IAM2007 – Lawyer and Entrepreneur Shares the Importance of Legal Protection for Your Business

Transcription:

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Amira Irfan Teaser 00:00

So that's why I really emphasize like having the importance of contracts in your business. And that's the kind of mistake my dad made and which really could have been easily prevented with proper legal guidance. And I just decided in that moment that I wanted to become not just any regular lawyer, but a business lawyer so that I could help others from suffering the same fate that we did as a family.

Intro 00:20

Are you ready to hear business stories and learn effective ways to build relationships, generate sales, and level up your business from awesome CEOs, entrepreneurs, and founders without listening to a long, long, long interview?

If so, you've come to the right place. Gresh values your time and is ready to share with you the valuable info you're in search of. This is the I Am CEO Podcast.

Gresham Harkless 00:49

Hello. Hello. Hello. This is Gresh from the I Am CEO podcast. I have a very special guest back on the show today. I have Amira Irfan. Amira, excited to have you back on the show.

Amira Irfan 00:58

I'm so excited to be here. Thank you so much for having me.

Gresham Harkless 01:01

Yes, absolutely. And Amira is doing so many awesome things. So before we jumped into doing that and talking about that, I wanted to read a little bit more about Amira so you can hear about some of those awesome things that she's been working on.

Internationally renowned, Amira is the Business lawyer, blogger, and coach behind a self-guru and online company that has been featured around the world for helping entrepreneurs legally protect their businesses through its affordable legal templates and services.

Amira has had the honor of helping over 50, 000 entrepreneurs comply with laws and safeguard their businesses. Her work has been featured in 200 media outlets, such as Ticker News, Yahoo Finance, International Business Times, Legal Reader, authority magazine, thrive, and Global US Times now. CEO Blog Nation, and even the I Am CEO podcast and many, many more.

And the thing I absolutely love about Amira is we talked a lot around how making the transition of going from 1 to many is so powerful. So I love hearing her journey there. And I think we were talking a lot. During our previous episode around her transition, I think she had over a $70, 000 month before she was giving her nine to five.

So being able to build businesses, I think people think that journey happens at a flip of a script, but hearing her journey and how she's been able to build, it's been absolutely huge. So make sure you check out her previous episode, episode number 903 of our I Am CEO podcast. So Amira, you're doing phenomenal things.

Excited to have you back on the show. You're ready to speak to the I Am CEO community here.

Amira Irfan 02:25

Oh, I'm so excited. Definitely.

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Gresham Harkless 02:27

Awesome. Let's get it started then. So to kick everything off, I wanted to rewind that clock a little bit here, a little bit more on how you got started, what you've been working on since we last spoke.

Amira Irfan 02:35

Yeah. So last time we spoke we talked about like how I was in the process of building my online business while working full time as a lawyer. And so I was just at the crossroads of do I want to do this full time with my nine-to-five job as a lawyer? And by the way, those of you who don't know me, I'm a business lawyer and also an entrepreneur over at self.free.com.

So when I reached that month of making 70, I think it was like 78, 000 a month. And that's when I realized that, you know what, I am just like burning the candle on both ends. Like working as a lawyer was such a demanding job. Going to work every day and then also building the side hustle business on the side.

So I knew that I had to go all in. So the biggest change from our last conversation to now has been that I did finally quit my nine-to-five job. I'm doing this full time and honestly, I'm like really, really happy that I made that jump because it was a very, huge mindset shift for me because my identity being a lawyer working for over a decade and people don't know this, but I became a lawyer after I watched my own dad's business get sued.

So I'm super passionate about helping business owners avoid making legal mistakes in their business. That's just how the journey started. But now I'm like really. Happy that I get to help so many entrepreneurs one on one working with me or by simply downloading my template. So it's been a beautiful journey so far.

Gresham Harkless 03:55

Yeah, absolutely. And I love, hearing that journey, obviously, sorry to hear about everything we talked about it before what happened, with your dad, but I often say that. As great as it is to hear, of course, what people do and know their products and services, it's probably the most important thing to know why they do it.

And having that experience with your dad and his business. And I don't know if you can give us a little bit more of a recap of what happened just in case people are listening to this, but having that as a why to, of course, not see other organizations, other entrepreneurs, business owners, they're putting their blood, sweat and tears into things, not have it end up that way is absolutely huge.

Amira Irfan 04:29

Yeah, absolutely. So what happened was I was actually going to become a doctor. I was studying to become a doctor and then I come back home one day from college and I see my dad devastated and he's holding the complaint, the actual official legal complaint that he was just served with and it was a 90, 000 lawsuit.

So you guys can imagine that. My dad was just lost, like he was fairly new business owner. So it's not like he was doing this for many years or that even have the money or the expertise to fight it. So our whole life just changed in that moment. And I had to help dad navigate through the legalities and hire a lawyer for him.

And as, as you guys know, listening to this, and I will say this over and over again, is that When you get sued, it's not just you who suffers, it's your whole family that suffers with you. And I have gone through that nightmare because first of all, lawsuits are very expensive. Second, they really take away all your peace of mind and your money.

