Has anyone ever told you to use your time wisely? The mandates in today’s world consist of quick turnarounds, staying current in your field, and having that edge over your competition. You’ve taken the time to research and interview for a project and, as a result, turned your prospect into a client. Your time is important, as it is to your new client. That’s why they’ve hired you to do a job. You’ve now settled on a verbal agreement of expectations, but what happens if those expectations become unclear down the road?
You don’t want to make a client wait while you draw up a contract. They may even initiate in asking you for one before performing any work. Having a contract that outlines an agreement with your client is essential. Not only does it protect both parties, but it outlines many important business elements. Some examples include:
Engagement
Term
Place of Work
Time
Confidentiality and Privacy Policy
Covenant Not to Compete
Payment
There are a lot of resources available to freelancers and small business owners. Some of the platforms I’ve recently come across include:
Bonsai: https://www.hellobonsai.com/ (Free)
Bidsketch: https://www.bidsketch.com/plan-pricing/ (as low as $23)
Legalzoom: http://www.legalzoom.com/ (pricing depends on what you need)
Business Templates: http://www.sessions.edu/for-students/career-center/tools-quizzes/business-templates (Free download)
The benefit of having something in writing demonstrates professionalism and can help streamline your schedule and workload from the start. Contracts do not eliminate problems, but they can certainly help protect you and your client. It doesn’t take a lot of time to draw up a contract, whether you use a personalized template or hire an attorney. It may even save you an extensive amount of time down the road should a negative situation arise. You owe that to yourself, your business and your client.
Re-inventing 9-5. the "new" millennium. 