1. If you& #39;re talking/doing business, get everything (as much as you can) in writing. Even if it& #39;s a simple email to confirm or clarify the agreement.

I get a lot of calls for advice, and one of the most common scenarios is lack of proof of an agreement between two parties.

2. Always assume you& #39;ll need proof of an agreement.

Relationships - even the really good ones - can go south very quickly. Protect your sanity, time and money by having a clear communication trail that can be referenced if anything goes wrong.

3. Phone calls can be denied, an email/chat cannot.

Verbal agreements or gentleman& #39;s handshakes are good for quickly agreeing on something. But if the stakes are high - and even if they& #39;re not - always have something in writing.

A phone has no records, but emails have trails.

4. This advice is especially important between friends or casual business deals.

I struggled with this - and almost lost a few good friends - because we assumed we& #39;d work things out. People have priorities and people take advantage.

Always have very clear expectations.

I hope this is helpful. What other lessons have casual engagements taught you?