Client Contracts: 3 Quick Changes for Massive Impact

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice or form an attorney-client relationship. This article is general in nature and for educational purposes only. If you need legal advice, please seek an attorney.

Let's get into it!

1. Adding Spaces for initials. Initials call attention to specific areas in the contract. They make people double-check, pause, or think twice before initialing by certain language. Use this for areas that are important to you like a guarantee policy, payment plan policy or deadlines.
2. Sign and THEN Pay. I can't stress this enough: don't accept any payment without someone first agreeing to your terms. Give them the chance to read the agreement, ask questions, get clarification and be on good ground before they hand over thousands of dollars. If you do the reverse, you might get into a situation with refunds or mistrust if they still have questions or don't agree with/understand some of what they're signing.
3. List any Deliverables. If you're doing work where you'll be turning over any deliverables, list them. This is part of being transparent so your clients have clarity about what you will (and will not) be providing them. For example, instead of "updated graphics for the website" list the specific graphics they will get to ensure both you and them are on the same page.

The thing about these 3 changes is that they can be made in minutes.

It's so uncomfortable to have someone sign a contract that you don't feel good about when it comes to

• Guiding your client relationship
• Protecting you and your business
• Ensuring people understand what they're signing

Clarity goes a long way and these 3 easy but effective tweaks can get you going.

Which one of these tweaks are you going to implement before 2024? Tell me in the comments!

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I’m Liku, a CA licensed business attorney and founder of Anasa Law Firm where I work with consultants, coaches and experts to help them establish a solid legal foundation for business with contracts tailored to their needs, trademarks, and IP strategy to create leverage for the longevity of their business.

I’m also the founder of Precedent. Precedent offers Legal Suites with curated, premium contract templates and strategic legal resources for coaches, consultants, speakers, strategists and experts to have their legal affairs in order. Check out our Legal Suites!