All business owners face the challenge of scaling a basic business concept or strategy. These days, our growth is accelerated by technology, bringing with it certain hurdles we are forced to jump. My business has faced many of these issues, and I've learned how to evolve with the technological times as a result. In the following days I will post some IT-related challenges that are likely to come up in any business and my thoughts on dealing with them.

It is a good idea to establish expectations for both billing and payment in your software consulting contract. Some of these matters may include:

• Will purchase orders be issued or required?
• How often will bills be issued?
• In what format will invoices be sent? (digital via email, hardcopy via post)
• Where will invoices be sent?
• How soon must they be paid?
• What forms of payment are acceptable?
• Are there any discounts for prompt payment?
• Are there any penalties for late payment?

Most software consulting vendors will not warrantee any and all damages to you and/or your customers who are using the custom software solution that the vendor is developing for you. It's important that you understand the limits of such liabilities and that you are comfortable with them before engaging the vendor. It is also common practice to limit the contractual liability to "the value of the delivered services or $X, whichever is greater", so that there is a limit to the financial impact of a failed project.