Starting up as an entrepreneur can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it can also be extremely challenging. There’s a lot of things you need to consider when you’re working for yourself. One thing you’ll definitely want to look into is protecting yourself legally.
There’s a lot that can go wrong when you’re self-employed. So, unless you have a large budget and substantial profits, you’re going to need to make sure you’re covered if a claim is ever made against you. Here, you’ll discover some of the best ways to protect yourself legally as an entrepreneur.
Cover yourself with client contracts
If you’ll be providing a service to clients, it’s crucial to make sure you have a solid contract in place. While it’s possible to create contracts via email and digitally online, it’s still better to stick to old-style written contracts.
Within the contract, make sure it highlights what is expected from either party. Include payment terms, and ensure the client knows about your policies. As an additional bonus, having a good contract in place reduces the risk you won’t get paid on time.
Is your website protected?
Having a website is essential no matter what type of business you’re running. However, it’s easy to forget that it also needs protecting.
You’ll want to list your policies, include a website disclaimer and make your terms and conditions clear. A privacy policy is especially important given the changes to GDPR. You’ll need to let your customers know what data you collect, why you collect it and where it is stored.
Ensure you’ve got good insurance
All entrepreneurs need some type of insurance. Whether it’s public liability insurance, buildings and contents insurance, or fire and theft insurance – the right policies can protect the business if something were to go wrong.
Not all insurance policies are created equal. Therefore, it’s worth comparing numerous policies before deciding which one is right for you. When you’re protected by insurance, it can save you thousands of pounds in the event of an issue.
Hire a good lawyer
Even if you don’t feel you need one right now, it’s a good idea to hire a good lawyer. At the very least, you should have one on stand-by in case you do ever need legal advice and representation. For example, you may need a lawyer to help you with a professional negligence claim. The right representation can make the world of difference if something were to go wrong.
These are just some of the best ways you can protect yourself as an entrepreneur. While you may be looking to save as much money as possible, it really does pay to make sure your business is protected.
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