Business SOS! Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them

Hosted by Rich Sierra

Business

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Episodes

168

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Are you a business owner interested in knowing what to do in any legal issue that might arise in your company and line of work? Join Florida business lawyer Rich Sierra, Author of Business SOS! to hear all about the most common legal mistakes business owners make and how to avoid them. This is not a “legal show” in the traditional sense; this is a conversation with business owners on the various legal issues they face daily and how to handle each of them. Guests are business owners from the local community and professionals who provide services to businesses, and you, as the listener, can submit questions to be answered, as well. There is no “sugar coating” or in-depth analysis of cases; the show will be informative and real. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your shows.

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60 recent

October 27, 202631 min

Ep. 168 - Mistake # 1- Not Hiring a Lawyer to Save Money

Trying to save money by skipping legal advice is the classic definition of being "penny wise and pound foolish." In this episode, Florida business attorney Rich Sierra unpacks Mistake #1 from his book Business SOS. Discover why generic AI contract templates fail in court, the hidden personal guarantee traps inside commercial leases, the strict Florida rule prohibiting corporations from representing themselves in court, and how investing in preventive legal advice today saves your business from six-figure litigation disasters tomorrow. 📬 Contact Rich Sierra: Email: Rich@RichSierra.com Website: https://www.FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com Phone: 866-842-5202 Facebook: @FSBLEGAL Instagram: @FSBLEGAL YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RichardSierra Twitter/X: @Rich_Sierra Digital Card: https://poplme.co/hash/Qd9D1azj/1/s 📘 Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore." See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

October 20, 202633 min

Ep. 167 - Rerun-How to Protect Your Business Legacy: Estate Planning for Entrepreneurs - Part 2

Are you prepared for what happens to your business if something happens to you? In this episode of the Business SOS! Podcast, attorney AJ Yolofsky joins Rich Sierra to discuss why estate planning is essential for business owners. Learn how to protect your business, minimize taxes, and ensure a smooth leadership transition. Rich and AJ continue the conversation on Estate Planning and the importance of preparing your business for the due diligence investigation before you sell your business. AJ shares key strategies on Wills, Trusts, and Succession Plans every entrepreneur should have in place. Don’t leave the future of your company to chance. 📚 Based on Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them. 🌐 More at: FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com 🔗 Connect with AJ: https://www.yolofskylaw.com | Learn more at: FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com. How to Contact Rich Sierra: 1. Via Email at Rich@RichSierra.com 2. https://www.floridasmallbusinesslegalcenter.com 3. FaceBook @ FSBLEGAL 4. https://www.youtube.com/@RichardSierra 5. twitter.com/Rich_Sierra 6. Instagram: FSBLEGAL 7. Digiltal Business Card https://popl.co/card/Qd9D1azj/1/s . Also, Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or ask for it at your local bookstore.. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

October 13, 202636 min

Ep. 166 - How to Protect Your Business Legacy: Estate Planning for Entrepreneurs - Part I

Are you prepared for what happens to your business if something happens to you? In this episode of the Business SOS! Podcast, attorney AJ Yolofsky joins Rich Sierra to discuss why estate planning is essential for business owners. Learn how to protect your business, minimize taxes, and ensure a smooth leadership transition. AJ shares key strategies on Wills, Trusts, and Succession Plans every entrepreneur should have in place. Don’t leave the future of your company to chance. Based on Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them. More at: FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com Connect with AJ: h ttps://www.yolofskylaw.com Learn more at: FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com. How to Contact Rich Sierra: 1. Via Email at Rich@RichSierra.com 2. https://www.floridasmallbusinesslegalcenter.com 3. FaceBook @ FSBLEGAL 4. https://www.youtube.com/@RichardSierra 5. twitter.com/Rich_Sierra 6. Instagram: FSBLEGAL 7. Digiltal Business Card https://popl.co/card/Qd9D1azj/1/s Also, Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or ask for it at your local bookstore. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

October 6, 202635 min

Ep. 165 - The Pitfalls of Entering in to Partnerships with Friends and Relatives Without a Partnership Agreement

In this episode, Rich discusses Chapter 6 of his book, Business SOS! Eight Common Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them. The chapter focuses on the pitfalls of entering into partnership agreements with friends and relatives without a partnership agreement. This is an episode you won't want to miss. 📬 Contact Rich Sierra: Email: Rich@RichSierra.com Website: https://www.FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com Phone: 866-842-5202 Facebook: @FSBLEGAL Instagram: @FSBLEGAL YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RichardSierra Twitter/X: @Rich_Sierra Digital Card: https://poplme.co/hash/Qd9D1azj/1/s See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 29, 202632 min

Ep. 164 - From the Mat to the Marketplace - Building a Family-Owned BJJ Academy (ep. 107 revisited)

What does it take to turn passion into a purpose-driven business? In this episode of Business SOS!, Rich Sierra and co-host Sharon Sierra sit down with Andrezza Façanha and Edgar Estevez to learn how they launched and now run Andrezza Façanha BJJ Academy as a husband-and-wife team. They discuss the realities of running a family-owned martial arts school — from launching the business, defining roles as a couple, building a culture of discipline and respect, and making BJJ accessible to students of all ages and backgrounds. If you’ve ever thought about starting a business with your spouse or turning your passion into a thriving local brand — don’t miss this one. Andrezza Façanha BJJ Academy 📍 5659 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33076 📞 (954) 910-7177 🌐 https://andrezzafacanhabjj.com 📬 Contact Rich Sierra: Email: Rich@RichSierra.com Website: https://www.FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com Phone: 866-842-5202 Facebook: @FSBLEGAL Instagram: @FSBLEGAL YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RichardSierra Twitter/X: @Rich_Sierra Digital Card: https://poplme.co/hash/Qd9D1azj/1/s See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 22, 202633 min

