Welcome to the final episode of The Legalpreneur Podcast as we take our long-awaited hiatus. This is the end of the podcast..for now, as we step into a new chapter of our startup. Our team is spread thin, and to reach our goal of uprooting the legal industry for small businesses, as the founder, I must give my full attention to the grand mission so that The Legalpreneur can continue doing what it does best, supporting small business owners.

Before I leave you, I am giving your the full legal checklist, to ensure that you have a foundation to legally start, structure, and keep your business on track. As a small business, you are held to the same standard as any Fortune 500 company, which may be overwhelming, but this list will empower you to confidently start and maintain legal protection of your company.

Thank you for supporting The Legalpreneur podcast for these three amazing years. It’s been a pleasure answering your questions, concerns, and simplifying the legal process. Without your support, The Legalpreneur would not have grown into the success it is today! You can still find everything you need in our podcast library, and I hope to be back soon!

Today on The Legalpreneur, I am excited to announce our long-awaited interview with George Ploss, the Global Director of the NetSuite Accelerator Program. Oracle recruited George through the diversity hiring initiative that targeted Veterans. He was brought on as a solutions consultant and quickly became the Senior Program Manager at Oracle in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Veterans. George’s commitment to inclusivity led him to his current position in the NetSuite Accelerator, where he helps minority-owned companies like The Legalpreneur grow and expand their potential.

NetSuite is more than a financial planning app, it goes beyond the abilities of QuickBooks. George demonstrates how this unique platform is helping small businesses access enterprise resource planning. In the NetSuite Accelerator, George helps shape founders into leaders to attract venture capitalists so they can get access to the funding they need to revolutionize their industry.

We reminisce about The Legalpreneur’s deal day. George explains how he helped The Legalpreneur master our financials and our pitch before we spoke to any VCs. The NetSuite Accelerator is a game changer for small businesses. If you want to learn more about the world of start-ups, venture capitalists, and the future of accelerators, listen now!

Are you clear on what qualifies as defamation? It’s a term that gets thrown around a lot in the entrepreneurial space, but today on The Legalpreneur, I am breaking down the five criteria to prove a defamation case. I clearly define what qualifies as defamation and break down common misconceptions about negative statements.

The main criteria of defamation are whether or not the statement can be proven as true or false and if it is made public. People are allowed to have negative opinions about you and your business, so not every rude comment calls for legal action.

Sometimes words travel farther than people intend, but everyone is still responsible for public statements made. I break down one of the most disputed criteria for defamation…fault. With social media, it is easy to post something, but once you do, the ripple effect can reach further than you intended. I am here to tell you that you can still hold the original person responsible if they were the catalyst for your public defamation.

Each criterion is nuanced and case-specific. if you suspect you are a victim of defamation, be sure to enlist an attorney to see if you have a civil case. As always, this is something that we at The Legalprenur can assist you with, so be sure to check out our membership plans to see if we can help you with your legal needs!

If you want to understand what qualifies as defamation, listen now!

Do you have clarity on why you want to accomplish your goals? Today on The Legalpreneur, I want to inspire you to evaluate your goals, in order to understand your deeper motivations and decide if the life you’re leading is the life you want.

As we enter a new chapter of The Legalpreneur, I am thinking a lot about why I started this project. My goal is to sell The Legalpreneur for a billion dollars, so I can start a venture capital fund for underrepresented minorities. The dream is bigger than the money, and the billion-dollar valuation is only because I know this business will change the legal industry forever. The money is great, but staying focused on the mission behind the money is what lights my soul on fire.

I have never been more financially unstable, but this has also been the most abundant time of my life! You can create a life that makes you happy! Get to know yourself and dig deep into why you’re doing what you’re doing. No matter what you want to accomplish in life, be sure to evaluate the deeper meaning behind your desire, so you don’t build a life or a business that is unfulfilling. Join me today to discover how to lead a life with intention.

Are you feeling burnt out? Today on The Legalpreneur, I welcome our longstanding member, Nicole Bensen, to discuss burnout, retreats, and mindfulness training. She got her start at Google, managing the well-being program for women. Working in big tech can be stressful, so Nicole took a leap of faith and started Tentacles and Tea, a wellness retreat and coaching business that helps you escape the grind in some of the most beautiful locations around the world.

