Creative Counsel with Brittany Ratelle

As a creative entrepreneur and just a person, there are a lot of things fighting for your attention. There's family, marketing, sales, and [fill in your own list of tasks]. It doesn't take long to feel overwhelmed by it all. Enter Kim Christensen from Talk Wordy to Me. She's a freelance writer, journalist, and a book-loving mama. She mixes writing and mindfulness for a really unique perspective that every entrepreneur can benefit from.

Kim started journaling at the age of five, which sparked a love for writing that she has held onto ever since. She's the co-founder of Loom Journal which helps to inspire the parent-child connection. She also shares great book recommendations online and loves using social media and technology for good.

In this episode you will learn:

• A mindfulness definition for the everyday mom and creative • The benefit of journaling and putting pen to paper instead of only using technology • What any person can do to improve their writing skills • The importance of reading what you are writing out loud • Three places to look when you want to outsource your writing • The importance of not taking advantage of your friends' skills and not letting them do the same to you • Tips on being a mindful entrepreneur • Tips to improve your content

LINKS

http://www.talkingwordy.com/about/ Find Kim on Instagram Loom Journals

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert • The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle by Steven Pressfield • Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries by Kory Stamper • Hello, My Name Is Awesome: How to Create Brand Names that Stick by Alexandra Watkins

QUOTES

One thing that I've learned is that 'balance' can become just another form of perfectionism, and we're not seeking balance necessarily. We're seeking to understand that things will be imbalanced and just trusting ourselves to put our effort and time into the things that are important to us at that time. Because what's important will change.

When you talk about feeling balanced, what you're really feeling is acceptance of your life being out of balance.

We have to become ok with letting some things go. We can do anything we want, but we can't do everything.

Mindfulness isn't this new trend even though it's a buzzword now. Mindfulness is in each of us already. It's not like it's some new thing you have to learn… it's just refamiliarizing yourself with yourself. And with the things that help you slow down and feel like yourself and feel whole. It's just bringing back awareness into what you do and what you think.

When we are engaging with technology we are disconnecting from ourselves, intuition, and the people around us. So mindfulness teaches us to be fully present.

Mindfulness can go a long way to living the life you want instead of letting life just happen to you.

In order to improve your writing, you write. That's all. It doesn't even matter where you start or what you write.

It's not about being a good writer or not. It's about expressing yourself. So, if you can be true to what those feelings are and expressing those, that's all you need to be a writer. The grammar and all that stuff, that's so secondary to being a good writer. It's just being unafraid to express your true self and your true thoughts.

Just be you. People can tell when you're being you or when you're being a brand in the boring salesy sense of the word.

Don't take advantage of your friends who have a skill set just because they love it and are succeeding in it.

Be okay with imperfection and start before you are ready and before you think you have it all together. Starting is the hardest part. You just have to start where you are with what you have and give what you can. It doesn't have to be everything.

This is the third part of the Business Legal Systems series that discusses the bedrock business and legal foundations you need to address when building your modern business. If you've had that inkling that you need to get some contracts in place or make updates to the ones that you use, this is the episode for you.

Part 1- Where Do I Start? discussed how to properly setup your business and Part 2 - How to Get Your Site Legit covered how to make sure your website has everything in it that you need. In Part 3, host Brittany Ratelle, attorney for creative entrepreneurs will explain the importance of contracts including what you need and how you can respond if you get any pushback when using them.

In this episode you will learn:

• What the most common agreements are that you need for your business
• Why you need contracts even if you work with people you trust and why you definitely need them when working with friends and family
• The advantage of making your contract the "bad guy" when doing business with others
• The importance of defining roles, boundaries, and expectations when working with everyone from contractors, affiliates, and clients.
• Why anything is better than nothing and where you can get help creating contracts
• The importance of knowing the top legal terms
• Why you should NEVER sign anything that you don't understand
• The most common agreements that creative entrepreneurs need to protect their business

LINKS

Business Legal System Part 1 - Where Do I Start?

Business Legal System Part 2 - How to Get Your Site Legit

Law & Wit Episode 13: Ten Must-Know Contract Terms for Creatives

Creative Contracts: Legal Templates for Creative Entrepreneurs

QUOTES

"No one ever plans on there being a problem. There's never a problem until there's a problem, guys. And, then it's too late. Not too late like you're going to die, but too late that it's going to cost you stress and heartache and probably money and time and lots of other limited resources that you'd rather not spend."

"To think that you could have a conversation with someone, especially about a complex deal or long-term vision you had for your company or a project or something else and that you would remember the conversation the same way, or multiple conversations, is just a bit naive."

"If someone is so put off by signing a contract, you don't really want them as a client."

