Worrells New Year Resolution #1 – To never start a new year, or a new business, without a realistic budget. If the expected outcome cannot be expressed in a budget it’s a gamble not a business.

Worrells New Year Resolution #2 – To never rely on one customer, one product or a single employee for any more than 15% of your turnover.

Worrells New Year Resolution #3 – To never deal in cash. It will ruin your judgment, your reputation and your balance sheet. More than what you “save” in tax is lost in personal and business capital.

Worrells New Year Resolution #4 – To never overlook getting accurate and up to date accounts. If your accountant cannot get them done, get an accountant who can.

Worrells New Year Resolution #5 – To never sink your money into a business that you don’t fully understand. There is no better recipe for disaster.

Worrells New Year Resolution #6 – To never advance funds to your own company, or guarantee your company’s debts, without taking a security from the company at the same time.

Worrells New Year Resolution #7 – To never fool yourself into thinking that all of the items in your inventory have value. Probably much of it is obsolete or unsalable. Clear it out and write it off.

Worrells New Year Resolution #8 – To never make an investment based on a perceived tax benefit. A tax benefit can make a good decision better but it can never make a bad decision good.

Worrells New Year Resolution #9 – To never confuse cash flow with profits.

Worrells New Year Resolutions #10 – To never skimp on the paper work. When disputes arise paper work is worth gold.

Worrells New Year Resolutions #11 – To never run a business unless you truly understand the difference between a Profit and Loss Statement and a Balance Sheet.

Worrells New Year Resolution #12 – To never underestimate a large builder’s ability to find fault in a subcontractor’s work.

Worrells New Year Resolution #13 – To never keep bad news about your business from your marriage/partner. He or she won’t appreciate being kept in the dark and it will be all the harder if losses continue.

Worrells New Year Resolution #14 – To never be afraid to vigorously chase what is due to you. The squeaky wheel gets oiled first, and very rarely does granting credit lead to the retention of a good customer.

Worrells New Year Resolution #15 – To never ask your parents or children to guarantee your debts or allow you to borrow against their assets. You have no right to ask them to take such a risk.