A company’s Code of Business Conduct is the written word when it comes to communicating expected behaviors within an organization that intend to provide a productive and pleasant work environment and produce positive business outcomes. A Code of Business Conduct reflects an organization’s core values like ethics, social responsibility and compliance with the law, [...]
“I WANT IT NOW!” This outcry by spoiled brat Veruca Salt may be one of the most memorable lines in the beloved children’s movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. It’s been almost 50 years since the release of this musical fantasy film, and Veruca’s demand has a completely different context for me. Rather [...]
Whether you just formed a new company or whether your company has been around for years, you may need to file an information report or annual report soon. Overlooking this routine filing can have serious consequences. If your company is required to file, you can easily avoid these consequences by knowing the states that require the [...]
For many, hearing the words “organizational chart” brings to mind a pyramid-shaped diagram showing who reports to whom within the management structure of an organization or business unit. But there is another entirely different type of organizational chart that brings to life the ownership structure of an organization and its affiliated companies. This type [...]
We’ve all heard of imposter syndrome, and most of us have experienced it through feelings of self-doubt or inadequacy in our businesses or careers. In many cases, it’s just a state of mind. Other times, the reality is that we’re pretending to be someone we’re not or to have skills we just don’t have. [...]
Building a strong foundation for business when it comes to governance, compliance, and risk management isn’t just for Big Business. Taking Care of Business® is for every company regardless of head count, gross revenues, or life stage.Big Business understands the value of taking care of business, every day. For SMBs, it’s sometimes considered optional. This [...]
What is ERM? The “ERM” abbreviation for Enterprise Risk Management has a firm place in the management practices of larger business organizations. There may be some variation in specific objectives across ERM programs, or in the key process steps of the program, but all ERM frameworks involve identifying and naming risks impacting a business, understanding [...]
As owner or CEO of your company, are you responsible for approving every contract before it’s signed? Does this lead to a logjam of unsigned contracts in your in box? Use a Delegation of Authority Policy to streamline your company’s contract approval process and to manage the authority you might give other employees to create [...]
One of the most important elements of a contract is the “term” – that is, the length of time the contract is scheduled to remain in place. Sometimes the parties to a contract heavily negotiate the length of the contract. But many times, they don’t give enough consideration to it when negotiating this important contract [...]
If you are listed as the owner or contact on a trademark application or registration, chances are you’ve received unsolicited correspondence about the trademark. These unsolicited emails or letters may offer to help with an upcoming filing deadline or ask for money to register or maintain your trademark. Many of these communications are trademark scams. [...]
