Just found this site tonight and maybe you can help me with a question.

I am starting a new Business and have a question on protecting it.

I am in the midwest USA and this type of Business is not seen in my City/ Area to my knowledge.

I plan on doing most if not all Business/ Sales in my home town (major city) but am thinking ahead.

I would like to hire sub-contracted sales associates and am willing to pay them well for their services, but my Business idea is really very simple to do and I'm affraid that any associates that I may use will run with it and become a competitor.

So how do I protect myself from this? Is a signed non-compete agreement enough or is there something else I can do?

If my Business is succesful here in my home city, I would like to expand and hire sub-contracted sales associates in other towns / states but want to protect my intrest in those areas.

I have seen this type of Business in other towns and on the east coast so I Believe it will work, but I just want to protect myself from sales associates running away with it after I have given them all my training, paperwork, contracts, ect. that is used in this Business.

Without saying to much this Business is in the advertising and promotions area.

Any and all input is Appreciated!