And so that whole lawsuit lasted an entire year and just helping dad communicate with his lawyers and work through the whole situation just made me realize that there's so many other like business owners like my dad who make legal mistakes and the legal mistake that he made was he didn't use a contract with the person that he hired because it was his friend.

And I know so many business owners who make this mistake, working as a lawyer, as I mentioned for over a decade. I have seen so many other business owners come to me after they've gotten into a problem with a partnership or if they got into a problem with over a contract or a freelance person that they hired and they didn't deliver.

And now there's a dispute. In fact, even yesterday I had a call with somebody, there was a contract that she signed for three months for an advertising agency and they didn't deliver on the work and she's not having problem getting that money back. So again, these are all these different issues that come up, but then there were some things in her contract that were missing and that are hurting her now.

So that's why I really emphasize like having the importance of contracts in your business. And that's the kind of mistake my dad made and which really could have been easily prevented with proper legal guidance. And I just decided in that moment that I wanted to become not just any regular lawyer, but a business lawyer so that I could help others from suffering the same fate that we did as a family.

Gresham Harkless 06:38

Yeah. And I commend you so much for taking that path and for all the awesome work that you do as well. So I want to drill down a little bit more. I know we touched a little bit upon like how you're serving your clients. Can you take us through a little bit more on what we can find, how you're making that impact and supporting the clients?

Amira Irfan 06:52

Yeah, absolutely. So there are 2 big parts of my business and like how I actually help business owners.

The 1st one is working with me 1 on 1. So I mentioned how I had a All yesterday where somebody had a contract, but they were having some disputes, and she wanted to know what her legal rights were. So once, so that's where, one on one working with me comes in. So, anytime you need a contract drafting contract reviews, website, legal audits, or even LLC formation, or you maybe you just have general questions, right?

Okay, what do I need to do or what steps I need to take or about like legal questions or business questions that you may have, or maybe you were just stuck on something. So there are coaching calls that I also provide. So that's one part of my business where you're getting straight access to me one-on-one.

The second part is more hands off and it's more passive. Where you get the lawyer-level protection through my instantly downloadable legal templates that you can just download to protect your business, such as my VAP legal bundle that gives you like all the website policies, like privacy policies, disclaimer terms and conditions that people always struggle with.

I like how to put together those terms, but they're so important because they ensure compliance with different laws, because once you have an online business, you're opening yourself up to all kinds of different liabilities, right? And now with the AI coming into the equation and new laws coming into the equation, so there's just so much to worry about.

And that's where those templates are like a perfect solution, because you don't get, you don't have to hire me. You don't have to wait on things. It's instant solution. You get free lifetime updates. So those templates also are like a big part of my business because those are two ways that you get the legal protection and it's super quick and fast and affordable.

Gresham Harkless 08:33

Yeah, that makes so much sense. So I wanted to hear a little bit more on what you think might be your secret sauce. I think I have an idea of what it might be, but what do you feel like is your secret sauce? Thing you feel like sets you apart and makes you unique or your organization.

Amira Irfan 08:44

Yeah. So great question. First thing is that we prioritize customer service over anything else. For me, like consistently maintaining a five-star rating, which we have for over five years, if you go to my Facebook page, my website, my social media, you'll see. Hundreds and hundreds of love notes. And I think that's a testament of the quality of product and service that we provide, because I've learned that from my own dad, like customer always comes first.

And then the second thing I think that really, really sets me apart as compared to other lawyers and that my customers always tell me is that just just like you guys, I'm a business owner too, right? So yes, I'm a lawyer, but I also have my own online business, my own company that I'm running. So I completely understand the challenges.

Just like you, I have to ensure compliance. Just like you, I have to use contracts with the people. If I'm using AI tools, I also have to limit my legal liability. So for me, like just being completely involved into the business just like my customers just gives me that relatability factor and builds connection instantly.

Because that's just how my teaching style is to like, I'll be like, okay, let me show you how I'm using an affiliate agreement with my own affiliates so you can do the same so that I believe really sets me apart as compared to, let's say, a regular business owner that is completely not having a business of their own on the side, but just doing the work for you, you won't get that personal touch, which you definitely get when you work with me, or you just download my template, that I've been there with you.

Gresham Harkless 10:15

Yeah, you've been there and you are there at that. And, you having that experience and going through that. So I wanted to switch gears a little bit and I wanted to ask you for what I call a CEO hack.

So this could be like an Apple book or a habit that you have, but what's something that makes you more effective and efficient?

Amira Irfan 10:28

So I'll give you two. The first business hack that has really helped me tremendously as a CEO over the years is using a project management software, like with so many different projects and tasks.

And I know you can relate to this and wearing multiple hats as a CEO. It can be very overwhelming. So the way that I really stay on track is that I use Asana daily. I love Asana. It's the app that kind of has all my calendar. It also has all my projects in there. Also, my teams are on there. So it's very user-friendly.

