Finding a Partner—in Law and Finance—for Your Business

Hiring a lawyer or an accountant to assist you in your business is serious business. That's why it's important to hire someone who's not only experienced enough to do the job, but also fits well with the company, writes Joyce Rosenberg in a recent Associated Press article in the Salt Lake Tribune. The article offers tips for owners making this decision, a few of which include:

•If you get the name of accountants or lawyers through networking or referrals, be sure to interview them (and their clients) before putting them on the payroll. While a good recommendation means a lot, background checks and chemistry is also crucial.

•Ask yourself: Is this the right person to suit your needs? Make sure that the professional has experience in your industry and has worked with businesses your size.

•Know how much you will be charged. It's crucial to discuss fees and what services you can expect. You don't want to open a bill down the road and discover that you have to pay for the shortest of phone calls.