You asked — I answered. In this podcast episode, I am asking the expert about all things CONTRACTS. The “legal side” of our business can feel totally scary. (Been there!) My hope is that this episode will ease some of those fears allowing you to get clarity on your biggest questions about using contracts for small businesses.
I’m chatting with Kailey Jacomet from Contractista! Kailey is a lawyer for small businesses, a wife, and a momma with baby #2 on the way! And in her shop, she sells contract templates, so she was the perfect person to quiz about all things contracts!
Tune in now for some MAJOR clarity about your own contracts and the legal side of your business!
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE NOW:
Search for episode 95!
Let’s dive right into talking about all things involving contracts for small businesses! Here are some of the questions Kailey and I discuss. Tune in to the full episode to hear it all!
When should I start using a contract?
I asked Kailey when she thought we needed to start using contracts and if they were important when you are just starting out. She said ABSOLUTELY! You should start using a contract with your very first client.
Now, I know a lot of us are already past that first client mark, but as Kailey mentions and as I have experienced myself, contracts protect you from so many things. It is especially important to have them when you are starting out because you are more likely to make a mistake then than when you have been several reps under your belt.
How does a contract relate to client experience?
Another thing that your contracts are great for besides protection is being a roadmap to your client relationship. Kailey reminds us that sometimes, legal disputes can come from a misunderstanding.
When you use a contract, you are clearly laying out the expectations and agreeing that you and your client are on the same page. Your contract can spell out how you will handle problems before they ever come up.
Another thing to consider when thinking about how your contract creates a positive relationship with your client is to make sure that the language in your contract is fair. Contracts for small businesses are going to be slightly slanted in favor of the person presenting the contract.
But you don’t want to give your client a contract to sign that doesn’t protect them at all. It is really important for it to be balanced. This adds to your client experience because it lets them know that they can trust you and that you are agreeing to fair terms.
Tune in to the full episode to hear Kailey talk more about how contracts serve both you and your client and give some great examples of clauses you want to include.
What kind of contract do I need and where do I find it?
Kailey tells us that ANY contract you use should be drafted by an attorney, whether that be a custom contract or a contract template specific to your niche. It is important to have contracts for small businesses that are specific to what you do as a business.
If you can’t find a template for your specific niche and aren’t using a custom contract drafted by an attorney, then an independent contractor agreement is a great alternative option!
Kailey also explains that it is fine to add to your contract if you are adding or changing details that relate to the operation of your business but you should stay away from writing or changing any legally operative clauses.
Tune in to the full episode to hear the rest of the interview and hear what else she has to say about contracts for small businesses. I hope this episode with Kailey has been helpful! Don’t get caught without a contract. If you are needing a great place to start, be sure to check out Kailey’s shop!