"Please don't sign anything if you don't know what's in it. Never be afraid to ask for more time. Never be afraid to ask for a version you can edit... It is always OK and professional, and not weird at all, to say, 'Hey, can I get this in an editable version.'"

"If you're in business with someone and haven't signed an operating agreement, it's not too late. Now is always better than later."

Most Common Agreements

Operating Agreement of Founders Agreement - This is like the prenup for your business. If you have a partner, you 100% need to have this in place. This can be an awkward conversation, but you need to address it anyway and be upfront about it. This will detail how you work together in business, who does what, along with what happens when you are decide not to continue in the partnership any longer. This document can help save relationships between you and your partner.

Client Service Agreement - This is what you need if you provide 1:1 services for your clients. This will cover the services provided, details for payments, how revisions work, and things like confidentiality. You can find a template for this in my store here.

Licensing Agreement - This is important any time you are splitting ownership rights with someone. It's often seen in book deals and merchandising. I don't sell this template because these tend to be very specific for each situation. It's important you understand the terms along with what you're getting and giving up when signing one of these. Checkout episode 13 for more information on the terms you need to know.

Influencer/Brand Sponsored Content Agreement - This is newer and something that a lot of local attorneys might not be familiar with if they don't typically work with online business owners. This is the agreement you want if you're doing creative campaigns and collaborations. I have this agreement and related documents in my shop including the following:

• Influencer/Brand Sponsored Content Agreement
• Podcast Guest Release Template
• Testimonial Release
• Model Release Bundle for Photography/Videography

Talent Agreement - I don't sell these, but I do review them for people. If you want representation, then you want to know what you're getting and what you're giving up. (contact me for contract review pricing!)

Remember that the biggest thing you can do to protect your revenue stream is to put the right contracts in place.

Listen and subscribe to Law & Wit on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio & lawandwit.com

Interested in working with Brittany for one-on-one legal services? Sign up for a free 20-min phone consult at brittanyratelle.com/services.

Want a free LEGAL checklist to get your creative business legit? Download HERE and get access to my newsletter with tips and tricks for YOUR growing creative business.

Or get my quick tips and trick on Instagram.

Get your Instagram questions answered as social media expert, Anna MacFarlane, shares a wealth of information on how to grow your following and build your community. Anna is the woman behind Anna is the Worst, Kids are the Worst, and Things are the Worst. The irony here is Anna is the absolute best! While she started her career in traditional marketing - direct mail (remember that?) - she continued to adapt with the times and has become an expert in the field of social media marketing.

She now has over 500,000 Instagram followers. And, her past experience in marketing allows her to see how social media fits into the overall marketing funnel. This means if you follow her advice on Instagram strategy you'll learn what to do to actually get results instead of just spend time consuming social media posts and funny memes.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why algorithms aren't the devil and how they can actually help you
• What the real goal of social media marketing is - and the answer isn't "engagement"
• The importance of being a doer and not a consumer
• What the 80/20 rule is for Instagram and how it helps you stick with your brand while being real at the same time
• When and why you would want to archive
• What you need to know about IGTV and why food bloggers need to be using it
• The latest on hashtags - How do you use them? How shouldn't you use them?
• Why you should NEVER buy followers, likes, or comments - DON'T DO IT!!
• How the 20-minute rule helps you maintain healthy boundaries

LINKS

Anna MacFarlane's Instagram Guide - The Instagram Recipe

Anna MacFarlane's website

Kids are the Worst

Things are the Worst

QUOTES

"Everything you're doing online has an algorithm. This isn't a bad word. It's actually awesome. All algorithms are doing is trying to make your experience better and more beneficial to you. And, so you have to work the algorithm to your benefit."

"The goal for social is not what everyone thinks it is. Everyone thinks its engagement. Which is awesome. But, it's not really engagement, it's purchasing, or it's getting people to be part of an event or an organization or a group. But, there's always a goal that's marketing based and that's further and you need to see that social is the top of the funnel of whatever that goal is. Treat it like actual marketing for a brand but also understand where it fits in the funnel."

"It's your responsibility to create your own experience."

"There is nothing wrong with using hashtags. And, in fact, I highly suggest hashtags because they are one of the easiest ways to get new eyeballs on you."

"Grow slow, grow real, that's how you do it. There's no shortcuts"

This special Part 2 segment in a new series about Business Legal Systems -- the bedrock business and legal foundations you need to address when building your modern business. (listen to part 1 - Where do I start, Episode 34 HERE). If you have been wondering what you need to do for a step-by-step process to get legit -- then you have FOUND it. This concise walkthrough is a DIY legal audit that tells you exactly what you check on your own website so that your site is an asset and not a liability for your creative business. Brittany Ratelle, attorney for creative entrepreneurs, believes in cute office supplies AND solid contracts, will give you some legal tips and tricks so that you can protect your creative business without breaking the bank, or your sanity.

