Section 1
Which Legal Form Is Best for Your Business?
A. Sole Proprietorships
B. Partnerships
C. Corporations
D. Limited Liability Companies
E. Choosing Between a Corporation and an LLC
F. Special Structures for Special Situations
Section 2
Structuring a Partnership Agreement
A. Why You Need a Written Agreement
B. An Overview of Your Partnership Agreement
C. Changes in Your Partnership
Section 3
Creating a Corporation
A. The Structure of a Corporation
B. Financing Your Corporation
C. Compensating Yourself
D. Do You Need a Lawyer to Incorporate?
E. Overview of Incorporation Procedures
F. 12 Basic Steps to Incorporate
G. After You Incorporate
H. Safe Business Practices for Your Corporation
Section 4
Creating a Limited Liability Company
A. Number of Members Required
B. Management of an LLC
C. Financing an LLC
D. Compensating Members
E. Choosing a Name
F. Paperwork for Setting Up an LLC
G. After You Form Your LLC
H. Safe Business Practices for Your LLC
Section 5
Developing a Buy-Sell Agreement
A. Major Benefits of Adopting a Buy-Sell Agreement
B. Where to Put Your Buy-Sell Provisions
C. When to Create a Buy-Sell Agreement
Section 6
Naming Your Business and Products
A. Business Names: An Overview
B. Mandatory Name Procedures
C. Trademarks and Service Marks
D. Strong and Weak Trademarks
E. How to Protect Your Trademark
F. Name Searches
Section 7
Licenses and Permits
A. Federal Registrations and Licenses
B. State Requirements
C. Regional Requirements
D. Local Requirements
E. How to Deal With Local Building and Zoning Officials
Section 8
Tax Basics for the Small Business
A. Employer Identification Number
B. Becoming an S Corporation
C. Business Taxes in General
D. Business Deductions
E. Tax Audits
Section 9
Raising Money for Your Business
A. Two Types of Outside Financing
B. Twelve Common Sources of Money
C. Document All Money You Receive
Section 10
Buying a Business
A. Finding a Business to Buy
B. What's the Structure of the Business You Want to Buy?
C. Gathering Information About a Business
D. Valuing the Business
E. Other Items to Investigate
F. Letter of Intent to Purchase
G. The Sales Agreement
H. The Closing
I. Selling a Business
Section 11
Franchises: How Not to Get Burned
A. An Overview of Franchises
B. What Is a Franchise?
C. Investigating a Franchise
D. The Uniform Franchise Offering Circular
E. The Franchise Agreement
F. Solving Problems With a Franchisor
Section 12
Insuring Your Business
A. Working With an Insurance Agent
B. Property Coverage
C. Liability Insurance
D. Other Insurance to Consider
E. Saving Money on Insurance
F. Making a Claim
Section 13
Negotiating a Favorable Lease
A. Finding a Place
B. Leases and Rental Agreements: An Overview
C. Short Term Leases (Month-to-Month Rentals)
D. Written Long-Term Leases
E. Additional Clauses to Consider
F. Shopping Center Leases
G. How to Modify a Lease
H. Landlord-Tenant Disputes
I. Getting Out of a Lease
J. When You Need Professional Help
Business Guide - Table of Contents
Section 14
Home-Based Business
A. Zoning Laws
B. Private Land Use Restrictions
C. Insurance
D. Deducting Expenses for Business Use of Your Home
Section 15
Employees and Independent Contractors
A. Hiring Employees
B. Job Descriptions
C. Job Advertisements
D. Job Applications
E. Interviews
F. Testing
G. Investigating Job Application Information
H. Immigration Law Requirements
I. Personnel Practices
J. Illegal Discrimination
K. Wages and Hours
L. Occupational Safety and Health
M. Workers' Compensation
N. Termination
O. Unemployment Compensation
P. Independent Contractors
Section 16
The Importance of Excellent Relations
A. Developing Your Customer Satisfaction Policy
B. Telling Customers About Your Policies
Section 17
Legal Requirements for Dealing With Customers
A. Advertising
B. Retail Pricing and Return Practices
C. Warranties
D. Consumer Protection Statutes
Section 18
Cash, Checks and Credit Cards
A. Cash
B. Credit Cards
C. Checks
Section 19
Extending Credit and Getting Paid
A. The Practical Side of Extending Credit
B. Laws That Regulate Consumer Credit
C. Becoming a Secured Creditor
D. Collection Problems
E. Collection Options
Section 20
Put It in Writing: Small Business Contracts
A. What Makes a Valid Contract
B. Unfair or Illegal Contracts
C. Misrepresentation, Duress or Mistake
D. Must a Contract Be in Writing?
E. Writing Business-to-Business Contracts
F. The Formalities of Getting a Contract Signed
G. Enforcing Contracts in Court
H. What Can You Sue For?
Section 21
The Financially Troubled Business
A. Thinking Ahead to Protect Your Personal Assets
B. Managing the Financially Troubled Business
C. Seeking an Objective Analysis
D. Workouts
E. Selling or Closing the Business
F. Understanding Bankruptcy
Section 22
Resolving Legal Disputes
A. Negotiating a Settlement
B. Understanding Mediation
C. Arbitration
D. Going to Court
Section 23
Representing Yourself in Small Claims Court
A. Deciding Whether to Represent Yourself
B. Learning the Rules
C. Meeting the Jurisdictional Limits
D. Before You File Your Lawsuit
E. Figuring Out Whom to Sue
F. Handling Your Small Claims Court Lawsuit
G. Representing Yourself If You're the Defendant
H. Appealing Small Claims Decisions
I. Collecting Your Judgment
Section 24
Lawyers and Legal Research
A. How to Find the Right Lawyer
B. Fees and Bills
C. Problems With Your Lawyer
D. Do-It-Yourself Legal Research
BPLANNING.COM
