To trusting entrepreneurs, a confidentiality agreement may seem unnecessary. But it’s a vital step toward protecting your business—and its future success.
Q I’m a small-business owner, and we’re in a stage of growth. Do I really need employees and potential partners to sign NDAs? —CHRIS P., NEW JERSEY
There are many big-business practices that don’t necessarily apply to smaller companies. When you’re a startup, you can cut a lot of red tape without worrying about repercussions. The use of NDAs—that is, nondisclosure agreements, which serve as legal contracts of confidentiality—is not one of those cuttable corners.
Chris, here’s a cautionary tale of my own early ignorance. When I started Pen Name Consulting, I used a basic NDA—just a file I found on the internet. I wasn’t blind to the importance of NDAs, but I was cheap and stubborn, even though my father is a lawyer and advised me against this move. (He eventually became my general counsel.) My NDA was flawed; it didn’t cover enough of the information at my company or place the right restrictions on how people could share it.
This story is from the October 2018 edition of Entrepreneur.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2018 edition of Entrepreneur.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why Small Businesses Can't Afford to Grow
Big companies take a long time to pay their suppliers. Sometimes, so long that the supplier goes out of business. Two entrepreneurs wanted to find out why this system is so broken-and wound up creating a solution.
MY FAVORITE CUSTOMER
For small, independent businesses, loyal patrons are benefactors, protectors, muses, and mascots. They make sure the show goes on. Here, three business owners celebrate an irreplaceable member of their community.
Do You Say 'Yes' Enough?
We don't give ourselves enough credit for trying. So let's start doing it right now.
He Does $10 Million-Plus in Sales
When Jeffrey Bell gave up horse training to buy a Floor Coverings International franchise, he wanted to get out ahead of his new pack. To do that, he had to learn to delegate.
How This Business Rookie Became a Top Seller
After competing in two Olympics, Cammile Adams dove headfirst into her second career - and became SafeSplash Swim School's #1 franchisee. Here's how.
How to Pick the Perfect Franchise For You
There are a lot of great brands out there. But that doesn't mean they're all a great fit.
Serving the Underserved
When Dennis Johnson opened a Pizza Ranch in Minnesota, he hoped to serve the nearby Native American communities in more ways than one.
When Life Is Preparation
Vanesa Ellis was no expert on mosquitoes or lawn care. But as it turns out, something else made her the perfect fit for two home-care franchise brands.
Changing Careers? Consider Franchising.
Here are five reasons why franchise ownership could be the right fit for you.
WRANGLING THE MANY-HEADED MONSTER
For mom-and-pop business owners, just as inflation calms in one area of operations, it rears its head somewhere else. The best way to stay on top of it, experts say, is to stay flexible.
