The next thing I want to discuss in this series is…

Non-Disclosure Agreements = NDAs.

Keep in mind that NDAs will need to be tailored for your state’s law, but this post will provide general information on what to include. The greatest tip that I can give on NDAs (aka confidentiality agreements) is to use them wisely.

Dear Creative Genius…

Please share your secret sauce on a need to know basis.

Remember, the goal is not to give non-disclosures to the whole wide world. It’s to protect your trade secrets and confidential information, and to shield them with the folks who need to know.

one.

Be as specific as possible in your disclosure. State why you are disclosing the information to the other person. For example, is it a sales person who needs information concerning sales strategy, scripts, and potential client lists in order to perform his duties?

two.

Assess what company information you consider confidential. NDAs protect your company’s confidential information. Specifically list what information you consider to be confidential (i.e. contact lists).

three.

Return the bleeping files. The person to whom you disclose the Confidential Information is called the “Receiving Party.” Make sure you require that the Receiving Party returns any Confidential Information to you before their work ends with your company.

four.

Additional restrictions. Remember, the Receiving Party needs to access your Confidential Stuff for a specific purpose. You don’t want them using your awesome stuff for their own benefit, or even other clients. NDAs should specifically state that the Confidential Stuff can only be used for the purpose stated in the agreement.

five.

How long does the other person have to keep quiet?  Is it until you release the product? Is it until a particular strategy is rolled out? Does it extend beyond the time that the Receiving Party is involved with your biz? This is something for you to think about very carefully.

That’s it for now! Please pass the good info on to a friend (or, two or five).