Everything runs on divine timing, Nicole started her business the moment the world shut down, but that did not phase her! She shares how she pivoted her business model to online coaching and persevered through the past two years. Her hard work paid off, so today she is announcing her first in-person retreat in Switzerland! This trip will be an amazing opportunity to reconnect with yourself, have some fun and meet great people in the process.

Nicole reveals how helpful her Legalpreneur Membership was to the formation of her company, and the benefits of having an attorney on hand! Join us as we dive into the world of Big Tech, woo-woo, and personal development.

Are you in alignment with your purpose as an entrepreneur? Often your identity gets wrapped up in how you make money, but there are a million ways to make your fortune! Today on The Legalpreneur, we discuss identity and entrepreneurship with Cat Golden, founder of Nurses Inspire Nurses. She is one of The Legalpreneur’s first members and today she shares how her membership helped her with everything she didn’t know that she didn’t know! Her unique perspective on authenticity and business will have you reevaluating how you make money.

When you shift your focus from money to living authentically, you will be amazed at the opportunities that manifest for you. Cat had no intention of being an entrepreneur, but she did have a purpose, and from that purpose, she created a company centered around helping nurses recover and prevent burnout.

Cat discusses how she does not let her ego make business decisions, which is why her company has evolved into the success it is today. She teaches you to make decisions based on personal alignment rather than ego-driven goals. By separating your identity from your business, you will allow yourself and your business to blossom.

If you are ready to step into authentic entrepreneurship, listen now!

Are you prepared to handle a PR nightmare? In today’s internet culture, your public image is a delicate thing that must be protected and sometimes recovered. Today on The Legalpreneur Podcast, I give you examples of how you can handle a potential PR nightmare and recover from cancellation.

If you have done nothing wrong, I often recommend taking the high road and avoiding public acknowledgment of the attack on you or your business. You must be honest and take responsibility if you have genuinely made a verbal blunder or done something to bring about public scrutiny. Often a genuine apology goes a long way to win back approval.

If you are the target of public defamation, then your strategy will be much more involved. I teach you how to keep your cool and handle the situation professionally. Even when you have done nothing wrong, defamation will damage the image you have built in the public eye, which can cost you business, clients, and opportunities. Having a well-thought-out strategy is vital to the recovery of your good name.

To learn how to effectively handle a PR nightmare, listen now!

For three years, The Legalpreneur podcast has been helping educate small business owners on the legal side of the business. It has been a labor of love to do this show, and as The Legalpreneur membership grows, so does the need to focus on that expansion. Today, I am announcing our upcoming hiatus of The Legalpreneur Podcast.

You will still have access to hundreds of episodes filled with everything you need to know about legally protecting your business! We hope to join you again soon. As our team grows, so will our capacity to reintroduce the podcast.

We welcome you to reach out and let us know what you want to hear in our final episodes. For the next month, we strive to address all your questions as we shift into this new and exciting phase of The Legalpreneur!

Not sure what Legalpreneur membership is right for you? Today on The Legalpreneur, I am excited to announce the launch of our new membership tier. I recognize that not every business needs the same level of legal aid, so the Base Membership is a basic package that gives you access to the essential services offered here at The Legalpreneur!

Whether you are a new client or a current member considering upgrading your membership, I am reviewing the benefits of each tier, so you only pay for what you need. The goal of The Legalpreneur is to make legal services accessible to all small business owners, so today I’m helping you find an affordable plan that suits your individual needs!

Are you actively creating a life that makes you happy? People often succumb to social expectations by settling into a career that negates their life purpose, but you don’t have to live that way! Today on The Legalpreneur Podcast, I remind you to forget what others think so you can focus on your happiness. It’s not always easy, but when you live on your own terms, you quickly realize that your happiness is indispensable.

It takes hard work to understand what makes you happy, and it might change over time, but when you shed your people-pleasing tendencies, you welcome joy back into your life! No two paths are exactly the same, so take the time to figure out what you love and become an active participant in the manifestation of your destiny.