It's great for collaborations. And it just keeps me focused on my goals on a daily basis. So that's one hack. The second one is like really also incorporating, and I know I briefly talked about this in our last episode. Is incorporating mindfulness practice into my daily routine because it's easy for us as CEOs to get overwhelmed and burnout.

And I've experienced that in my life over the years for sure, especially when things get chaotic and with all these changes also in keeping up with them. So I really take the time first thing in the morning. Every single day to meditate and practice gratitude, because that just sets the mood right and keeps me centered.

And to be honest, the sane also, and just focusing on leading my company in a better direction and making the right decision. So, it just really helps me in all of those aspects.

Gresham Harkless 11:48

Yeah, that makes so much sense. So what would you consider to be what I call a CEO nugget, a little bit more word of wisdom or piece of advice.

I like to say something is something that you might tell your younger business self, if you were to hop into a time machine, you're potentially your favorite client.

Amira Irfan 12:01

So obviously I would tell my dad, cause I was in a lawyer and he made this mistake, but just and I'm speaking to not just my dad, but my younger self, but also all the different entrepreneurs and business owners out there is that prioritize legal protection of your business from the start.

This means consulting with a lawyer to have all the necessary legal documents for your website, for your brick and mortar business, or any agreements and all of that stuff from the very beginning, because trust me, this is going to take away a lot of stress. And then it will allow you to focus on the fun part of your business, which is growing your business, and it will also help you from potential like lawsuits and legal disputes with your customers.

And then the last thing that I would leave you with to always remember, and this is something that I came up with the code is that legal is the glue that holds your business together. I know this from first hand from my dad's lawsuit, but also after working years and years as a lawyer and also seeing so many businesses crumble and fall apart because of a legal mistake or a loss of a legal issue.

So you just want to make sure that you always remember that legal is that foundation that's going to keep your business solid for years to come.

Gresham Harkless 13:07

Yeah, I think that's huge. And I think that's huge for many different vantage points. And as you were explaining that I love. Both of those nuggets, because I think as long as you prioritize that that idea of like protection is huge.

So now I want to ask you my absolute favorite question, which is the definition of what it means to be a CEO. Our goal is to have different quote-unquote CEOs on the show.

So Amira, what does being a CEO mean to you?

Amira Irfan 13:28

Yeah, I love this question. So I think my answer is going to be different from last time because I've evolved. So for me being a CEO honestly means like reaching my highest potential, facing my fears and making tough decisions. But that also being responsible for the success of my company.

So the best way I can describe it is like being a captain of my ship. I'm navigating through the storms, the highs, the lows, but also celebrating victories along the way. But let's be real, the CEO also, being a CEO also means having unlimited amount of coffee and my team who can read my mind.

Just kidding. But just kind of, but honestly, in the end, I would say I look at it like that being a captain of my ship or being like a movie star of my own movie. Like I know my goal is to make my movie, my business, a blockbuster hit, but there are going to be all these challenges and things that I would have to conquer in the process.

And in the end, the ultimate goal really is to create something very meaningful, a legacy that's going to go on for years and is going to solve other people's problems because that's all that's what honestly comes down to.

Gresham Harkless 14:33

Yeah, I love how that comes full circle, especially towards, everything that happened with your dad and your why and how they feel that and how you're doing that on a daily basis with every template, every consultation, every one on one, have that opportunity to do that. So I love that definition in the analogy.

Of course, I appreciate your time even more. So what I want to do now is pass you the mic, so to speak, just to see if there's anything additional that you can let our readers and get ahold of you and how to get your templates and all the awesome things that you're working on.

Amira Irfan 15:04

Awesome. Thank you. First of all, thank you again for having me on the show. It's always such an honor to talk to you. As for reaching out to me, I would love for you guys to connect anywhere on aselfguru.com. If you go on social media everywhere, it's a self guru whether it's YouTube, Instagram, or my Facebook group.

And then I also have a free gift for you guys for listening in. If you would like to protect your business from the three most common legal mistakes that I see entrepreneurs making all the time, no matter what kind of business you have, and no matter what size of business you have, then I encourage you to download that free legal guide.

It's absolutely free from my website, aselfguru.com.

Gresham Harkless 15:41

Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Thank you so much. I'm a mirror. We'll have the links and information in the show notes so that everybody can get ahold of you, connect with you on social, get all the help and things that we all need. So, thank you so much again, for your time.

I think the, again, the work that you do is so important because I think so many times we get attracted to the idea and all the awesome things that we're doing. We forget how important it is to protect yourself and very least have awareness around what that looks like. So thank you so much for doing that.

And of course. Time today, and I hope you're phenomenal the rest of the day.

Amira Irfan 16:12

You too. Thank you.

Outro 16:13

Thank you for listening to the I Am CEO podcast, powered by CB Nation and Blue 16 Media. Tune in next time and visit us at iamceo.co. I Am CEO is not just a phrase, it's a community.

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Subscribe and leave us a five-star rating. This has been the I Am CEO Podcast with Gresham Harkless Jr. Thank you for listening.

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