Legal Mistakes: What You MUST Know Before Starting a Business

Legal Mistakes: What You MUST Know Before Starting a BusinessStarting a business is exciting… but it can also be risky if you don’t do it the right way.In this Freedom Friday episode of the Journey to Business Ownership podcast, Patrice Miles sits down with seasoned business attorney David Cooper to talk about what most entrepreneurs don’t think about before they take the leap—and how those mistakes can come back to haunt them.But David isn’t just an attorney—he’s a business owner himself.Before becoming a trusted legal advisor, David owned and managed seven different businesses across industries like manufacturing, contracting, and commercial services. After selling those businesses, he transitioned back into law, worked in corporate America, and was later unexpectedly laid off at age 60—a moment that forced him to decide what was next.Instead of slowing down, David chose entrepreneurship again—building his own law practice where he now combines decades of legal expertise with real-world business experience to guide his clients.In this episode, we cover:- The #1 legal mistake people make before starting a business- Why having a non-compete can stop your plans before they begin- The importance of being properly capitalized- How to protect your personal assets and reduce risk- Why trademarks and branding mistakes can be crippling- The difference between starting, buying, and franchising a business - Why you NEED an exit strategy (before you even start)-The role of advisors—and why you shouldn’t try to do this aloneDavid also shares powerful insights into the mindset of successful entrepreneurs, including what separates those who thrive from those who struggle.If you’re thinking about starting, buying, or investing in a business—this conversation could save you time, money, and a lot of stress.🔗 Connect on LinkedIn with David Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-h-cooper-b2812519/📞 Phone: 502-419-1969🌐 Website: www.davidhcooper.com🚀 Ready to Explore Business Ownership?If you’re curious about what entrepreneurship could look like for you—but aren’t sure where to start—let’s connect.My coaching is completely free, and I’ll help you explore:✔️ Starting a business✔️ Buying an existing business✔️ Franchise opportunities🌐 Learn more: https://www.JourneyToBusinessOwnership.com🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricemiles/👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s thinking about taking the leap into business ownership!Freedom isn’t just a dream—it’s a decision.Legal Mistakes: What You MUST Know Before Starting a Business