Nothing in your life happens without your permission. You have the power to accept or deny every opportunity that comes your way. What would be an amazing adventure to one person might be your worst nightmare, so be diligent in the exploration of your needs and desires. Do not settle for someone else’s vision for your life. Choose to manifest the life and career that makes you happy!

Is your information private? Today, on The Legalpreneur, I am sharing simple solutions to keep you and your information anonymous. Privacy is important, and your information is usually just a google search away, but there are steps you can take to keep your personal data off the public record.

Start by looking up your name on google, if you have already filed any legal documents for your business with your personal information, that is a public record. You can remedy this by transferring the paperwork into the business name. For those who are in the beginning phases of registering your business, simply using a virtual address or any address that is not your own is a simple way to keep your personal information off the public record.

If you value your privacy, you can enlist The Legalpreneur to file anonymously on your behalf. We now offer a baseline membership to help entrepreneurs start their businesses with the guidance of a competent attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of privacy protection. If you’re concerned about your online privacy, tune in and take note as I guide you through the basic steps to maintain your anonymity.

We are close to reaching our goal of 2-2.5 million dollars in funding! It is exciting to reach our fundraising goals, so today on The Legalpreneur, I am sharing my strategy for building venture capitalist relationships.

Traditionally, venture capitalism was a closed community. You could only meet investors by knowing someone who could introduce you. However, things are changing, and a new class of venture capitalists is emerging. In every major city, there is a startup community that you can join to ensure you get in the room with the right people. The Legalpreneur fundraising journey was launched after a pitch competition exposed me to a group of potential investors, which led to many more opportunities.

Remember that you are in the business of relationships, so positioning yourself within the investment community is a vital part of fundraising for your startup. Every interaction has the potential to change the financial trajectory of your startup!

If you want to learn how to position yourself and your business for financial success, listen now!

Do you need an operations manager/ best friend for your business? Today on the Legalpreneur, I welcome back our operations manager, Kayla Bandy to chat about her role at the firm. Kayla is the one who brings my ideas to life and makes it all happen! She details what it takes to be an effective operations manager, and how she balances business, friendship, and bowling!

Yes, bowling! Outside of The Legalpreneur, Kayla is a professional bowler and coach. After competing in her first bowling tournament Kayla was scouted for the jr USA team, which propelled her into the national bowling arena. The skills she learned throughout her career have contributed to her success at The Legalpreneur.

Kayla evolved into her role as operations manager after managing the affiliate program. As The Legalpreneur grew, so did our need for an organized operations manager who could uphold the vision of the company. We discuss how small businesses can assess talent in order to develop positions that grow with the strengths of each individual employee. Join us as we discuss the evolution of Kayla and her role at The Legalpreneur!

Still not convinced that you need a trademark? Today on The Legalpreneur, I list my top 5 benefits that are exclusively available to federal trademark holders! Some basic protections are available without a trademark, such as the use of the ™ symbol, but obtaining a trademark ensures comprehensive protection of your brand on all fronts.

Filing for a trademark currently takes about 13 months to fully process, but it is an investment that pays off. Once your trademark becomes public knowledge the courts generally rule in your favor, since it is difficult for infringers to feign ignorance of your trademark. Having that public record would classify these violations as willful infringement, which means additional damages and attorney fees are awarded, simply because of your federal trademark!

You can also count on customs agents to enforce your trademark. They will stop unauthorized products from leaving or entering the country, which allows you to maintain better control of your intellectual property. These safeguards are only available once you have secured your federal trademark. It is time-consuming and expensive, but the cost of operating your business without a trademark is guaranteed to be much steeper. Don’t wait, and start your application today!

Are you on the verge of burnout? Before you push yourself beyond your capacity, tune into this episode, where I share my tips to avoid burnout! Entrepreneurs are inherently persistent, but knowing when to take a break will help you in the long run! Yes, you could force yourself to work non-stop and push through every day, but inevitably it will take a toll on your mental and physical health.

