Have you ever said something so many times that you forget someone out there hasn't heard it yet?
I had that moment this week.
Yesterday, one of my business besties (and one of our amazing affiliates), asked how to incorporate legal education and *her affiliate code* into her program helping freelancers land more clients on sites like Upwork.
Well, I rattled off the four agreements all business owners need and why...
And then promptly remembered that most business owners don't have the luxury of working hand-in-hand with an attorney for eight years (hi, Paige!).
So I decided to share it with you, Reader.
Listen to the exact voice note I sent breaking down the 4 contracts all businesses need when starting out.
Or, keep reading for a quick rundown.
Four Contracts We Recommend to (Almost) Every Business Owner
If you have a website, or collect any information online, you need a:
- Privacy Policy - Your privacy policy outlines how you collect and use a visitors data, and builds trust through transparency with your audience. Plus, it's a federal, state, and international requirement.
- Website Terms and Conditions - the contract between you and your website viewers. Your T&C outlines how your site can be used and is your best line-of-defense against website copycats.
- Operating Agreement - This document will prove that your business is, in fact, a business and that it should be treated separately from your personal assets. Without this document, you are inviting liability to your doorstep.
- An Agreement between a) your business and b) the people paying your business. The exact contract you need is based on your industry and business model. Depending on your business model, you will need a Client Service Agreement or Terms and Conditions for Online Sale or Courses.
As soon as money is exchanging hands, you need a contract to set expectations and protect both parties.
If you are working 1:1 or customizing proposals, deliverables, timelines, or payments: opt for one of our 30+ industry-specific ( just filter contracts by "Choosing Agreement Type" -> "Client Agreements")
4a. Client Service Agreements - this is the contract between you and your 1:1 client. This agreement will help set expectations, and outline what will happen when the unexpected strikes.
OR
If you own an online shop or course, and your terms are the same for every customer, consider a Terms and Conditions for sale or for courses. Your customers will 'check a box' stating they agree to your Terms and Conditions before hitting 'purchase!'
4b. Terms and Conditions for Online Sales - This T&C will cover delivery details, refunds, intellectual property ownership and more.
4c. Terms and Conditions for Online Courses - This T&C will spell out all of those things you need to think about as an online course creator- how many people can access your content? Can your students share their password with friends? What is your return policy? This contract comes locked and loaded, ready for you to plug it into your website today.
How are you doing? 4 for 4?
Amazing!
Annnd, if you're batting 0/4 or 2/4 we've got you covered.
The Foundry™ makes it easier than ever to protect your business with contracts you can trust.
Need all four contracts? -> Select our annual Foundry™ membership to receive 4 contracts of your choice (that's $1600+ in contract templates)
Only need 1 or 2 new contracts? -> Select our quarterly Foundry™ membership to receive 1 contract of your choice per quarter.
Once you select your contacts of choice, use our Contract Builder to customize your contract to your needs!
I'm hitting the road and heading to...
Dubsado HQ
And I want to ask the Dubsado team YOUR questions.
I've been using Dubsado as my CRM (client relationship manager) since my very first business as a photographer... almost a decade ago!
So, when they announced their new ambassador program last fall, I jumped at the opportunity.
If you are unfamiliar, Dubsado is a client relationship management platform designed for service based business owners. It helps you manage inquiries, send proposals, invoices, and contracts, and automate large portions of your client experience from start to finish.
Here is why this partnership makes so much sense for our community:
The Creative Law Shop® helps you create a legally sound contract.
Dubsado helps you send it, sign it, and manage everything that comes after.
They work beautifully together.
Try Dubsado free and claim your 30% off when you upgrade
This is an affiliate link and we may receive a kickback when you use it. We only share about things we use, love and stand by 100%.
And now for the fun part.
I get to spend ALL DAY Tuesday at the Dubsado headquarters in LA.
And yes, I am just as excited to leave the cold weather in Nebraska, as I am to connect with the people who created my favorite CRM.
This is a big year for Dubsado, they turn TEN and just released Dubsado 3.0. So, to celebrate, they invited a handful of their partners to HQ for a day full of demos, discussions, and disco (okay, maybe not disco but I wanted to keep the alliteration going) Dubsado!
Now, here's where I need your help.
I need to know...
- What are the absolute must-haves for your client experience? Your input might just shape what comes next
- If you're already a Dubsado (or other CRM) user, what would be the ultimate #1 uplevel you wish existed.
- Or any lingering curiosities you would love to know
Hit reply and tell me what to ask the Dubsado team!