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

Thinking about filing a lawsuit? Before you head to court, you need to understand the real challenges, risks, and strategies behind suing someone. In this episode of the Business SOS! podcast, Rich Sierra, business attorney and host, breaks down everything business owners need to know when considering legal action.

You’ll learn:
⚖️ The hidden costs of suing someone (and how to budget realistically)
⚖️ The emotional tol...

Thinking about filing a lawsuit? Before you head to court, you need to understand the real challenges, risks, and strategies behind suing someone. In this episode of the Business SOS! podcast, Rich Sierra, business attorney and host, breaks down everything business owners need to know when considering legal action.

You’ll learn:
⚖️ The hidden costs of suing someone (and how to budget realistically)
⚖️ The emotional tol...

What does it take to turn passion into a purpose-driven business? In this episode of Business SOS!, Rich Sierra and co-host Sharon Sierra sit down with Andrezza Façanha and Edgar Estevez to learn how they launched and now run Andrezza Façanha BJJ Academy as a husband-and-wife team.

They discuss the realities of running a family-owned martial arts school — from launching the business, defining roles as a couple, building a cu...

In this episode of Business SOS!, Rich Sierra is joined by special co-host Sharon Sierra — a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and blue belt in BJJ — to interview Andrezza Façanha and Edgar Estevez, founders of Andrezza Façanha BJJ Academy.

They share how their academy is empowering students through women’s self-defense programs, inclusive training, wellness, and community outreach. From nervous first-timers to seasoned...

Thinking of buying a business? Don’t do anything until you hear this! In this essential episode of Business SOS!, attorney Rich Sierra reveals five fatal mistakes that could turn your dream purchase into a financial nightmare.

From failing to conduct proper due diligence to buying the wrong structure, skipping legal protections, and ignoring lease or licensing issues—these are the costly errors that ruin deals and drain bank...

Are you unknowingly putting your business—and personal assets—at risk? In this eye-opening episode of Business SOS!, attorney Rich Sierra breaks down five shocking legal mistakes that can cripple or even destroy your business. From failing to maintain proper legal structure to ignoring wage laws and using poorly written contracts, these are the landmines every business owner needs to avoid.

Learn how to protect yourself from...

In Part 2 of this two-part series, Business SOS! host and attorney Rich Sierra continues breaking down the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make when forming partnerships.

This episode dives into the final five mistakes, including failing to create an exit strategy, ignoring tax consequences, and not planning for potential partner disputes. Rich also shares insights on liability exposure, intellectual property rights, and ...

In this episode of Business SOS!, attorney and host Rich Sierra revisits one of the most important topics for entrepreneurs: the critical mistakes that can destroy business partnerships before they even begin.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Rich walks through the first five mistakes business owners often make when launching a partnership. From failing to have a written partnership agreement to ignoring role clarity and o...

Are you prepared for what happens to your business if something happens to you? In this episode of the Business SOS! Podcast, attorney AJ Yolofsky joins Rich Sierra to discuss why estate planning is essential for business owners. Learn how to protect your business, minimize taxes, and ensure a smooth leadership transition. Rich and AJ continue the conversation on Estate Planning and the importance of preparing your business for the...

Are you prepared for what happens to your business if something happens to you? In this episode of the Business SOS! Podcast, attorney AJ Yolofsky joins Rich Sierra to discuss why estate planning is essential for business owners. Learn how to protect your business, minimize taxes, and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

AJ shares key strategies on Wills, Trusts, and Succession Plans every entrepreneur should have in place...

Using free legal templates or AI-generated contracts might seem like a smart shortcut, but the risks could end up costing you far more than you save. In this episode, Rich Sierra, Esq. explains why one-size-fits-all contracts often fail to protect your business.

Learn the dangers of missing clauses, unenforceable terms, and relying on AI tools that can’t understand your specific needs. Rich also shares what every real busine...

Episode 98 – What to Do If Your Business Is Sued in Another State

In this episode, Rich Sierra, Esq. explains how to respond when your Florida-based business is sued in another state. From understanding personal jurisdiction and avoiding inadvertent consent to court authority, to hiring local counsel and defending your case remotely, this episode walks you through every step. Learn how to challenge jurisdiction, manage out-o...

In this episode, Rich Sierra, Esq. shares the most common and costly mistakes business owners make during litigation—and how to avoid them. Whether you’re filing a breach of contract claim or defending a lawsuit, client-side errors like missing deadlines, deleting evidence, or refusing to settle can destroy your case. 
 
 Learn how to work effectively with your attorney, stay prepared, and protect your credibil...

Winning a business lawsuit is a huge relief—but it’s not the end of the story. In this episode, Rich Sierra, Esq. breaks down what happens after a judge rules in your favor, whether you’re the plaintiff or the defendant.

From enforcing a money judgment and collecting what you're owed to avoiding post-trial pitfalls, this episode covers the next critical steps in your legal journey. You’ll learn about liens, garnishments, appeals, a...

In Episonde 95 of the Business SOS! Podcast, Rich discusses "How to prepare for a breach of contract trial". If you’re a business owner going to trial—whether you’re suing someone or defending your business—your preparation matters. The judge (and possibly jury) will expect clarity, documentation, and professionalism. In this episode, Rich walk's you through the key steps to help you get organized, stay calm, and show up ready.  

H...

In Episode 94 of the Business SOS! podcast, Rich Sierra dedicates this special episode to the graduating class of the Chapman School of Seamanship. Drawing from his book Business SOS!, Rich shares the eight most common legal mistakes new business owners make—and how to avoid them. From signing contracts without legal review to entering partnerships without agreements, this episode is packed with practical advice for anyone launchin...

EP. 93. Special Guest- Family Law Attorney Angela Neave. Rich Sierra and Angela Neave, owner of Neave Family Law,  go into an indepth discussion on the rise of the Gray Divorce (couples over 50). They discuss the causes and the consequences to the partners and to small businesses. You can reach Angela Neave through her website: https://neavefamilylaw.com/

How to Contact Rich Sierra:

1. Via Email at Rich@RichSierra.com
2. https://www...

EP. 92 "What's the REAL Cost of Suing Someone?" Many business owners consider lawsuits when conflicts arise—but few fully grasp the financial, emotional, and practical implications. In today's episode, we'll break down the hidden and unexpected costs of litigation, giving you the insights you need to make informed decisions about going to court.  

How to Contact Rich Sierra:

1. Via Email at Rich@RichSierra.com
2. https://www.florida...

EP. 91. The Most Common Reasons Businesses Get Sued (And How to Avoid Them)

No business owner expects to end up in court—but lawsuits are a common reality of running a business. Understanding why businesses get sued and how to prevent litigation is essential to protecting your hard-earned assets..

How to Contact Rich Sierra:

1. Via Email at Rich@RichSierra.com
2. https://www.floridasmallbusinesslegalcenter.com
3. FaceBook @ FSBLEGAL
4. yo...