What would you say is the best objective for a small business?  (or your division of a large business?)  Some would answer:

* Make millions,
* Achieve the American dream,
* Meet the customers needs,
* Keep the employees happy,
* Make money for the owners,
* etc.

We would suggest that the primary and most important objective for your small business is to just survive.  Government statistics have shown for years that 80% of small businesses fail in the first five years.

(Insert Chart.)

Just surviving for the first five years puts your business in the top 20%.  Most successful businesspeople know that surviving five years will probably allow you to accomplish all your other objectives.

If you think that a healthy concern for survival isn't important at your firm (or division), just read any financial publication.  You'll soon be convinced that the changing assumptions and variables of this new millennium can put your organization at risk next week.

Why do businesses fail?

Continue by clicking: The Problem