Avoiding burnout is actually very simple. When you are struggling through your work, take a step back and do something you enjoy for a while. Having a hobby is a great way to decompress and get your mind off of work, family, and relationships. You don’t need to justify your hobbies, and it’s ok to be unproductive sometimes. Go find something that brings you peace, so you can return to work refreshed and ready to tackle the day!

As a business owner, you have the power to expand your team! I encourage you to make a list of all the mundane tasks that could be handled by someone else and hire someone to do it for you! Your time is a valuable asset, so delegating the responsibilities of your business is a great way to conserve your energy.

If you want to become intentional with your time and avoid burnout, listen now!

Do you know your Legalpreneur history? Today is a special episode with my best friend and Chief Operating Officer, Kayla Bandy! She has witnessed my ups, downs, and everything in between. Her insight into the inception of The Legalpreneur makes her the perfect host for today’s episode, as she asks me hard-hitting questions about life, love, and entrepreneurship.

Friendship and business can mix, and I believe our tendency to over-communicate has contributed to the success of The Legalpreneur. Our friendship began in Pikeville, Kentucky, because well before I entered the legal sphere, I was a student-athlete on a bowling scholarship, and Kayla was my coach. Today, Kayla is still coaching me through every haphazard idea I have for The Legalpreneur.

We take a trip down memory lane and laugh about the evolution of my entrepreneurial journey. Looking back at the moments of blind faith and the thrill of starting my own firm. Expect to hear the good, the great, and the best moments of The Legalpreneur’s history!

Many local businesses struggle to find legal advice for their unique situation, so today on The Legalpreneur Podcast, I take you step by step through the process of legally starting your local business and break down how to safeguard yourself against lawsuits.

The requirements for a local business are different than what is required of a national online brand. First, you need to establish if you need local or federal protection. To qualify for a federal LLC you must be doing business in multiple states, which in most cases is beyond the scope of a local business. Generally, a Local business only needs local protection.

Once you’ve determined the geographical range of your business, check in with your local authorities to determine the requirements in your area. Details as small as your local return policies can make you vulnerable to a potential lawsuit. You can avoid these common mistakes with a Legalpreneur membership that will give you all access to an attorney who can help you file your LLC, DBA, and everything you need to legally protect your local business!

The default path for entrepreneurship is usually starting a small business, but did you know that building a startup is a viable alternative? Today on The Legalpreneur Podcast, I highlight the key differences between a small business and a startup, so you can decide which model fits your goals.

Scale is the main distinction between these business models; small businesses remain small while startups are designed for growth.

If your goal is to be self-employed and develop a steady revenue stream, then starting a small business could be the right path for you. Small business owners do not need to cater to investors and are thus free to operate in niche industries that otherwise would not attract funding as a startup.

Building a startup is rooted in relationships because, unlike a small business, you receive funding from venture capitalists and investors who help grow your company. Generally, investors are only interested in billion-dollar industries, so you must fill a void in an already well-developed market. If you do successfully build your startup, attract investors and sell your company, you can expect a much bigger financial payout than you could achieve with a small business.

Whichever entrepreneurial path you take, your potential is only limited by what you believe you can achieve. Before I started The Legalpreneur, I did not know that building a startup was attainable to someone like myself. However, I’ve since learned that the only difference between you and a business owner or a startup CEO is daring to start!

If you want to learn what it takes to build a small business or a startup, listen now!

Attention all small business owners! Are you tired of unexpected expenses that are keeping your business from thriving? Today on The Legalpreneur Podcast, Christy Bowie joins us to discuss budgets and taxes for your small business. Christy is the host of The CEO Wingwoman and is TikTok famous for her expert advice on how to financially plan your 7 figure business!

You can make all the money in the world but without proper management, you will struggle to maintain the cash flow necessary to sustain your business. Every CEO needs to partner with a trusted CPA who can help you plan for financial success!

In this episode, Christy will change the way you think about budgeting by shifting your mindset to spending planning. Your earning potential is unlimited and by reverse budgeting, you can structure a financial plan that supports your wants and needs without any surprises.

If you want to learn how to master your budget, listen now!

