a good commercial contract has the characteristic of being both a springboard and a safety net. it is both a sword and a shield. it provides an opportunity to expand and grow your business yet must have within it protections in case things go wrong. there is a natural tendency to be over confident when negotiating a contract. rarely does the entrepreneurial businessperson believe that there will be any problems under the contract. they think that if there are, they will be able to fix them. this is because in all likelihood they have seen the contract as a springboard and ignored the safety net that should be incorporated in it. this book provides invaluable advice for all parties to a contract. it cannot replace legal advice, but it will flag warnings to reader entering a contract and give an idea of what their options are if they want to end a contract. having an understanding of contract law before you seek legal advice, should help to rein in legal costs. audience: small business owners, companies and contractors.