BUSINESS MANUAL - working with your attorney & insurance agent

Don't blindly follow your attorney's advice. Assess the information, ask questions, make sure the advice is right for you!Insurance is an important element of your business. Ensure you are always protected.

YOUR ATTORNEY

	Ask questions until you fully understand the issues and the "legalese."
	Remember that your attorney will not be giving advice from your entrepreneurial perspective but rather from a conservative point of view. The advice you get may or may not be right for YOU.
	Never hesitate to get another opinion on a specific matter if you are not completely confident with your attorney's advice. There is a tendency to take everything one hears from an attorney at face value.
	Ask for a cost estimates for every matter before you take it up with your attorney. Ask how expenses may be held down.
	Never, never be less than totally honest with your attorney.
	Ensure extra charges such as copying and faxes are being charged without padding. (The ABA requires lawyers charge actual costs for these extras).
	Ask for detailed invoices including hours spent on each item and review carefully.
	Invite your attorney to your place of business at least every 6-months to show him or her what you are doing. The better your attorney understands your business, the more effective the advice.

YOUR INSURANCE AGENT

	Invite the agent to your place of business on a regular basis.
	Be sure to keep the agent up to date on any changes that would affect your insurance program such as new employees or equipment, change of location, etc.
	Periodically, about every 6-months or so, review your entire insurance program to be sure you are adequately protected but not over-insured.
	When purchasing a new item requiring insurance coverage, call your agent and get a binder. Follow up within a few days to make sure the binder has been attached to your policy.