Hate Dealing with lawyers?

New book reveals insider strategies for solving business and legal problems. Practical tips to avoid obnoxious lawyers.

Contact: Jean D. Sifleet
978-368-6104 or 978-618-2162
http://www.smartfast.com      

For Immediate Release

HATE DEALING WITH LAWYERS?

NEW BOOK REVEALS INSIDER STRATEGIES
FOR SOLVING BUSINESS & LEGAL PROBLEMS

Business owners, entrepreneurs and corporate managers complain bitterly about dealing with lawyers. Horror stories abound. Common complaints are that lawyers are arrogant, condescending and needlessly adversarial, do not return phone calls, charge high fees, complicate matters, use legal mumbo-jumbo and create lengthy, incomprehensible documents.

According to business attorney, CPA and three-time entrepreneur Jean Sifleet, people can save time and money, and avoid suffering such obnoxious lawyer behaviors by using the Smart Fast strategies that she's developed.

Here are ten strategies to avoid legal pitfalls and get the information needed to solve business problems, excerpted from Jean Sifleet's new book, "Smart Fast: The Desktop Reference Guide for Running Your Business."

1.   Negotiating Tips: Bypass adversarial lawyers. Use a one-page list of key concerns called a "term sheet," communicate by email, and insist on a clear, short agreement that tracks to the term sheet.

2.   Contracts: Put it in writing! Use a simple letter or email to confirm your agreement and the key terms.

3.   Insurance: Are you covered? Get competing bids and check the exclusions carefully.

4.   Renting space: Don't rent from a jerk! Check out the landlord's reputation and make sure you understand the lease.

5.   Hiring: Don't clone yourself. Communicate clearly what is expected in the job and listen carefully for whether there's a "good fit" with the candidate's abilities and the company's needs.

6.   Non-compete Agreements: Heavy handed is probably not enforceable. Be fair, reasonable and effective by not unduly restricting employees' future options.

7. Firing: Painful but necessary. Treat the person with respect, don't discuss other     employees, and don't let the process drag on.

8. Protecting Against Copycats: Imitation is not really flattering. Use smart business practices and agreements to protect confidential information.

9. Business Divorce: Avoid a battle. Lay the foundation with a "buy sell agreement," when everyone is calm and friendly.

10. Improve Cash Flow: Get paid promptly. Avoid collection problems by requiring deposits upfront, accepting credit cards, and insisting on payment on delivery.

"Smart Fast: The Desktop Reference Guide for Running Your Business" is available at http://www.smartfast.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com for $18.95 plus tax and shipping.

Jean D. Sifleet
Attorney at Law
Certified Public Accountant

120 South Meadow Road
Clinton, MA 01510 USA

T. 978-368-6104
F. 978-368-6105
E. jean@smartfast.com