The Gigabit Challenge Welcomes Newest Partner, Polsinelli Shughart

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR 


Entrepreneurs are not the only ones getting involved in the Google Fiber initiative.  We have seen contributions from large corporations, from technology experts and obviously, from the government.  But we've also seen involvement from multiple Kansas City law firms.  And one of the firms that has caught Fiber fever and is actively involved in getting the Gigabit word out is none other than Polsinelli Shughart. 


Polsinelli Shughart first jumped on the Gigabit bandwagon when it helped to sponsor Building the Gigabit City on October 3, 2011 with The Social Media Club of Kansas City and Brainzooming.  At this event, Polsinelli helped to get the word out about Google Fiber's high-speed Internet access in the home and how it can change neighborhoods in Kansas City for the better.  The event was a huge success. 


And now, Polsinelli has further involved itself.  The KC law firm has decided to partner up and contribute to The Gigabit Challenge, a global business plan competition looking for the next big idea to build itself on the Google Fiber network.


As a popular Kansas City law firm that with practices in business, financial services, real estate and trials, Polsinelli Shughart was the perfect candidate for a Gigabit Challenge partnership opportunity.  The law firm has been one of the most involved in the Kansas City area when it comes to entrepreneurship, startups and business growth.  In fact, Polsinelli Shughart is most known for its legal work in the KC business world.  As a firm that helps any type of organization at any stage of life, Polsinelli Shughart has provided businesses from across the nation with savvy advice and imaginative solutions to legal problems.  Polsinelli Shughart has guided businesses through difficult legal troubles such as capital formation, tax strategy and intellectual property.  


Think Big Partners would like to formally thank Polsinelli Shughart for partnering up for The Gigabit Challenge.  It's the KC leaders like Polsinelli that have helped to make events like The Gigabit Challenge a success, which undoubtedly will create growth for the city today and tomorrow. 


Join us for The Gigabit Challenge Finale event on January 18th! Learn more and register here.  


Follow Polsinelli Shughart! @Polsinelli 
Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig

Lathrop & Gage Partners Up for Gigabit Challenge

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR 


When Lathrop & Gage was founded in 1873, the Kansas City law firm was devoted to running a business based on honor, service, trust and value.  And even though it is a whopping 138+ years later, Lathrop & Gage seems to uphold these four pillars--and most noticeably, the service pillar.


Lathrop & Gage has been giving back to the Kansas City community since it first planted its roots over one hundred years ago.  Lathrop & Gage is dedicated to being active and responsible of their communities.  In fact, the L&G attorneys and staff often give their time and talents to numerous civic, charitable and professional organizations.  The law firm currently serves in many leadership roles including their membership in the Center for Entrepreneurs. 


But now Lathrop & Gage is getting involved with entrepreneurship even further.  The KC law firm recently became involved in The Gigabit Challenge, a worldwide business plan competition built to disrupt technology on the Google Fiber network. 


As a Partner in The Gigabit Challenge, Lathrop & Gage is helping to build Kansas City into The City of Entrepreneurs.  By getting involved with the Challenge, this law firm will get a first-hand look at some of the exploding entrepreneurs that have the chance at winning and making their startup dreams come true.


A huge thanks to Lathrop & Gage for getting involved in The Gigabit Challenge.  If you are interested in partnering, please contact Ann DeAngelo at 816-842-5244. 


Follow The Gigabit Challenge! @GBChallengeKC

Simplification and Perceptivity of Forensic and Juridical Affairs for Neoteric Vocations and Coteries

AKA Understanding Legal Startup Issues So You Know What the Hell You’re Doing and Saying

WRITTEN BY ALLISON WAY, SENIOR COPYWRITER & CHIEF EDITOR

Warren Buffet may have said it best: “Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.”

Unfortunately, many times entrepreneurs do not know what they’re doing.  They’re constantly reevaluating their business plans, holding meetings blindly and talking with other seasoned entrepreneurs who may just confuse them.  The worst part of entrepreneurship is that you don’t know what you don’t know...especially when it comes to legal issues.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners have been turning to lawyers and legal consultants since startups began popping up all over the globe.  And startup legal issues couldn’t help but come running after them. Yet entrepreneurs still cannot seem to wrap their heads around the most important legal issues facing their businesses.  But could it be because legal explanations are just too complicated to understand?

Legal jargon certainly doesn’t help.  Limited liability.  Sole proprietorship.  Zoning.  Promissory notes.  Intellectual property.  Sure, these words sound pretty, but a lot of entrepreneurs may not know what they mean.  When lawyers or legal consultants do not fully explain the legal jargon that is used in small business legal matters, things can get a bit messy.  Luckily, we have books like How to Start a Business and Not Get Sued that give step-by-step guidelines to entrepreneurs starting a new business.

How to Start a Business and Not Get Sued was recently published in order to help startups understand what’s important when it comes to legal matters and entrepreneurship.  The book is written by Tom C. Brown of Brown Law Firm, a Kansas City-based business attorney who has been practicing for nearly four decades.  During this time, Tom has counseled hundreds of entrepreneurs to organized and grow their businesses.  But there’s more to Tom than meets the eye—he is an entrepreneur himself, starting up various restaurants, entertainment businesses and promotional products.  So what are his best pieces of advice?  First and foremost, Tom recommends knowing was legal matters you’re getting into.   

Don’t let legal jargon get in the way of protecting your company or moving forward.  One company that started out with a $1,000 investment let legal jargon get in their way of growth and development.  And when the company finally had the legal concept fully explained to them, the company boomed into a $500,000,000 Fortune 500 company.

Tom writes:

Two ladies approached me wanting to set up a hobby business so they could travel abroad and write off their business expenses as they shopped for jewelry to sell upon their return. 

When I asked what form of business organization would be best for them, I suggested an S corporate entity.  “What does that do?” they asked.  To answer their question, I formed a big circle on my conference room table with drink coasters.  Pointing to the center of the circle I said, “This is your company.  Everything inside is your company’s assets.  Everything outside represents your personal ones.  If the company is sued, which assets are at risk – those inside or those outside of the coasters?”  Pointing to the inside of the coasters, they both laughed and said “Now we get it.  We always thought it was the other way around!”

Sometimes, an entrepreneur just needs legal matters to be simplified.  Once their legal issues are explained properly, they can continue building a business without the fear of being sued.  So, entrepreneurs, I’m encouraging you to do this: ask the “dumb” questions.  You may be grateful that you did! 

Follow me! @AllisonThinkBig