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

Seller financing is one of the most common ways small businesses change hands — and one of the most dangerous for the seller. The moment you agree to finance the buyer, you become the bank. And if the buyer stops paying, runs the business into the ground, or transfers it to someone you never approved, you're the one left holding the bag. In this episode, Rich Sierra breaks down the five things that go wrong when you finance the sale of your business: the buyer defaults, the buyer destroys the value, the buyer sells without consent, you get dragged back into liability you thought was over, and the promissory note turns out to be unenforceable because it was drafted wrong. If you're thinking about selling your business and the buyer is asking you to carry the financing, this episode tells you exactly how to protect yourself. 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 

In Episode 131, Florida small business lawyer Rich Sierra sits down with entrepreneurs Mike Sierra and Caroline Castille — founders of EmailOnPerformance.com and Flight Path Golf.They break down what “Email on Performance” really means, how small businesses can use digital marketing more effectively, and proven strategies that help increase revenue and cash flow without wasting ad spend.Connect with Mike & Caroline:  https://emailonperformance.com  https://flightpathgolf.comConnect with Rich Sierra:  Rich@RichSierra.com  floridasmallbusinesslegalcenter.com Facebook: @FSBLEGAL  YouTube: @RichardSierra  X/Twitter: @Rich_Sierra Instagram: @FSBLEGAL Rich’s book Business SOS! Eight Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at your local bookstore.

In Episode 129 of the Business SOS! podcast, host Rich Sierra sits down with marine expert and expert witness George Zeitler to explain one of the most misunderstood aspects of litigation—expert witnesses.This episode breaks down what an expert witness is, how expert testimony differs from fact testimony, and why expert witnesses are often critical in cases involving technical or specialized issues. George shares insight into when attorneys decide to bring in an expert, why timing matters, and how expert witnesses can influence both settlement negotiations and trial outcomes.Listeners will also hear how George’s background in the United States Coast Guard, where he served as a Marine Inspector and Casualty Investigator, shapes his investigative approach, credibility, and attention to detail. The discussion highlights common mistakes business owners make when they fail to understand the role of expert witnesses and explains why selecting the right expert can significantly affect the outcome of a case.This episode is essential listening for business owners involved in litigation or anyone seeking a better understanding of how expert witnesses impact business disputes.How to Contact George Zeitler:Website: https://www.zeitlermarine.comEmail: george@zeitlermarine.com 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

In this special two-part series, Rich Sierra kicks off the first Business SOS! episode of 2026 with a unique travel-focused conversation. Joined by his wife and co-host Sharon Sierra, Rich shares their personal experience traveling to Portugal with LLV Travel (Luxury Lifestyle Vacations) before introducing the founders, Pepe and Claudia Aguirre. In this episode you are introduced to LLV Travel—a couples-only travel agency designed for open-minded, adventurous couples seeking unforgettable, bucket-list experiences around the world. Pepe and Claudia discuss how LLV Travel began, how long they’ve been in business, and what makes their river cruises, destination trips, and resort takeovers different from traditional travel experiences. https://www.llvclub.com/The conversation explores who typically attends these trips, the age ranges and professional backgrounds of travelers, and why so many couples return year after year. The episode also dives into the challenges of building an international travel business, including contracting with companies outside the United States and managing complex logistics across multiple countries.This episode keeps the focus on travel, community, trust, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences—offering listeners an inside look at how LLV Travel creates meaningful journeys and “rocking chair moments” for couples worldwide. 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