Business SOS! Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them

Rich Sierra
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Are you a business owner interested in knowing what to do in any legal issue that might arise in your company and line of work? Join Florida business lawyer Rich Sierra, Author of Business SOS! to hear all about the most common legal mistakes business owners make and how to avoid them. This is not a “legal show” in the traditional sense; this is a conversation with business owners on the various legal issues they face daily and how to handle each of them. Guests are business owners from the local community and professionals who provide services to businesses, and you, as the listener, can submit questions to be answered, as well. There is no “sugar coating” or in-depth analysis of cases; the show will be informative and real. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep. 139 - Arbitration: A Private Alternative to Litigation

    In Episode 139 of the Business SOS! Podcast, Rich Sierra continues his conversation with Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator and Arbitrator Matthew Fornaro, focusing on arbitration—another powerful alternative to traditional courtroom litigation.While mediation focuses on negotiation and settlement, arbitration functions more like a private trial, where an arbitrator hears the evidence and ultimately issues a decision.Rich and Matthew explain how arbitration works, why many contracts require arbitration clauses, and how the arbitration process differs from both mediation and courtroom litigation. They also discuss the advantages and potential drawbacks of arbitration, including cost considerations, speed, privacy, and the limited ability to appeal arbitration decisions.Business owners will also learn what to watch for when signing contracts that contain arbitration provisions and how arbitration clauses can significantly impact their legal rights in future disputes.If you’ve ever signed a contract that includes an arbitration clause—or wondered whether arbitration is better than going to court—this episode will give you a practical understanding of how the process works.How to Contact Matthew FornaroTo learn more about Matthew Fornaro’s mediation and arbitration services, visit:https://fornarolegal.comHow to Contact Rich SierraIf you have questions about your business, contracts, or litigation, you can reach me at Rich@RichSierra.com or by phone at 866-842-5202.To learn more about the legal services we offer, visit:https://www.FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.comYou can also follow us on:Facebook: @FSBLEGALYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RichardSierraTwitter/X: @Rich_SierraInstagram: @FSBLEGALAnd don’t forget, my book Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or ask for it at your local bookstore.

    24 min

  2. MAR 24

    Ep. 138 - Mediation: How Business Disputes Can Be Resolved Without Trial

    In Episode 138 of the Business SOS! Podcast, Rich Sierra sits down with Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator and Arbitrator Matthew Fornaro to discuss one of the most effective ways to resolve disputes without the time and expense of a trial—mediation.Mediation has become a critical step in many business disputes and lawsuits. Courts frequently require parties to attempt mediation before a case can proceed to trial, and many disputes are successfully resolved during this process.In this episode, Rich and Matthew explain how mediation works, what the mediator’s role is, and why the process is often successful in helping parties reach a resolution. They also discuss how attorneys prepare for mediation, what happens during negotiation sessions, and why mediation can save businesses significant time and money.Matthew also shares insights from his experience serving as a neutral mediator and explains common mistakes parties make when they enter mediation without proper preparation.If you are involved in a business dispute—or want to avoid one—this episode will help you understand how mediation works and why it is such an important tool in resolving conflicts.How to Contact Matthew FornaroTo learn more about Matthew Fornaro’s mediation and arbitration services, visit:https://fornarolegal.comHow to Contact Rich SierraIf you have questions about your business, contracts, or litigation, you can reach me at Rich@RichSierra.com or by phone at 866-842-5202.To learn more about the legal services we offer, visit:https://www.FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.comYou can also follow us on:Facebook: @FSBLEGALYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RichardSierraTwitter/X: @Rich_SierraInstagram: @FSBLEGALAnd don’t forget, my book Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or ask for it at your local bookstore.

    33 min

  3. MAR 17

    Ep. 137 - Adding a New Partner: Legal Risks Business Owners Must Understand

    Bringing a new partner into your business can provide capital, expertise, and growth opportunities—but it can also introduce significant legal risks if the relationship is not properly structured.In this episode of the Business SOS! podcast, Rich Sierra explains the most common legal mistakes business owners make when adding a partner or investor. He discusses why many partnerships begin informally, how unclear expectations can lead to disputes, and why detailed operating agreements are essential.Rich also covers key issues that must be addressed before bringing in a partner, including ownership percentages, management authority, financial contributions, and profit distributions. The episode also highlights the importance of buy-sell provisions, exit strategies, and dispute resolution mechanisms that help prevent costly litigation.If you are thinking about adding a partner, investor, or co-owner to your company, this episode will help you understand how to structure the relationship properly and avoid conflicts that can destroy the business. How to Contact Rich Sierra: Email: Rich@RichSierra.com📞 Phone: 866-842-5202🌐 Website: https://www.FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com📘 Book: Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them – available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble📱 Facebook: @FSBLEGAL📺 YouTube: @RichardSierra🐦 Twitter/X: @Rich_Sierra📸 Instagram: @FSBLEGAL💼 Digital Business Card: https://poplme.co/hash/Qd9D1azj/1/s

    35 min

  4. MAR 10

    Ep. 136 - Buying or Selling a Business: Legal Mistakes That Can Cost You Everything

