The steps to business success are quite straightforward … and so are the beneficial consequences of doing each of these. It's mostly just a matter of doing them... one at a time. How many of these practices listed below … do you have down? Do you practice 8 … 12 … 18…?
This list will give you a starting place … of doable suggestions to consider …. Give yourself a positive check and a pat on the back for every practice you already do. If your finances are not working in your favor … identify one item at a time to tackle. 
1. Budget to save
2. Invest to save
3. Control debt
4. Go for lower interest
5. Liquidate debt
6. Accumulate capital
7. Invest in saving bonds
8. Buy an investment with good returns
9. Take the right risks at the right time
10. Pay down principal
11. Check out and go for prime rates
12. Learn to manage your own portfolio
13. Leverage smaller amounts of money to attract larger funds
14. Watch credit reports
15. Avoid any form of financial delinquency
16. Limit debts
17. Build collateral
18. Run from too much credit
19. Give generously
20. Pay only fair market values
It’s likely a good idea to check your progress in each of these at least once every 6 months. Work on one item only … at a time and it will be more likely to rewire your brain’s plasticity and stick… Why not use the brain based method of teaching another person at the same time you are learning more about how to put each practice into place. What do you think?
Hi Ellen, good to be in contact again, I haven't stopped by for a long time.
I especially like your comments on debt and too much credit, as they are two of the major things that can put you at a competitive disadvantage.
When doing deals, I always want to be in the place where I don't want something as much as somebody else. Debt and too much credit can force you to make decisions and deals that aren't always the best for the company.
Posted by: Gary Bourgeault (managersrealm.com) | September 28, 2006 12:43 AM | Permalink to Comment