Professional And Legal Advice

Consider the following questions before hiring your personal business accountant:

• Are there any overlooked tax advantages?
• What type of funding will be needed over the next year?
• Is a pension plan appropriate? And if so, which one and what kind?
• Are all necessary records kept, and all required federal and local reports made? Do the present systems meet the projected growth needs?

In most cases, a small business only will use the services of an attorney once in a great while. However, during those occasions when services are required, you will want to make sure that you have the best possible advice and representation possible.

Selecting an attorney can be very difficult and frustrating. Before you select the legal services that are actually required, keep in mind the following points:

There is no way to evaluate an attorney from a listing in the Yellow Pages or the Internet. It is best that he or she be referred by someone who is in a business similar to your own, and is familiar with his work. Only then can you be confident that you are selecting someone that you can trust with your legal affairs.

If you, on your own, cannot find someone that you trust, you may wish to contact the local Bar Association. You can present the association with the information regarding the nature and size of your business and that will help them make the right kind of recommendation to you.

In order to make an intelligent choice, interview or speak with at least three prospects before actually hiring someone to represent you. It is important for you to feel comfortable with your selection and have confidence that the person who potentially will represent you and your business, understand the scope and ramifications of the situation.

We also recommend that you listen carefully to what each potential legal consultant has to say and then evaluate this person as follows:

• Is this person vague and evasive?
• Can I relate to this person or does he speak in legal jargon that is confusing to me and hard to understand?
• Do I feel that I can relate to this person and trust him with my problem or need?
• Is this person familiar with my problem or similar problems that have arisen in this type of business?
• Has this person dealt with similar situations and what has the outcome been?

Remember, when considering working with consultants it is very important that they have experience in dealing with your type of business. Dealing with your personal business is very important to you and the survival of your business. You should be very careful and selective in the hiring of outside services. The outcome of their work for you could determine the success of your future investments.