The following areas are keys to the success of any small business:

1. Well-trained and enthusiastic employees

2. Appropriate image for the business

3. Effective merchandising

4. Product selection, turnover, and quality

5. Location

6. Effective advertising

7. Excellent customer service

--adapted from Seven Secrets to Small Business Success by Kent J. Burnes Pitfalls

On the other hand, there are a number of reasons why businesses fail. You can avoid many of the following pitfalls by planning ahead and seeking out help when needed.

1. Insufficient assessment of professional and personal skills

2. No business plan

3. Inadequate financing

4. Incomplete records

5. No marketing strategy

6. Inappropriate location

7. Not implementing good management

8. Hiring the wrong people

9. Poor customer service

10. Unwilling to ask for help