Are you working on a side hustle that is not legally protected? If the ultimate goal of your side hustle is to transition into a full fledged business, then listen up because this episode teaches how to take the first step. Today on The Legalpreneur Podcast, I want to motivate you to treat your side hustle as if it’s already a business, because the moment you’re advertising your goods or services, you absolutely are a legitimate business!

Shift your mindset from day one, because if you treat your side hustle like a business, you’re more likely to successfully create a profitable business! If you can see the potential of your side hustle, investing in your LLC and Trademarks are going to save you so much money as you grow! Once you’re established it becomes an expensive headache to go back and do the work that needed to be done in the beginning.

You wouldn’t think it now but The Legalpreneur started as a side hustle. If I had not treated it as the business that I knew it would grow into; The Legalpreneur would not have become what it is today! Registering your LLC, trademarks and using contracts will make scaling your side hustle into a full fledged business so much easier! Don’t limit your own potential, get your side hustle legally protected now!

Do you want to attract investors or simply improve the financial health of your business? Whether you’re a small business owner or working on a startup company, you need to be well versed in the numbers of your business. Today on the Legalpreneur Podcast, I break down what data you need to know to confidently assess the financial health of your company.

Having a grasp on your profit and revenue is essential but investors are looking for a deeper analysis of your company’s spending habits. That means, you need to be acquainted with how much you spend to get your clients, how much they spend and what you can reliably make each month!

The more you understand the financial patterns of your business the faster you can improve your business as a whole. Knowledge is power and even knowing where your business is thriving informs you, the business owner or your investors, on what to further cultivate! If you find that you’re losing money, having the information allows you to take action and turn your loss into a profit!

If you want to learn how to track and manage the finances of your business, listen now!

Are you struggling with your identity in life or in business? You are not alone! Today’s guest is Melissa Martin, host of the Boldly Courageous Podcast. She is a business and embodiment coach, helping high performing entrepreneurs reclaim their POWERR! Her framework guides you step by step through an embodiment practice that will help you become your true self.

Everything in life is energetically cyclical, even your finances. Melissa, shares her story of rebuilding herself after a total financial and spiritual reset. Struggle is a natural part of growth but your past behaviors and ideas do not have to shape your future. Questioning yourself is the first step to understanding your motivation and maybe even realizing you’re on the wrong path.

If you feel exhausted in your work and life, it may be time to give up the facade and pursue the life you genuinely desire. True embodiment happens once you can visualize the best version of yourself and choose to take action accordingly. Taking small incremental steps towards who you want to be is the hardest part of embodiment but is the most rewarding.

If you are ready to step into your true POWERR, listen now!

Are you new to entrepreneurship and unsure if you’re ready to file for a trademark? Today, on the Legalpreneur Podcast, I share exactly when it’s imperative to file for legal protection of your business. If you have the means to file, it’s always better to get your trademark as soon as possible, although if you’re still in the experimental phase you may be able to delay, for a short time, as your business gets established.

A trademark takes a minimum of 13 months to process during which time you or your attorney will search and verify that your brand name is not already in use. Many entrepreneurs don’t realize that a trademark covers more than just identical brand names but also anything that is similar enough to warrant a cease and desist letter. If your attorney does not require a trademark search, it’s time to find a new attorney!

Filing your Trademark is a lengthy and expensive process but the long term costs of operating your business without legal protection is much higher. An unprotected brand leaves you vulnerable to legal action that could kill your business before it has a chance to really develop.

If you want expert advice so you can determine if it’s time to file for your trademark, listen now!

Today on The Legalpreneur Podcast, I reveal the two things that are keeping you from reaching your goals. Circumstances are always changing but if you have an excuse handy for every occasion, you probably need to evaluate your habits. Once you’ve set your goal it is vital that you hold yourself accountable because you are responsible for your own success!

As a leader, you set the tone for those around you. If you’re comfortable making excuses, your team will be too. You may have to make some drastic changes in your daily life but that is the price of greatness.

As you grow in your ability to commit, be grateful for the strides you’ve made. Change is hard, so remember to appreciate how much progress you’ve made and how accountability has propelled you to bigger and greater things.