Staying compliant with Minnesota labor laws is a cornerstone of responsible business ownership. While you have other matters set, you might want to consider assessing your employees. Misclassifying them can result in heavy financial penalties that can significantly...
Business – Employment
How to manage trade secrets in your small business
As a small business owner, some of your most valuable assets are not physical. Proprietary processes, client lists, pricing strategies and other confidential information help your business stand out. Managing trade secrets carefully protects your competitive edge. It...
2 things you should never miss during an M&A due diligence
Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) can be an exciting chapter in your business. These transactions can lead to growth opportunities, allowing you to tap into new markets and generate higher revenue. Although M&As often come with benefits, they also have risks...
What happens when your business outgrows its first contract?
New business owners often use basic contracts, with some lifting them from online sources or copying them from another business owner. It may have worked while your company was a startup, but now that your company is growing, some parts of your contract may not work...
Trademarks that all businesses should protect
Every business, no matter its size or industry, relies on branding to build recognition and trust. Trademarks are a core element of that brand identity, yet too many companies delay protecting them until a dispute arises. Proactive trademark protection is not just a...
The legal benefits of creating a business plan
Creating a business plan is often viewed as a tool for attracting investors or securing loans. While these are important functions of this effort, small business owners should also understand the legal benefits of having a well-crafted business plan. Keeping an eye on...
When is the right time to begin business succession planning?
People who start or purchase businesses often plan to continue running them indefinitely. They may want to work at the company until they retire. They may intentionally perform as many job functions on their own as they can to keep company costs low and profit margins...
How can businesses protect their intellectual property?
Producing or acquiring intellectual property can give a business a competitive advantage. Original creative works can be useful for branding or can be sources of revenue. Trademarks can help companies establish a loyal customer base by becoming easily recognizable....
Minimizing liability when starting a new business
Entrepreneurs developing new business concepts are often eager to move forward as quickly as possible. They want to establish themselves in an as-of-yet unoccupied economic niche before competitors get the same idea. The beginning of a business is a time when people...
3 staffing concerns with planning a merger or acquisition
Having the right talent on staff is crucial for the long-term success of a business. Companies often hire specialists to help recruit and train talent. Some organizations even work with outside companies and professional recruiters for that purpose. Workers are one of...

