I will admit, I didn’t have written contracts in my business for a long time… however i’ve changed my tune on that and share why in the video below.
Would love to hear your thoughts – be sure to post them hereg, k?
Why I didn’t have written contracts in my business…
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Tina,
This is so important. The one thing you didn’t mention (but did allude to ) was PROTECTING your work. As a documentary filmmaker, I lost a film I had worked on with a partner when our relationship fell apart and she “took” the film. I didn’t have an agreement with her (we were friends), we didn’t feel we had the money to create it and I certainly didn’t have the money to fight it when she took the film. It can cost very little to do something up front in comparison to hiring a lawyer to fight it on the back end. Thank you for discussing this important issue.
Lorna Rasmussen
great point Lorna, especially re: being friends with someone and thinking that an agreement isn’t necessary (sorry to hear that this happened to you btw, not fun!)
Hi Tina, I actually got my first speaking engagement because the original person “contracted” to present couldn’t be reached to verify the event so the organization contacted me to step in. Needless to say, we had a signed agreement and have continued this practice since. Agreements offer peace of mind for all parties involved. I love your videos and look forward to the next piece of wisdom you have to offer.
that’s great! peace of mind indeed… love that 🙂
Great information, definately something I have been thinking about formalizing in my business. I think I need to consult with a lawyer to get a good template for what I do. I feel a little intimidated by that process and expense, but good tips and reminder.
It can be intimidating I agree. But keep in mind that the heart of this is coming to agreement – even if there is all kind of “legalese” around it. And if you are asking someone to review a contract/agreement vs. create one from scratch – that *should* cost less imo.
Tina, I like your videos but you say “right” so many times it’s distracting
hehe… i get it Jennie, it’s one of those things I say without realizing it. 😉
I have learned from experience: you absolutely must have signed contracts! It is about honoring the relationship and the coaching engagement. Even with a signed agreement, you can still run into problems. It’s amazing.
good point – a contract doesn’t prevent issues from happening, but it can certainly help navigate them.