As an entrepreneur, you must keep all aspects of your business running smoothly. Your company is more than just your product or service, it is an entity with multiple needs, each dependent on the other. Here are some things you can do to avoid common business mistakes.

Study the Competition

One of the most frequently overlooked tasks is paying attention to your competition. Find the things they are doing right and try to emulate those in your strategy. Likewise, look for weaknesses in your competition and fill that void for your customers. How you analyze the competition varies based on your industry. Here are some ideas:

• Purchase the competitor’s product. Evaluate the quality of the product.
• Hire their service, or ask a friend to help you remain anonymous. Make note of the level of customer service that they provide.
• Obtain copies of their financial statements, if available. These can give you insight into their financing and stability.
• Scour social media to get an idea of future promotions. Examine customer reviews to see what service you can offer to entice customers to your business.

Create a To-Do List

Avoiding business mistakes can be as simple as developing short- and long-term to-do lists to keep you on track. Defining daily tasks and meeting your goals helps you manage your day better. You can invest in any time management system that works for you, such as:

• Project management software
• Spreadsheet applications
• Mobile calendar
• Paper planners
• Dry erase boards

Track Everything

Actively log your accounting expenses. Don’t toss everything into a folder and pull it out during tax time. Set 10 minutes aside every day to record and file expenses. This allows you to manage stress and know that you have all materials ready to go for your accountant. Be sure to review financial information consistently or after major expenditures or income events.

Stay Flexible

While sticking with your business plan is critical, you also need to be creative. Customers may find a different use for your product than you originally intended. Take advantage of that new market and develop a campaign to promote it. Your competition may make a strategic change that impacts your income stream. Analyze your strategy to see if you can improve your market position. A competitor closes due to their own business mistakes, allowing you to attract their customers.

Holding yourself accountable for your company’s success helps you monitor the pulse of your business. Being able to guide your business toward its goals ensures your long-term success.