Why You Need to Use NDAs to Protect Your Business Don't think of them as aggressive -- instead, think of nondisclosure agreements as a fast-track toward trust.

Q: I'm a small-business owner, and we're in a stage of growth. Do I really need employees and potential partners to sign NDAs? -- Chris P., New Jersey

There are many big-business practices that don't necessarily apply to smaller companies. When you're a startup, you can cut a lot of red tape without worrying about repercussions. The use of NDAs -- that is, nondisclosure agreements, which serve as legal contracts of confidentiality -- is not one of those cuttable corners.

Related: 5 Situations That Require a Non-Disclosure Agreement