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Welcome to Kerry Carroll’s Blog

Legal education for Coaches & Creative Entrepreneurs

Grab a cup of coffee, friend. Let's bust some new business myths.

Hey there, friend! If you're reading this, it's safe to say two things. One, you're looking to dive headfirst into the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship (and gosh, what a thrilling ride it is). Two, you've heard a lot of things about starting up a business – some great, some downright scary.

Well, dear reader, it's time to slay those business myths and misconceptions that are standing between you and your entrepreneurial dreams. Because let me tell you, little nuggets of misguided wisdom can be more damaging than any hiccup on your journey to success.

So let's get the truth bombs dropping, shall we?

How to Legally Pay Yourself as an Entrepreneur

So you've taken the plunge into the entrepreneurial world, guiding your own ship and chasing your dreams. Congratulations, my friend! So how do you legally pay yourself as an entrepreneur? Don't worry, I've got you covered. In this article, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of determining your salary, transferring funds, setting up essential bank accounts, and even accepting those sweet, sweet cash payments.

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The DBA Deets: How to Legally Give Your Business a Pen Name

We're talking about "Doing Business As", an awesome strategy that helps you give your business a pen name. Simply put, a DBA gives you the superpower to operate your business under another name without changing your registered business entity or if you don't have a registered entity.

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What happens to my LLC when I move? A Guide to Moving Your Biz Across State Lines 

So, you're about to embark on a new adventure, moving your LLC to a whole new state! Don't worry, I've got your back. Let's break down your options and navigate the bureaucratic jungle together. We'll be exploring four legal ways to deal with your LLC when traversing state lines like a boss.

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Mastering the Art of Signing Enforceable Contracts: A How to Sign a Contract Guide for Coaches, Creatives, and Entrepreneurs

I know that "How to sign a contract" may seem obvious but contracts are so important to business that it is worth taking time to fully understand. Contracts are essential to make sure you are fairly compensated but they also set the tone for your client relationships. If you're ready to make sure that your hardworking contract actually works for you and is signed correctly, you've come to the right place.

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All 50 States: Secretary of State Sites and Business Entity Searches

Applying to register your business entity is often very straightforward. Registering can usually be completed in under an hour, depending on how complex your business is and which structure you’ve chosen for your business. For many coaches, creatives, creators, or entrepreneurs, an LLC will be the best fitting entity structure.

If you’re ready to get started, you need to visit your state’s Secretary of State website to learn the specific rules, requirements, guidelines, and fees for where you do business. To help, I’ve collected the relevant Secretary of State website for each state.

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Which Business Entity is Right for Me?

Hey there! So you’re starting a business, that’s so exciting! Or maybe you already have one? That’s even better! Bravo!

But before we go too far, did you form a business entity? Like a Sole Proprietorship, an LLC, partnership, or corporation? If you didn’t quite get to that yet. We can get you sorted out STAT.

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Entrepreneurs Guide to EIN Numbers

An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is like your business's very own fingerprint. Just like we have Social Security Numbers (SSNs), businesses have EINs. It's a unique code that helps the IRS track your business activities, taxes, and other financial info.

Think of your EIN as a key to unlock business opportunities. You'll need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, file taxes, and even apply for business credit. It's a must-have for growing your venture.

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How to Avoid Piercing the Corporate Veil in your LLC

You are a savvy entrepreneur and you took the time to carefully research business entities (Smart!) and choose the entity that made sense for you. Because you understood that your personal assets were at risk for paying business debts with a sole proprietorship or partnership, you took the steps to form as an LLC or maybe even as a corporation. This was super proactive and helped you sleep at night knowing that you had limited liability and your personal assets were safe.

Unfortunately, that does not mean that your personal assets are gold-plated and protected. There are situations where you could still be personally liable for business debts. In order for that to happen, you would need to be sued and the court would have to decide to “pierce the corporate veil.”

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