As a business owner, you make decisions every day that can have substantial long-term consequences. How can you be sure that your decisions will help your business prosper? While the only certainties in life are death and taxes, a carefully considered and explicit business plan can improve the odds your business will succeed. Jot down your goals for the business--perhaps a growth target or expansion--and consider what you'll need to do to achieve those goals. Maybe you need to free up your cash flow, or gather new customers or suppliers? Perhaps you'll need financing to open a new location, or add a new service? Whatever your needs, consider seeking the advice of a business planner or banker. Once you've discovered which levers you can pull to affect your business, you can skillfully utilize them to help your business flourish. - Liz Kopyscinski