The BIG costs of building your team the wrong way (S5E144)

The BIG costs of building your team the wrong way (S5E144)

Author: Autumn Witt Boyd | Go-To Lawyer for Online Entrepreneurs June 22, 2020 Duration: 29:03

For many business owners, arriving at the point of needing to hire someone because you have more work than you can handle is an absolute dream come true. 

But loose hiring practices can lead you to make some extremely costly mistakes -- like hiring an independent contractor who really should be classified as an employee, or not using a contract to make sure you and your worker are on the same page.

In this episode, we'll cover:

  • Why it matters what state your worker lives in, and where your company is located
  • How the number of hours worked and whether or not your worker has other clients can help you determine if they should or should not be classified as an independent contractor
  • The potential costs (monetary and otherwise) of misclassifying a worker
  • Why you should never work with an independent contractor without a contract
  • The top things to include in a contract with your independent contractor
  • Why a noncompete agreement may not be the best option for you and your independent contractor
  • Why it's important to understand who owns the rights to the content your independent contractor creates for you

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Legal Road Map® Episode 37: www.awbfirm.com/podcast37  *Please note that this episode was recorded prior to significant changes to California employment laws dealing with the classification of independent contractors, and therefore does not address these changes. If you live in California or your worker lives in California, please consult with legal counsel about these important changes to the law.

Independent Contractor Agreement Template: https://awbfirm.com/collections/all/products/independent-contractor-contract-template

This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.


Navigating the legal landscape of an online business often feels like deciphering a foreign language. Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs translates that complex language into actionable advice you can use right away. Hosted by Autumn Witt Boyd, a practicing attorney who focuses specifically on creative and digital businesses, this podcast serves as a reliable guide through the common yet confusing legal questions entrepreneurs face daily. Each episode tackles practical topics, from the essential contracts you need to protect your work and client relationships to understanding the real purpose behind website policies like terms of service and privacy notices. You’ll hear clear explanations on how copyright and trademark law applies to your original content, branding, and products, helping you secure your intellectual property without unnecessary jargon. Think of it as a regular consultation with a trusted expert, designed to demystify the law so you can make informed decisions and focus on growing your venture with greater confidence and security. Tune in for straightforward conversations that replace legal anxiety with a practical plan, making this podcast an invaluable resource for any entrepreneur building a business in the digital space.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs
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