Do you have that sinking feeling that something might be going wrong? Is something being lost in translation with one of your important relationships, and you’re not sure how to fix it? Is one of your business partners asking a lot of questions they never have before? These are some of the signs that your business might be headed for a knock-out business dispute.
Like all good problems, the best time to solve them is before they even start. Here are our 7 ways that you can work to prevent business disputes for your company:
- Focus On Communication
Make sure you are being clear and kind about whatever is going on with you and your business. This approach will not only help everyone get on the same page as you, it will set the precedent for how others in your business should communicate when you are not around.
- Have Clear Contracts
You need to make sure that your contracts are crystal clear and applicable to your actual situation, not just filled with boilerplate recycled language. If you have bulletproof contracts, it will save your bacon down the line more times than you can imagine.
- Document Everything
Whether you think a dispute is on the horizon or everything is running smoothly, it pays to keep records and document everything. We mean everything – financial transactions, email or text conversations, the literal time it was when things happened. This sets a positive, organized standard!
- Check Your Insurance
When you think a dispute may be headed your way, it is a great time to review your current insurance policies and verify that they are appropriate for you and your business. Many companies don’t realize they have poorly matched policies until it is too late.
- Prepare Your Staff
Let’s be honest here: some clients are just horrible. No matter what industry you work in, you are going to deal with clients or customers who are just the worst people in the world. Train your staff (and yourself) to handle conflict with grace to avoid any potential disputes.
- Work Towards Solutions
Sometimes a change of mindset is helpful while you are in the middle of a conflict. Remember to put aside your feelings about the problem and start working towards a solution. This change in focus may help you de-escalate disputes that have already started.
- Ask For Help
When it comes to business help, you don’t have to wait until things are dire. Contact Capshaw & Associates today for help running your business, navigating disputes, and making your contracts rock solid so you don’t have to deal with issues down the line. We always treat you with courtesy and respect.