If I were someone interested in starting my own business in the new year, I would want to do the following:
1. Obtain and review all of my existing employment agreements / contracts;
2. Have an attorney review, evaluate and explain my rights and restrictions under these contracts;
3. Have an attorney advise me on what actions I can take toward my new business, that will NOT be in breach of my contract;
4. Evaluate risks and benefits of competing;
5. Find out if my employer has sued past employees for breach in the past;
6. Find out if my employer has released past employees from agreements in the past;
7. Resolve to make smart decisions, rather than rash ones;
8. Get advice on how to minimize risk of litigation;
9. Prepare my family for possible litigation (financial and emotional costs);
10. Be kind and gracious to EVERYONE involved – typically, hurt feelings and egos lead to litigation, not gracious exchanges.