QUESTION

Q: How can I show my business associates that I’m a serious business even though I only opened my company last month?

— New Kid on the Block

ANSWER

Dear New Kid,  a powerful way to convey your professionalism, reliability, and longevity at every stage of your business is to always come to the table with honest, well-designed, and transparent contracts. This will show anyone you work with that even though your business is young, you’re managing it with the same care and detail as any other long-standing company.