b'expensive to draft the offering documents. Most people who dont follow securitieslawseitherdontknowaboutthemortheyhaveconvinced themselves that securities laws dont apply to them (in denial). The truth is that the consequences of non-compliance with securities laws are steep and simply not worth the risk. Securities litigation fees can rapidly approach six figures, in addition to steep fines that could be imposed by regulators, or in the worst cases, jail. Further, if you want to take your companytoahigherlevel,whereyouarenotdependentonyourown resources, or just a few joint venture partners, you need to have a securities offering so that you can be in control of the investment. Securities offering rules, once you take the time to learn them, can actually help you grow your business. They may allow you to have an unlimited number of investors and raise an unlimited amount of money. They will allow you to control the deal, and in exchange, you can earn fees and a share of profits from your effortsnot just the amount you invest. And with certain exemptions, you can advertise your offering with limited restrictions. Why Not Just Do Joint Ventures? Ajointventureisanundertakingbetweentwoindividualsor companies for the purpose of carrying out a particular project. Another name for a joint venture is a general partnership. Joint ventures can range from simple to complex. In a simple joint venture,twoormoreindividualsorcompaniesmaycombineresources (money, labor or skills) to accomplish a common goal, such as buying and 33'