out a few of the previous points, the hope is that you have found some useful tips which will enable you to choose the online attendance tracker which is the right fit for you. The market has recently been flooded with online services and platforms which offer this kind of service. The influx of different options can make it difficult for businesses or individuals to find the online attendance tracking platform which will be the best fit for their needs. By consulting which experts on the subject, you will be able to weed out the undesirable platforms quickly and get something up and running, which will help you immediately.

If you are injured in an accident, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. Different types of accidents like car crashes, workplace incidents, and slips and falls can cause permanent injuries. If you suffered a permanent injury, you can file a long-term disability (LTD) claim to get the compensation that you deserve. However, the insurance company can deny your claim, but there are certain measures that you can take. Read on to learn what you should do if your claim for LTD benefits is denied.   

Get a Copy of Your Policy

If you are employed and get injured at work, your employer is legally required to compensate you. To make sure that your claim will go smoothly, you must get a copy of the company’s group insurance policy to familiarize yourself with its LTD policy plan documents. Alternatively, you can request the documents from the insurance company in writing. These documents can only be sent via certified mail. If you are denied compensation or if the employer in question claims that the injury was your fault make sure to carefully study the company’s policy plan documents so you can write back a denial letter. Take note of the reasons stated for the denial of your initial claim. The letter should explain when you can file an appeal and should contain the information required to approve the case.  

Hire a Lawyer.

It is possible to file a compensation claim on your own, but the process can be tricky. Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging since they aim to protect their interests. If your initial LTD claim is denied, you can hire a professional injury lawyer to handle your case. Seasoned lawyers at marksandharrison.com/our-locations/fredericksburg-office/ explain that it is vital to work with an experienced attorney to increase your chances of getting a fair settlement. Your attorney will handle all the paperwork, and will explain the statute of limitations in your state so you can better understand your LTD case.

Investigate Your Case

Your lawyer will investigate your case to determine why your claim was rejected. The attorney will collect evidence from different accident experts to determine how much you should get. It is vital to set your administrative record with favorable details that can help support your claim before exhausting the internal insurance appeals process. Under the ERISA law, you may not provide any new evidence that was not initially provided to the insurance company. Your attorney will interview you to get more details to use in your case. This is why you must always try to provide correct information that may not be disputed by the insurance company.   

Track All Missing Records 

The administrators and insurers may fail to get all the medical records necessary for your claim. With the help of your lawyer, try to find out the records that may be missing. You must also confirm, with the claims representative, the information that may be required. You should also find out if medical tests could help since insurance companies usually cite the lack of substantial evidence as to the major reason for denying the claim. For instance, blood tests or x-rays could improve the chances of getting better results in your case if they display an injury, infection, or illness that might have been caused by the negligence of your employer or being exposed to harmful materials in the workplace. 

Expert Testimony

You can also try to obtain letters or expert testimonies from non-medical professionals like family members to bolster your claim. These letters will contain observations from your family members about any limitations or changes in your lifestyle that were a direct cause of your disability or injury. You should also request that your doctor provides written opinions concerning work-related limitations caused by your injuries. Your attorney can craft specific questions that can help the physician write an expert opinion about your condition. Your doctor may charge a small fee to complete LTD paperwork, but it is worth it. The physician’s opinion is crucial when trying to convince the insurance company to approve your disability claim. 

Appeal a Denial

You can take your case to trial if the insurance company insists on challenging the figure requested in a personal injury claim. Experienced attorneys know how to prepare the paperwork and file a lawsuit that will be tried in the law court. When the case goes to court, a judge will preside and offer a final verdict. Therefore, you should make sure that you have everything that is needed to win the case before you file a lawsuit. 

When you are seriously injured in an accident and you suffer permanent injuries, you can claim LTD benefits. However, these benefits can be rejected by the insurance companies involved. When your claim for LTD settlement is disputed, you should hire an experienced injury attorney to review your case. It is vital to establish the reasons why the claim was denied and take corrective measures to appeal the verdict.