Business SOS! Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them

In Part 2 of this two-part series, Business SOS! host and attorney Rich Sierra continues breaking down the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make when forming partnerships. This episode dives into the final five mistakes, including failing to create an exit strategy, ignoring tax consequences, and not planning for potential partner disputes. Rich also shares insights on liability exposure, intell...

In this episode of Business SOS!, attorney and host Rich Sierra revisits one of the most important topics for entrepreneurs: the critical mistakes that can destroy business partnerships before they even begin. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Rich walks through the first five mistakes business owners often make when launching a partnership. From failing to have a written partnership agreement to...

Are you prepared for what happens to your business if something happens to you? In this episode of the Business SOS! Podcast, attorney AJ Yolofsky joins Rich Sierra to discuss why estate planning is essential for business owners. Learn how to protect your business, minimize taxes, and ensure a smooth leadership transition. Rich and AJ continue the conversation on Estate Planning and the importance...

Are you prepared for what happens to your business if something happens to you? In this episode of the Business SOS! Podcast, attorney AJ Yolofsky joins Rich Sierra to discuss why estate planning is essential for business owners. Learn how to protect your business, minimize taxes, and ensure a smooth leadership transition. AJ shares key strategies on Wills, Trusts, and Succession Plans every entre...

Using free legal templates or AI-generated contracts might seem like a smart shortcut, but the risks could end up costing you far more than you save. In this episode, Rich Sierra, Esq. explains why one-size-fits-all contracts often fail to protect your business. Learn the dangers of missing clauses, unenforceable terms, and relying on AI tools that can’t understand your specific needs. Rich also s...

Episode 98 – What to Do If Your Business Is Sued in Another State In this episode, Rich Sierra, Esq. explains how to respond when your Florida-based business is sued in another state. From understanding personal jurisdiction and avoiding inadvertent consent to court authority, to hiring local counsel and defending your case remotely, this episode walks you through every step. Learn how to challeng...

In this episode, Rich Sierra, Esq. shares the most common and costly mistakes business owners make during litigation—and how to avoid them. Whether you’re filing a breach of contract claim or defending a lawsuit, client-side errors like missing deadlines, deleting evidence, or refusing to settle can destroy your case.     Learn how to work effectively with your attorney, stay prepar...

Winning a business lawsuit is a huge relief—but it’s not the end of the story. In this episode, Rich Sierra, Esq. breaks down what happens after a judge rules in your favor, whether you’re the plaintiff or the defendant. From enforcing a money judgment and collecting what you're owed to avoiding post-trial pitfalls, this episode covers the next critical steps in your legal journey. You’ll learn ab...

In Episonde 95 of the Business SOS! Podcast, Rich discusses "How to prepare for a breach of contract trial". If you’re a business owner going to trial—whether you’re suing someone or defending your business—your preparation matters. The judge (and possibly jury) will expect clarity, documentation, and professionalism. In this episode, Rich walk's you through the key steps to help you get organized...

In Episode 94 of the Business SOS! podcast, Rich Sierra dedicates this special episode to the graduating class of the Chapman School of Seamanship. Drawing from his book Business SOS!, Rich shares the eight most common legal mistakes new business owners make—and how to avoid them. From signing contracts without legal review to entering partnerships without agreements, this episode is packed with p...

EP. 93. Special Guest- Family Law Attorney Angela Neave. Rich Sierra and Angela Neave, owner of Neave Family Law,  go into an indepth discussion on the rise of the Gray Divorce (couples over 50). They discuss the causes and the consequences to the partners and to small businesses. You can reach Angela Neave through her website: https://neavefamilylaw.com/ How to Contact Rich Sierra: Via Email at R...

EP. 92 "What's the REAL Cost of Suing Someone?" Many business owners consider lawsuits when conflicts arise—but few fully grasp the financial, emotional, and practical implications. In today's episode, we'll break down the hidden and unexpected costs of litigation, giving you the insights you need to make informed decisions about going to court.   How to Contact Rich Sierra: Via Email at Rich@Rich...

EP. 91. The Most Common Reasons Businesses Get Sued (And How to Avoid Them) No business owner expects to end up in court—but lawsuits are a common reality of running a business. Understanding why businesses get sued and how to prevent litigation is essential to protecting your hard-earned assets.. How to Contact Rich Sierra: Via Email at Rich@RichSierra.com https://www.floridasmallbusinesslegalcen...

Ep. 90. Rich Sierra interviews Vicente Silveira , CEO and Co-Founder of MyAiDrive.com. The company is at the forefront of AI innovation, helping businesses organize, manage, and maximize their data with AI-powered tools. His company has also developed AI PDF, one of the top plugins on the ChatGPT store, and are continuously building AI solutions to improve business productivity and efficiency.   H...

