• Take the long view and do long-term planning. Map out where you want to be five years from now and how you plan to get there.

• Write the plan yourself. You will learn more about your business by doing so.

• Think of your plan as a living document. Review it regularly to make sure you are on track or to adjust it to market changes.

• Share the plan with others who can help you get where you want to go—such as lenders, key employees and advisors.

• Understand that you might pay a price in the short run to obtain long-term business growth and health.

Brought to you by SCORE, America's small business mentors, at www.score.org.