So, your enterprise is in a bit of a legal pickle? Before you consider enrolling in night school for a crash course in law, take a deep breath, and read up on these common blunders, so that you and your business do not make a big mistake.
- Ignoring the Problem (It Won’t Just Go Away)
First off, ignoring legal issues is like ignoring a leaking roof. Sure, you can put a bucket under the drip, but eventually, it’s going to rain inside. Legal problems need immediate attention; the longer you wait, the worse it gets. So, roll up those sleeves and prepare to tackle things head-on!
- Violating Any Legal Restriction
Caught in a bind? The last thing you want is to make it worse by breaking the rules—even accidentally. If there are specific legal restrictions or orders in place, like a cease-and-desist, follow them to the letter because you don’t want to end up in deeper water or add things like probation violation charges to your rap sheet. Think of it as legal traffic lights: red means stop, green means go, and yellow means proceed with caution (and probably a good lawyer).
- Playing Lawyer (Unless You Actually Are One)
Sure, you might be a whiz at Monopoly, but when it comes to real-life legal issues, playing lawyer can land you in hotter water. This is not the time for DIY. Hiring a seasoned attorney who understands the intricacies of business law is crucial. They’re like a GPS for the legal highway—without one, you might end up lost or, worse, off a cliff.
- Mixing Personal Emotions with Business Decisions
Getting sued can feel like a punch to the gut, but remember, this is business, not personal. Letting emotions drive your decisions can lead to rash actions and cloudy judgment. Keep a level head and let your lawyer do the heavy emotional lifting. It’s their job to fight; it’s your job to navigate.
- Spilling the Beans on Social Media
In today’s digital world, it’s tempting to tweet your troubles or share your side of the story on Facebook. However, broadcasting the details of your legal woes online is a big no-no. Anything you post can potentially be used against you in court. Keep it under wraps; some secrets are best kept between you, your lawyer, and your diary.
- Refusing to Negotiate
Sometimes, digging in your heels isn’t the bravest move—it’s the most expensive one. Be open to negotiation or mediation. Often, settlements can be more favorable than the roll of the dice in court. It’s not admitting defeat; it’s strategic compromise.
- Not Learning from the Experience
Whether it’s a minor legal scuffle or a major court case, there’s always a lesson to be learned. Use this experience to tighten up your business practices, review contracts, and ensure compliance. Make your business not only stronger but smarter.
Facing legal trouble isn’t fun, but it does not have to spell the end of your business story, not if you play it right, and avoid the above mistakes, anyway.
