Small Business Owners Risk It All When Signing Contracts Blindly

✍️ By Debbie Balfour | WBN News | June 2, 2025 | Click HERE for your FREE Subscription to WBN News and/or to be a Contributor.

Buried in the fine print of a contract could be the clause that kills your business. Yet, every day, small business owners sign on the dotted line without truly knowing what they’ve agreed to. Time pressure, confusing legal terms, and the absence of affordable legal support make contracts one of the riskiest parts of running a small business.

The Legal Time Crunch
Owners wear a hundred hats—salesperson, accountant, marketer, manager—and legal expert often isn’t one of them. Even when they want to take the time to dissect a contract, they're met with complex legalese that’s hard to decode without training. The result? Many skip the full review and hope for the best.

The Hidden Cost of Not Understanding
But the stakes are high. A single overlooked clause can lead to costly disputes, termination penalties, or ongoing obligations that drain cash flow. Hiring a lawyer is the safest way to ensure your business is protected, but for many, paying hundreds per hour is simply out of reach.

Affordable Alternatives
An increasingly popular option is subscription-based legal services. These platforms offer unlimited contract reviews for a flat monthly fee, putting reliable legal support within reach of growing businesses. It’s an affordable middle ground—accessible expertise without the sticker shock.

Other Smart Strategies
Other ways to reduce risk include using vetted contract templates, setting internal protocols for review, or leveraging free legal education resources. But ultimately, every contract deserves a thorough review before your signature hits the page.

Your Signature Is Your Shield
What you don’t know can hurt you—and in business, it often does. Your growth shouldn’t be built on shaky legal ground. Whether through a lawyer or a smart subscription service, arm yourself with the protection your business deserves.

Want to find out more? Reach out to me. I'm here to help.

Debbie Balfour | Real Estate Investing Success Coach + Podcast Host

📍 Website: www.DebbieBalfour.com
📧 Email: Debbie@DebbieBalfour.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Debbie Balfour
▶️ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@DebbieBalfour

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