Ep. 163 - EP 106 (Revisited) Empowering Through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — Self-Defense, Wellness & Community

"In this episode of Business SOS!, Rich Sierra is joined by special co-host Sharon Sierra — a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and Purple belt in BJJ — to interview Andrezza Façanha and Edgar Estevez, founders of Andrezza Façanha BJJ Academy. They share how their academy is empowering students through women’s self-defense programs, inclusive training, wellness, and community outreach. From nervous first-timers to seasoned martial artists, this episode proves Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone. Whether you're a business owner, parent, or aspiring martial artist — you’ll be inspired by how Andrezza and Edgar use their business to build stronger minds and bodies. 📍 Andrezza Façanha BJJ Academy 📍 5659 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33076 📞 (954) 910-7177 🌐 https://andrezzafacanhabjj.com 📬 Contact Rich Sierra: Email: Rich@RichSierra.com Website: https://www.FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com Facebook: @FSBLEGAL Instagram: @FSBLEGAL YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RichardSierra Twitter/X: @Rich_Sierra Digital Card: https://poplme.co/hash/Qd9D1azj/1/s 📘 Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore. " See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 15, 202635 min

Ep. 162 -What's behind the "Gray Divorce"? Special Guest: Attorney Angela Neave from Neave Family Law

Rich Sierra and Angela Neave, owner of Neave Family Law, go into an in-depth discussion on the rise of the Gray Divorce (couples over 50). They discuss the causes and the consequences to the partners and to small businesses. You can reach Angela Neave through her website: https://neavefamilylaw.com/ How to Contact Rich Sierra: 1. Via Email at Rich@RichSierra.com 2. https://www.floridasmallbusinesslegalcenter.com/ 3. FaceBook @ FSBLEGAL 4. Via YouTube at youtube.com/@RichardSierra?sub_confirmation=1 5. twitter.com/Rich_Sierra 6. Instagram: FSBLEGAL 7. Digiltal Business Card https://popl.co/card/Qd9D1azj/1/s . Also, Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or ask for it at your local bookstore. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 8, 202626 min

Ep. 161 - Dragged into Florida Court — The Out-of-State Defendant’s Survival Guide

EP. 161 If your out-of-state business is served with a Florida summons, putting your head in the sand is a financial death sentence. Thanks to Florida’s Long-Arm Statute and the rise of digital commerce, out-of-state companies are being dragged into Florida courts more than ever. In this episode, Rich Sierra delivers the ultimate survival playbook for out-of-state defendants. Discover the danger of accidental consent through filing general answers, how to properly challenge the court's power using a Motion to Dismiss for Lack of Personal Jurisdiction backed by a sworn affidavit, and how to deploy the 30-day federal removal escape hatch to bring the fight closer to home. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

September 1, 202629 min

Ep. 160 - The Fatal Pitfall of "Pro Se" Corporate Defense

Think you can save a few bucks by writing a quick, polite letter to the judge to explain your side of a business lawsuit? In Florida, trying to represent your own LLC or Corporation in a civil dispute over $8,000 is a fast track to disaster. Under state law, a business entity is legally a separate "person" and must be represented by a licensed attorney. In this episode, Rich Sierra breaks down the "Pro Se" trap, explaining how informal letters to the court are routinely stricken by judges, how DIY responses accidentally waive your best defenses, and how a capably handled lawsuit can save you tens of thousands of dollars. How to Contact Rich Sierra: Email: Rich@RichSierra.com 📞 Phone: 866-842-5202 🌐 Website: https://www.FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com 📘 Book: Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them – available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble 📱 Facebook: @FSBLEGAL 📺 YouTube: @RichardSierra 🐦 Twitter/X: @Rich_Sierra 📸 Instagram: @FSBLEGAL 💼 Digital Business Card: https://poplme.co/hash/Qd9D1azj/1/s See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

August 25, 202638 min

Ep. 159 -Living Authentically and Leading with Courage

EP 159. Redifining Sucess On Your Own Terms. Special Guest: Stacey Luces. Stacey is an international best selling author and the host of the Beyond the Quo Podcast. In a two part interview Rich and Stacy discuss the themes of her popular podcast: Redefining Sucess on your own terms, Living Authentically, and Leading with Courage. You can subscribe to her podcast at https://www.staceyluces.com/podcast . ow to Contact Rich Sierra: Email: Rich@RichSierra.com 📞 Phone: 866-842-5202 🌐 Website: https://www.FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com 📘 Book: Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them – available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble 📱 Facebook: @FSBLEGAL 📺 YouTube: @RichardSierra 🐦 Twitter/X: @Rich_Sierra 📸 Instagram: @FSBLEGAL 💼 Digital Business Card: https://poplme.co/hash/Qd9D1azj/1/s EP 159. Redifining Sucess On Your Own Terms. Special Guest: Stacey Luces. Stacey is an international best selling author and the host of the Beyond the Quo Podcast. In a two part interview Rich and Stacy discuss the themes of her popular podcast: Redefining Sucess on your own terms, Living Authentically, and Leading with Courage. You can subscribe to her podcast at https://www.staceyluces.com/podcast . ow to Contact Rich Sierra: Email: Rich@RichSierra.com 📞 Phone: 866-842-5202 🌐 Website: https://www.FloridaSmallBusinessLegalCenter.com 📘 Book: Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them – available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble 📱 Facebook: @FSBLEGAL 📺 YouTube: @RichardSierra 🐦 Twitter/X: @Rich_Sierra 📸 Instagram: @FSBLEGAL 💼 Digital Business Card: https://poplme.co/hash/Qd9D1azj/1/s See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

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