June 2024
Nicolene Schoeman – Louw
?? Entrepreneurial Commercial Legal Expert Helping Entrepreneurs Succeed, Limit Legal Risk and Safeguard their Legacy ?? by Designing Tailored Legal Solutions and Using the Latest Legal Project Management Methodologies
Are We Pushing Boundaries or Breaking Bonds?
In South Africa, many businesses are family-owned and operated, with ownership often passing from one generation to the next along the male line. Traditionally, this means that many women support their fathers, brothers, and spouses in the business. Although this sounds familiar or even “as things should be” situation, managing a family business involves navigating complex personal and professional relationships. Be that as it may, family businesses are more than that – they are central to the reality of many families. It is not just another business; it goes to the very core of financial prosperity and home dynamics.
It is indeed a complex situation, but let’s add another layer of complexity, one that we rarely hear ventilated until we are in a courtroom. What happens when a woman is the leader instead of a man? Perhaps, let me put it bluntly, it is when a woman employs her husband, partner, father, or brother. This situation is becoming more common, yet it is the most overlooked scenario and labelled as “unnatural”. The hard truth is that many of these women, despite feeling like they are alone and carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, show remarkable resilience. I cannot say that I judge that because they often carry their worlds on their shoulders.
In order to "share the load" some key strategies include effective communication between partners, accountability, and, importantly, not putting the proverbial shoe on if it does not fit. This requires a lot of resilience. The change, therefore, needs to stem firstly from within. But this is an "us thing" so, as for shared responsibility, it refers to how we raise our children and support our friends and families that find themselves in the grips of this reality. If we get this right, this will not only benefit the women at the helm but also strengthen the family business sector and the family unit as a whole.
Integrating Legal Strategy into Your Business: More Than Just Crisis Management
Business crises often strike with the force of a bolt of lightning or the sudden flight of a startled horse. Clients then seek legal counsel, hoping to salvage the situation and mitigate the damage. As a lawyer, I have witnessed this scenario play out countless times, with clients urgently seeking assistance once the "pawpaw hits the fan."?
While providing immediate legal remedies is crucial, it's only part of the equation. It is the short-term solution. Entrepreneurs must recognise that effective legal counsel extends beyond crisis management—it involves proactive planning and strategy. Just as a doctor advises patients to prioritise health before illness strikes, entrepreneurs should prioritise legal preparedness before facing legal storms.?
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A comprehensive legal plan can not only prevent crises from recurring but also provide the framework for sustainable growth and success.?
Contract Tip
Contracts are the backbone of the structure of your business! These legally binding documents serve as the foundation for the terms and conditions that govern the relationships between parties. Whether you’re dealing with suppliers, clients, or partners, having well-drafted, up-to-date contracts is essential to protecting your interests and ensuring smooth operations, especially when times are tough.
That is why I built Contracts4Biz and partnered with SchoemanLaw Inc . so that we can effectively combine the advantages offered by technology (quality contracts available at your fingertips) with the expertise of specialist attorneys to add to it or to modify. Only pay for the modification or edit. I am proud to say that this is one of the most efficient quality legal solutions in the South African market.
Share your experience, and I am happy to share a free download for a friend or small business you know; simply comment below.