What to do when things go wrong in a lawsuit.  Rich discusses how to handle negative court rulings in if you are involved in a lawsuit. How to Contact Rich Sierra: Via Email at Rich@RichSierra.com https://www.floridasmallbusinesslegalcenter.com FaceBook @ FSBLEGAL youtube.com/@RichardSierra twitter.com/Rich_Sierra Instagram: FSBLEGAL Digiltal Business Card https://popl.co/card/Qd9D1azj/1/s Also, B...

Ep 88. Protecting Yourself When Entering a Management Agreement. Rich discusses common mistakes business owners make when entering into a management agreement to run someone else's business. How to Contact Rich Sierra: Via Email at Rich@RichSierra.com https://www.floridasmallbusinesslegalcenter.com FaceBook @ FSBLEGAL youtube.com/@RichardSierra twitter.com/Rich_Sierra Instagram: FSBLEGAL Digiltal...

Ep. 87 The Business of Skincare – Insights with Lau Ribeiro. Rich interviews Brazilian Bikini and Skin Care Expert,  business owner Lau Ribeiro, the founder of Lau Ribeiro Spa. Lau has built a successful business in the competitive skincare industry, offering tailored treatments such as hydrofacials, dermaplaning, and microneedling and Brazilian Bikini Waxing.  In this episode, we’ll dive into Lau...

EP. 86. "The Strategic Sales Leader", "Mastering the art of vision, strategy and execution" with author Derek Wellington Johnson. Rich interviews author and company growth specialist Derek Wellington Johnson. Rich interviews Derek Wellington Johnson and discuss why it is important for business owners to have a defined sales strategy to meet their revenue goals. The book is a guide on how to create...

Leveraging Podcasting for Business Marketing Success with Brian Howie, Founder of Podpopuli. Rich interviews Brian Howie, the founder of Podpopuli, the fastest growing podcast recording studios in the United States with locations in Boca Raton and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Cleveland, Ohio, New York, Greenwitch, Conneticut and Scottsdale, Arizona. Brian is also the host of the #1 dating and rela...

EP. 84 Understanding Trademarks, Copyrights, and Trade Secrets with Attorney John Rizvi-The Patent Professor(R). Rich interviews patent attorney John Rizvi AKA- The Patent Professor. Mr. Rizvi is a Board-Certified Patent Attorney with over 20 years of experience in patent, trademark, and copyright law. In this episode, Rich does a "deep dive" into the world of trademarks, copyrights, and trade sec...

EP. 83 Understanding Patents with Attorney John Rizvi-The Patent Professor(R). Rich interviews patent attorney John Rizvi AKA- The Patent Professor. Mr. Rizvi is a Board-Certified Patent Attorney with over 20 years of experience in patent, trademark, and copyright law. In this episode, Rich does a "deep dive" into the world of Patents. How to Contact Rich Sierra:  Via Email at Rich@RichSierra.com...

Ep 82. Why mediation is a cost effective method of resolving legal disputes. Rich does a "deep dive" into the mediation process and why it is an effective tool to resolve legal disputes. How to Contact Rich Sierra: Via Email at Rich@RichSierra.com https://www.floridasmallbusinesslegalcenter.com FaceBook @ FSBLEGAL youtube.com/@RichardSierra twitter.com/Rich_Sierra Instagram: FSBLEGAL  . Also, Busi...

Ep 81.. Can I Afford a Lawsuit? (Revisited) Rich goes into realistic detail on what are the costs and legal fees associated with being involved in a lawsuit and uses his Litigation Budget Worksheet as a guide.   How to Contact Rich Sierra: 1. Via Email at Rich@RichSierra.com 2. https://www.floridasmallbusinesslegalcenter.com 3. FaceBook @ FSBLEGAL 4. youtube.com/@RichardSierra 5. twitter.com/Rich_...

Ep. 80 Why Initiating or staying in a lawsuit on the basis of principle is a bad idea. Rich discusses Chapter 8 of his book, Business SOS! Eight Common Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them.   How to Contact Rich Sierra: 1. Via Email at Rich@RichSierra.com 2. https://www.floridasmallbusinesslegalcenter.com 3. FaceBook @ FSBLEGAL 4. youtube.com/@RichardSierra 5. twitter.com/Rich_Sierr...

EP. 79 Special Guest: David Kinigson, Motivational Speaker and Author of "The Power of Asking WHAT? Overcome your challenges and fears. A conversation for Mindset in Action. (Part 1). Rich interviews Author and inspirational speaker David Kinigson and has an indepth discussion about the importance of having an Inspirational Mindset to overcome your challenges and fears. How to Contact Rich Sierra:...