    Buying or selling a business is one of the most important transactions a business owner will ever make—but it’s also one of the most legally complex. In this episode of the Business SOS! podcast, Rich Sierra revisits the topic of business acquisitions and explains why so many deals lead to disputes after closing.Rich walks through the most common legal problems that arise during business sales, including poor due diligence, hidden liabilities, and misunderstandings about what is actually being purchased. He also explains the critical differences between asset purchases and ownership transfers, and why the structure of the transaction can dramatically affect the risk a buyer assumes.Listeners will learn why representations and warranties matter, how indemnification provisions protect buyers and sellers, and why many post-closing disputes involve non-compete agreements, earn-outs, and transition obligations.If you are considering buying a business, selling your company, or preparing for a future exit, this episode will help you understand the legal risks involved and how to protect yourself before signing the deal.   How to Contact Rich Sierra: Email: Rich@RichSierra.com📞 Phone: 866-842-5202🌐 Website: https://www.FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com📘 Book: Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them – available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble📱 Facebook: @FSBLEGAL📺 YouTube: @RichardSierra🐦 Twitter/X: @Rich_Sierra📸 Instagram: @FSBLEGAL💼 Digital Business Card: https://poplme.co/hash/Qd9D1azj/1/s

    33 min

  5. MAR 3

    Ep. 135 - Deadlocks in Partnerships: What Happens When Owners Can’t Agree?

    What happens when business partners reach a complete standstill?In Episode 135 of the Business SOS! podcast, Rich Sierra tackles one of the most dangerous situations in any company — a partnership deadlock. When owners with equal control cannot agree on major decisions, the business can grind to a halt. Contracts go unsigned. Payroll becomes uncertain. Strategic growth stops. And before long, disagreements escalate into full-blown litigation.In this episode, Rich explains what a deadlock really is, why 50/50 ownership structures are often a ticking time bomb, and how fiduciary duty claims, injunctions, and judicial dissolution actions arise. He also breaks down the legal remedies available in Florida, including court-ordered dissolution, receivership, and forced buyouts.Most importantly, this episode focuses on prevention. You’ll learn what provisions should be included in operating agreements and shareholder agreements to avoid operational paralysis, how buy-sell clauses work, and what steps to take if you’re already in a dispute.If you are in a partnership — or considering entering one — this episode could save your business from costly and emotionally draining litigation. How to Contact Rich Sierra: Email: Rich@RichSierra.com📞 Phone: 866-842-5202🌐 Website: https://www.FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com📘 Book: Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them – available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble📱 Facebook: @FSBLEGAL📺 YouTube: @RichardSierra🐦 Twitter/X: @Rich_Sierra📸 Instagram: @FSBLEGAL💼 Digital Business Card: https://poplme.co/hash/Qd9D1azj/1/s

    33 min

  6. FEB 24

    Ep. 134 - Special Guest: David Kinigson, Motivational Speaker and Author of "The Power of Asking WHAT? Overcome your challenges and fears. A conversation for Mindset in Action. (Part 1)

    Special Guest: David Kinigson, Motivational Speaker and Author of "The Power of Asking WHAT? Overcome your challenges and fears. A conversation for Mindset in Action. (Part 1). Rich interviews Author and inspirational speaker David Kinigson and has an in-depth discussion about the importance of having an Inspirational Mindset to overcome your challenges and fears. How to Contact Rich Sierra:  1. Via Email at Rich@RichSierra.com  2. https://www.floridasmallbusinesslegalcenter.com  3. FaceBook @ FSBLEGAL  4. youtube.com/@RichardSierra  5. twitter.com/Rich_Sierra  6. Instagram: FSBLEGAL .  Also, Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or ask for it at your local bookstore.  You may contact David Kinigson at https://www.davidkinigson.com/ or via email at davidkinigson@gmail.com and through all social media at @davidkinigson.

    40 min

  7. FEB 17

    Ep. 133 - How a Commercial Lease dispute can end up in a lawsuit

    In this episode, Rich Sierra discusses what you need to be aware of to avoid being sued by your landlord and common mistakes business owners make when entering or renewing commercial leases. How to Contact Rich Sierra: Email: Rich@RichSierra.com📞 Phone: 866-842-5202🌐 Website: https://www.FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com📘 Book: Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them – available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble📱 Facebook: @FSBLEGAL📺 YouTube: @RichardSierra🐦 Twitter/X: @Rich_Sierra📸 Instagram: @FSBLEGAL💼 Digital Business Card: https://poplme.co/hash/Qd9D1azj/1/s

    31 min

  8. FEB 10

    Ep. 132- 5 Costly Legal Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Case

    In Episode 132, Florida small business lawyer Rich Sierra takes inspiration from HGTV’s Help! I Wrecked My House and applies it to the legal world. In this episode, Rich breaks down five common mistakes that can seriously damage a business case and explains how business owners can avoid them before they become expensive problems. Rich shares practical legal guidance every entrepreneur should know to better protect their company and reduce risk. Connect with Rich Sierra: Rich@RichSierra.com floridasmallbusinesslegalcenter.com Facebook: @FSBLEGAL YouTube: @RichardSierra X/Twitter: @Rich_Sierra Instagram: @FSBLEGAL Rich’s book Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at your local bookstore.

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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7 Ratings

About

Are you a business owner interested in knowing what to do in any legal issue that might arise in your company and line of work? Join Florida business lawyer Rich Sierra, Author of Business SOS! to hear all about the most common legal mistakes business owners make and how to avoid them. This is not a “legal show” in the traditional sense; this is a conversation with business owners on the various legal issues they face daily and how to handle each of them. Guests are business owners from the local community and professionals who provide services to businesses, and you, as the listener, can submit questions to be answered, as well. There is no “sugar coating” or in-depth analysis of cases; the show will be informative and real. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.

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