As a business owner, one of the first things we may do when we expand our business is think about hiring some help. This may be in the form of part-time or full-time employees, virtual assistants, marketing assistants, or others who work for us a few hours a week here and there. So how can we make sure we are categorizing these individuals correctly, from a legal … [Read more...]
Am I Stealing Someone Else’s Work??
In working with online entrepreneurs, I am often asked about copyright and content generation. In an earlier post, I went over what copyright law is, and how it can best be used to your advantage. Another piece of that, however, is how to be sure you are not using someone else’s work! With all of the available content online these days, chances are you will not be the first … [Read more...]
6 Tips to Use Graphics or Images You Find Online
In the online world, it is easier than ever to simply do an online search for an image you want, find a suitable photo, and copy/paste into your blog or website to make it look perfect. Nothing wrong with that, right?? WRONG!! Using photos and images you find online can be extremely tricky because of a little thing called copyright. Essentially, US Copyright laws prevent … [Read more...]
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a word, tagline, logo, and/or design that identifies the source or brand of that particular item – think Starbucks’ logo or the ADIDAS symbol: we all know right when we see those logos what brand is involved without needing to see either company name. This is a source or brand identifier. So what the heck does this mean for you? In plain English, it’s the … [Read more...]
What is a Copyright?
With the explosion of internet-based businesses, blogs, and online courses, has also come additional questions related to copyright laws and protections. Finding someone has lifted your entire blog, course, or article is certainly enough to ruin your morning, if not your week, and it can cause many to feel helpless or unsure of how they can protect their content online. In … [Read more...]
Setting up Your Business Entity
Hello Women on Business community!! I am so excited to be a contributing writer to this page. I can’t wait to connect with you all, and I hope to provide value and helpful information over the coming weeks and months! One of the most frequent questions I am asked about starting a business is how to create a business entity, and which business structure to choose from – an … [Read more...]
5 Things to Consider Before You Sell Your Business
Ending a business is usually the last thing a business owner wants to think about. However, succession planning should be a top priority of business planning. This is because it is important to think how you are going to build the value of your company. How you plan to end your company may be a necessary part of how you plan to start your company. Are you building something to … [Read more...]
Job Applicant Background Check Basics for Employers
The hiring process can be daunting. Resumes and interviews reveal only so much, and many employers want to dig deeper. A background check can be a useful tool that reveals information the applicant might want to keep secret. Before you jump to get a background check on that recent applicant, here are a few things you need to know to protect your business: 1. Get Written … [Read more...]
4 Cs to Correctly Classifying Independent Contractors
From Uber and Lyft drivers to New York nail salon technicians, the media has been highlighting questions regarding correctly classifying workers. Are they independent contractors? Or are they employees? The answer can determine how much risk businesses can transfer to workers. Also hanging in the balance are overtime pay, worker’s compensation, and unemployment insurance … [Read more...]
The Trademark Application Process Takes Longer Than You Think [Infographic]
Did you know that it could take anywhere from seven months to more than two years to get a federal trademark registration? A new Trademark Timeline infographic from Innovation to Profits (shown below) reveals that there are three primary things that can cause delays in the trademark registration process: 1. Office Actions These come from the examining attorney at the U.S. … [Read more...]