1. Befriend Your Landlord ? If disaster strikes or the economy slows your small business, you may need lease concessions. Cultivate the relationship before you have to ask for help.

2. Keep Numbers Handy ? From your insurance agent, to equipment service providers, it?s easier if you have all your essential contact info in one safe place, should you ever need them.

3. Update Your Business Plan ? A business plan is a living, breathing document?not something to stick in a drawer and forget. Make sure you read and adjust yours regularly.

4. Anticipate The Unexpected ? ?The Worst-Case Scenario? handbook gives examples many of us will never face; however, considering what could happen to your small business is essential.

5. Create Job Descriptions ? Each position in your small business needs a description defining expectations. If you don?t have them, let your employees help you develop them.

6. Protect Yourself ? Meet annually with your insurance representative(s) to ensure your small business and personal needs are protected at the levels that let you sleep well.

7. Have A Backup Plan ? Remote backup of computer files is inexpensive, and you never have to think about it. Hard drives crash, and if yours ever does, you?ll get operating again quickly.

8. Know Where You?ll Go ? When a hurricane nears, many people start considering where they?ll head. Planning in advance, and knowing your evacuation route, saves valuable time.

9. Develop A Succession Plan ? Warren Buffett keeps the names of the successors for all his businesses in an envelope in his desk. Consider what happens if something happens to you.

10. Establish A Line Of Credit ? The time to visit a bank and develop solid relationships is when things are going well, not when you need money. Doing this in advance will make things easier.

11. Cross Train ? Make sure your employees understand each other?s roles, and help them learn new skills. They?ll grow professionally, and you?ll be prepared, in case someone leaves.

The Coach, David Handler, is the founder of Success Handler, (http://www.successhandler.com), and specializes in helping small business leaders find clarity and take action. He understands the challenges of running a business, because he?s been there ? as a small business owner, franchisee, franchisor, corporate leader and trainer. Much like sports coaches, his coaching will show you how to compete on a level playing field in your industry.

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