In this episode you will learn:

• Do I really need a privacy policy? And what should it cover?
• Why do I need website Terms (or is it website term of use? or terms and conditions? HELP!! --- I GOT you)
• What needs to be in your footer?
• What exactly does a copyright notice do? And what should it look like?
• What is a website disclaimer and how do I know if I might need one for my content/offerings?
• What happens if I don't use FTC disclaimers?
• How do I disclose affiliate links?
• When do I need to use #ad or #sponsored?
• Is it okay to use someone's photo if I credit them?
• How can I make my site more accessible?
• PLUS MORE!!

Links:

• Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAVE)
• Accessibility-designed WP themes
• Law and Wit Episode 4: Five legal docs you need on your website

• Purchase an attorney-drafted, ready-to-personalize- Website Bundle here and make like the Peaches and just SHUT UP ABOUT IT. :-) Save 10% with special listener code LAWANDWIT

Listen and subscribe to Law & Wit on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio & lawandwit.com

Interested in working with Brittany for one-on-one legal services? Sign up for a free 20-min phone consult at brittanyratelle.com/services.

Want a free LEGAL checklist to get your creative business legit? Download HERE and get access to Britt's newsletter with FREE tips and tricks for YOUR growing creative business.

Or get some quick tips and trick by connecting with her on Instagram.

Listen in to this truth-bomb-laden episode with content queen and serial entrepreneur Ashley Reeves of Ashley's Fresh Fix. Ashley shares her entrepreneurial origins from being a teacher to blogging about Amazon deals and gadgets to migrating to the health and food space. She has successfully launched and grown multiple businesses, offerings, and products and has tons of wisdom to share about creating relevant content, engaging with your community, and finding your incredibly important WHY.

In this episode you will learn:

• How to get started with a business
• How to get "serious" with it
• Ashley's thoughts on balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and her system for visualizing her monetary contributions to her family's bottom line
• how she overcame doubts about being in the health/wellness field as a tall and curvy girl
• the questions she uses to focus her content
• how she found her why and why YOU need to!
• whether @thealisonshow 's Build an Awesome Brand workshop was worth it for her and her business
• her recipe for creating a welcome and engaged community
• what it's like to build an app
• how she got interested in better body love communication

AND TONS MORE!!

Links and resources:

Full Shownotes HERE or at brittanyratelle.com/35

Build an Awesome Brand Workshop (and episode 7 of Law & Wit with Alison on how to forge an awesome brand)

10 Days to Better Body Love Course (special introductory price only available for a few more hours!)

Ashley's Fresh Fix - Clean and colorful cooking

Bloody Buddy Cup menstrual cup

Favoreats meal planning/recipe app

Are you ready to get your creative business legit but don't know WHERE to start? What needs to come first? And how you are supposed to make sense of this alphabet-soup of advice you are seeing swirling around FB groups, Google and podcasts? This special episode is the first segment in a new series about getting #legitwithbritt, getting a handle on those business legal system you cannot afford to ignore when building your modern business.

In this flagship episode, you will learn:

• How to know if you are a "real business" (and if you want to be what you need to do!!)
• The first money plans you need to make
• How to properly set up your payment processors (Stripe/Paypal, etc)
• What an EIN is -- and how you can get one
• What is an LLC ++ when you need to set one up, how you do that, and what to spend your money on and what to DIY
• How to pick a good business name

Links:

Get the FREE checklist that covers ALL the important steps in this episode HERE.

Full Shownotes

Episode 6: Do you need an LLC?

Episode 10: Copyrights vs. Trademarks

Episode 31: Accounting Tips for Creatives

IRS EIN online application (** it has hours..I know...lamest thing ever...so don't leave this to your nighttime solopreneur to-do list!)

Listen and subscribe to Law & Wit on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio & lawandwit.com

Interested in working with Brittany for one-on-one legal services? Sign up for a free 20-min phone consult at brittanyratelle.com/services.

Want a free LEGAL checklist to get your creative business legit? Download HERE and get access to my newsletter with tips and tricks for YOUR growing creative business.

Or get my quick tips and trick on Instagram.

Join us for a behind-the-scenes interview with creativepreneur matriarch Gabrielle Blair, longtime blogger at Design Mom, Best-selling author and founder of the Alt Summit Conference for creatives and influencers. Gabrielle shares her 10-year story in building and reiterating Alt Summit, and the lessons she has learned along the way.

