Before you share any of your confidential business information with anyone (aside from your attorney or accountant) it is critical that you require the party receiving your information to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (a/k/a a “Confidentiality Agreement”). Keep in mind, however, that no two NDAs are the same (even if you have been told that they are). It is critical that you read what you are handing to the other party to sign; and that you read any NDA that you are handed to sign. Better yet, have an attorney who is experienced in writing/reviewing business NDAs review it for you. Key issues to look for: how is “Confidential Information” defined? What is the duration of the non-disclosure term? What triggers a possible breach of the NDA? Are other provisions “buried” in the text of the NDA (e.g., a non-compete or a non-solicitation provision)? As the old adage says: “The Devil is in the details.”