Carrie Yardley

“We can work out the details later.” Almost every business owner has said it. Most of the time, nothing goes wrong. But when it does, those seven words can become the most expensive sentence in business.

As a lawyer, ACE columnist Carrie Green Yardley often reviews insurance policies after a loss occurs — or worse, after coverage has been denied. By then the horse is out of the barn.

Carrie Yardley, who edits the Ask ACE column for Mainebiz, offers advice on how to write an effective business story.

Carrie Green Yardley is an ACE board member shares how small businesses can reduce climate-related risk and control costs.

Create a communication plan. Clarify whether you’ll be offline or occasionally checking messages, define emergencies and identify a backup contact. A brief checklist helps clients organize before you go.

The success of an ESOP depends on how well leadership and management are prepared to guide the company in its next chapter.

Mentorship forces you to stay curious, humble and open — qualities that make you not just a better leader, but a better colleague and partner.

Vague language such as “sustainable sourcing” or “eco-friendly operations” can create confusion or lead to disputes

Marketing carries legal risks — especially the risk of greenwashing by making misleading environmental claims. Greenwashing can damage reputations, trigger lawsuits and violate federal and state consumer protection laws.

The Association for Consulting Expertise tackles the thorny issue of Medicare costs in retirement.