In this episode you'll learn:

• how she got the idea for her first conference
• Gabby's formula for a successful (and profitable$$) live event
• how tech can solve common logistical problems at events
• how to get inspiration from other events/industries
• how to get started doing a live event

PLUS -- get her tips for making the most out of attending conferences this year, including the before, during and after ACTION PLAN for rocking your next conference, even if you don't know a single soul beforehand.

Get the FREE DOWNLOAD of this Conference Action Plan!!

Interested in coming to ALT? Want to party with me and ALL the colors & cacti?? I begged and got a special $300 off coupon for YOU with discount Code: BRITTANY -- get your tix HERE.

Links:

Oh Happy Day

Color Factory

Design Sponge

Oh Joy

Apartment Therapy

SXSW

Listen and subscribe to Law & Wit on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio & lawandwit.com

Interested in working with Brittany for one-on-one legal services? Sign up for a free 20-min phone consult at brittanyratelle.com/services.

Want a free LEGAL checklist to get your creative business legit? Download the checklist HERE and get tips and tricks to grow your creative business.

And let's be social, connect with me on Instagram !

Want some help in landing good clients? Avoiding bad ones? And keeping the ones you have happy??!

Dive into this week's episode of Law and Wit: Creative Counsel for Entrepreneurs as we explore 6 Tips for Improving Client Relationships.

Whether you love 'em (or want to leave 'em) -- clients are the lifeblood of a creative service business -- so let's figure out how we can spot troublesome clients (BEFORE YOU SIGN THAT CONTRACT) and how to have a good working relationship during your project.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• 4 tips for spotting a tough client! (hint...you should trust your gut!!)
• How a solid contract/client service agreement can clarify the project guidelines (AND COVER YOUR BUTT!!)
• The one thing you CANNOT do -- even when something goes wrong....
• And how to break up with your client -- as in NEVER, EVER, getting back togethhhhhher.....
• How to get testimonials from client (hint -- a clear legal release like THIS will help you get ALL the rights you need to share that social proof FAR AND WIDE)

Links:

Client Service Agreement Template for Creative Service Providers

Testimonial Release

Listen and subscribe to Law & Wit on iTunes, Overcast, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeartRadio & lawandwit.com

Interested in working with Brittany for one-on-one legal services? Sign up for a free 20-min phone consult at brittanyratelle.com/services.

Download my free legal checklist HERE and get YOUR growing creative business LEGIT.

And connect with me on Instagram to get my quick tips and tricks!!

Make friends with your numbers in this episode with Peter Lang, a CPA who specializes in working with creatives, designers, and online entrepreneurs. Peter, a 17-year veteran accountant digs into the most common myths and problems he sees creative making, and how getting a handle on your numbers can do more than just simplify tax time.

In this episode of Law & Wit, you will learn:

• When should a creative professional/designer entrepreneur find an accountant? How do you find a good one? What questions should you be asking to see if someone will "get" your business?
• What are some of the challenges in DIY-ing the finances of your business -- or DIYing it past a certain point?
• What are the pros and cons of just using accounting software on your own?
• Why is waiting until the 11th hour before the tax deadline a less-than-stellar financial strategy? What are creatives missing out on?
• What are the most common mistakes you see creatives professionals make in handling their finances?
• When is the right time to switch to being taxed as an S-corp -- or what questions do you like to walk clients through at that juncture?
• PLUS -- Peter's TOP 3 accounting tips!

Links:

Designer CPA Site

Likes, follows, and DMs don't actually pay the bills -- so how do people actually "make money" from creating content -- as a blogger, vLogger, Instagrammer, influencer, or other type of content creator? And what tips and tricks can help you diversify your income, monetize your talents AND not alienate the followers you have come to love and appreciate. This episode shares eight ways content creators make their money and tackles some mindshift blocks that may be keeping you from adding them to your business model.

In this episode you'll learn:

• the most common way content creators make money from their stuff
• what the "golden percentage" of paid content really is
• how you should approach OTHER people and their sponsored content
• what the heck #sponsored really means and if you need to put it in a caption
• what legal tips you need to keep in mind for monetization strategies

Links:

• Live Free Miranda's awesome blog post on encouraging sponsored content
• Alison's Brand School audio courses on influencer marketing
• Brittany's DIY Legal Template Shop for Creatives

  Interested in working with Brittany for one-on-one legal services? Sign up for a free 20-min phone consult at brittanyratelle.com/services.

  Want a free LEGAL checklist to get your creative business legit?

  Download HERE and get access to my newsletter with tips and tricks for YOUR growing creative business.

  Or get my quick tips and trick on Instagram.