“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.  The next best time is now.”  ~Chinese Proverb

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If you haven’t yet acted to streamline your contracts and your new client procedures, do so now.  Unless, that is, you like spending time with your lawyer.  Lawsuits take time and money.  Avoid them (and your lawyer) through good risk avoidance practices.  

Last year I wrote a post on 6 Ways to Limit Risk through effective use of contracts on your Projects.   Included in that list were such tips as:

• Always, always, always use a contract for each new project.  (Verbal agreements are very hard to prove in Court).   Without a written contract, you are trusting yourself to laws you may not agree with or giving up valuable protections.   
• Get your contract reviewed by your insurance carrier.  Insurance check-ups through your agent or broker are usually free.  Why risk it? 
• Have your contract reviewed by your attorney.  ( I happen to know someone who does this regularly for her clients.)
• Establish a new client protocol.  Make sure all new clients sign proposal or engagement letters.  Document now; worry less later.

These are all extremely important ways to minimize your risk.  Of course, if you are reading this blog, I recognize that I am probably preaching to the choir.  But it is worth repeating.  Just do it.

Do you have procedures that minimize your company’s risk?  Tell me in the comment section, below, what has worked for you.

If you need help creating or revising your contracts or client protocols, drop me an email at [email protected].  

Photo: (c) Freephoto.com via Creative Commons License.