AboutLee Horner Expertise California & Arizona attorney,previously a Director of Rexall Showcase International, an international
e-commerce home based business focusing on natural health remedies and sports nutritionals. I analyze all sorts of home based busineses for clients as well as franchise operations, joint ventures, etc. I can tell you what to look for in a good opportunity and what to stay away from. I don't do homework questions and I'm not looking for a business opportunity. If I can help you assess one or more of them, let me know.
Experience Presently a financial planner specializing in fixed, indexed insurance products (Life and Annuities) and impaired risk cases. Formerly a distributor with Amway for many years and a director of Rexall Showcase International. Do what I did and check the fruit on the tree for yourself.
Education/Credentials Business management degree from the University of New Mexico; Doctorate of Law (JD) degree from
Lincoln Law School, Sacramento, CA. Admitted to practice before the Ninth Circuit, Arizona and California.
I'm about to start an online business, which provides an online service and income is generated through online payments. The company I'm using for the design and programming behind the website has proposed to start a partnership on this project instead of being a simple supplier as the project is quite complex and unique. They haven't proposed anything yet however I would like to ask you for advice on how these deals usually go, what is important in negotiating such a partnership, what would be the steps to take in building a good strong partnership in such a case? I have to mention that I would be pleased to get them involved as it would help me motivate them more. I need them motivated because as the business grows I will need their services more. Hope I was pretty clear. Thank you in advance.
Answer Hi James---I do NOT like partnerships; they're divorces waiting to happen; instead, how about a profit sharing arrangement? Exclusive dealings agreement? How about a right of first refusal for both sides to buy each other out of this exclusive dealings arrangement, and if not exercised, the interest can be sold to a third party 90 days later?
I would urge you to get legal advice on this and not do it yourself as this sounds like it could be a substantial asset for you down the road and as many music makers will tell you, the time to protect your rights is early on. Those stories about Elvis selling rights to hit records for chump change are true!
