The most common urban myth about contracts is that all contracts are the same – that you can just borrow someone else’s and be covered.

Well, please read this loud and clear: ALL CONTRACTS ARE NOT THE SAME!

…not to mention borrowing a contract does you very little good, and potentially a lot of harm.

You may think most legalese seems like it is written in another language, so what’s the big deal, no one understands it anyway?  I’ll give you that one.

Once most people see the legal fine print, they look away.  I get it, but you are the conscious business owner. You invest your life force and spirit into your business; you’re a Heroine after all…

So for two reasons, it is contrary to your highest vibration to borrow someone else’s contract:

(1) This writing is a powerful manifestation tool, and if you are not clear with your particular wants, desires, and wishes, you may not receive the outcome you envisioned and desire

(2) All of your written communication says something about your business, even your contracts.  If your contracts read in a disjointed, hard-to-understand and distant manner, this is the tone you set with your clients.  In other words – tone matters!

The point is that contracts don’t need to be boring or threatening. They need to be accurate and intentional.

I highlight the importance to package yourself intentionally not only in your marketing, but also in your agreements, because all of your written and visual material is part of your brand.  There is a flow that runs through everything.  It’s important that the tone of your agreements match the tone of your business.

Makes sense, right?

If contracts are something you struggle with or shy away from, then check out some example paragraphs below. These are just the introductory part of the contract, but they all demonstrate value and set different tones:

#1.  Straight legal:

THIS SERVICES AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is made this [____]th day of [_____], 20[___]  (the “Effective Date”) by and between YOUR NAME (“Company”), and [___________] (“Client(s)”, each a “Party,” collectively, the “Parties”).

WHEREAS, Company is in the business of coaching and personal development;

WHEREAS, Client seeks assistance with coaching and personal development;

WHEREAS Client wishes to engage Company to provide personal one-on-one business coaching, and

WHEREAS the Parties both intend for Company to be recognized publically at the COACHES UNITED EVENT 2014;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants, warranties, and other good and valuable consideration set forth herein, the Parties agree as follows:

#2. Personal/ Intimate:

Dear [Insert Name],

It is my distinct honor to assist you on your journey of business and personal development.  In our recent interview call, you mentioned you’d like to address issues to fear and shame around receiving money and recognition. I will be your coach for the next two months, holding a container in which you can feel safe and secure to explore these intimate issues.

This is a letter agreement between us that clarifies what I can provide, and areas I suggest you secure additional support.  You understand that this agreement to work together is a commitment on both sides.  Below YOUR NAME Enterprises, or “I”, sometimes also “Me,” will agree to perform the services explained in the first section; [insert name] “You” will agree to the commitments listed in the second section.  Ultimately, our commitment to one another will commence with an exchange of money from You to Me, included in the third portion, below.

#3 Straight Talk:

You and I are beginning a new joint venture arrangement for the purposes of printing my business logo onto t-shirts.  This is a preliminary, or trial, run only and we will only print 200 t-shirts.  You have a t-shirt printing business, and I will supply you the logo.  You agree that the logo is owned y my business and you will not print it on anything, including clothing, paper, or any other material without my express written permission.  In exchange for your services, I agree to pay you $300.  I will pay you $150 upfront, and $150 after the 200 are completed.  I will approve one (1) t-shirt sample before you begin full production.  If I do not like the sample, and I do not approve three (3) times, we will terminate our agreement, and I will re-imburse you for ½ the costs of the material.  You will also deliver to my ½ of the t-shirts, so I can try to get them printed elsewhere.  This project must be completed no later than September 20, 2015.

#4 Humorous:

So, you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom and you just lit your last SOS flare – never fear! I am here and I’ve answered your prayer.  For only $500 a month, the next three months will be filled with light and fun, and focused entirely on carving our your own path.  I commit to helping you ditch the baggage weighted on you from your mom and day; say good-bye to the nagging thoughts that you’re not pretty enough, smart enough, or good enough because, sister, I’m telling you that you SHINE!   I will call you at precisely 1pm Central Standard Time each Wednesday afternoon and remind you that you are incredibly, beautiful, smart, and a gift to each and every human on this planet.  I will repeat this until I drown out those old and stale “not good enough” voices.  I am here to remind you that you can do anything you put your mind to. Ready to clean up?  GOOD!  Here’s what you need to do: (1) be available – let’s be observant when those voices come back in and sabotage our work (I WON’T HAVE IT!); eat at least 30 minutes prior to our call; make sure you’ve gone potty (and washed your hands before, duh!); and please make sure you’re in a place that is free of  distractions. If you can’t make it to the secluded beach, your bedroom, or even bathroom (if necessary) is completely fine.

The options abound.  The tone in which you draft your agreements can be nearly as important as the terms you include, and certainly the language does not need to be boring and dense.

Are you convinced? What will the tone of your contracts be?

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February 2015 Issue