Think through what you sign

I have been dealing with several matters in the past year that have dealt with business persons signing contracts without clearly thinking them through.

Usually, the individual involved signs the contract order to get money or close a deal that he or she thinks must be done or that is absolutely necessary. In a sense it is a sign of the times that business persons are thinking along those desperate lines.

The problems that arise are many. It is not a good deal. The terms are vague and contradictory. Some times, a business owner will fail to sign as an officer of the business entity (such as a corporation), so that the business owner is personally liable.

Haste makes waste and, in this case, the waste of time and money in legal disputes. People are in such a hurry and blinded by need that they stop thinking.

If it is a deal that must be done, particularly if it has to be done soon, then it is trouble.

My suggestion is that business owners slow down. Nothing has to be signed today. Put the agreement aside and read it again tomorrow. Have someone else read it through - particularly an attorney. It can save you an enormous amount of grief and money.