If you’re a business owner, you know how hard it can be to make ends meet. 50% of all businesses fail within five years, and after ten years, only one-third of companies remain.

Given the extent of problems facing new companies, thinking about the future can be challenging. However, to become a smart business, that’s something that you need to do — handle problems that arise in the present while preparing for the future.

As that can be an arduous task, we’ve compiled a list of seven tips that can help you prepare your business for the future. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have the knowledge you need to create a company that will stand the test of time.

Read on to learn more.

1. Get Your Finances in Order

Of course, it’s nearly impossible to prepare your business for the future when you’re struggling with finances. Because of that, getting your finances in order should always be your priority.

Whether you’re hoping to take advantage of new technologies, bring on team members, or find the perfect office space for rent, you won’t be able to do that if you’re stressed about the present.

If you have to, don’t be afraid to secure additional lines of credit through crowdfunding or loans. Once you have enough capital, you can look to the future and pay back any money you owe, if necessary.

2. Start on a Solid Footing

In addition to finances, you’re also going to want to ensure that other areas of your business are solid, as well. Without a strong foundation, you won’t have anything to build off of in the future.

Check to make sure you have the right systems in place. Do you have a solid online presence? If not, how and where can you expand? Do you use the right processes and tools to manage your workflow?

Asking yourself these sorts of questions can help you find and identify holes. You can then plug them and reach for the stars without fear of falling back.

3. Prioritize Keeping Your Current Customers Happy

Many business owners find themselves stuck in a vicious cycle. They prioritize finding new customers to the extent that they end up neglecting their current ones, which, in turn, forces them to search for additional ones.

While expanding your operations is always an essential part of business, your entire strategy will be hollow if you cannot please your current customers.

It’s OK to reach a point where you can no longer talk to them directly. Just ensure that you meet your customers’ needs via automation, customer surveys, or some other method of contact.

4. Hire the Right Employees

The people you work with can make the difference between business success and failure. Because of that, taking the time to hire the right employees is a non-negotiable.

It might make you feel insecure, but don’t be afraid to surround yourself with more intelligent people than you. You want them to push you to be the best version of yourself while using your managerial skills to combine everyone’s strengths into a team.

If you’re apprehensive about bringing on new people full-time, consider hiring freelancers or contract workers to start. If someone shows genuine initiative, you can always transition them into a full-time role down the road.

5. Subtract to Add

Remember that traditional systems will become obsolete as your business grows and evolves. Because of that, you always want to be on the lookout for areas where you can cut back and save money.

“Subtracting to add” enables you to cut the cord on any unprofitable areas in your business, then put that money towards more lucrative ventures.

Whether you eliminate performance reviews or find a way to create more streamlined meetings to save time, look around your company for areas where you can trim off a bit of fat.

6. Learn From a Pro

If you have made it this far without relying on a business mentor or pro, it’s time to find one. Look for someone who’s been in the industry for years and now understands all of the ins and outs.

Because of their extensive experience, they can provide you with insight into what works and what doesn’t. Learn their story — the ups, the downs, and everything in between — and use it to guide yourself forward.

Depending on the person, a business mentor can even be a person to vent to when times get tough! They’ll understand what you’re going through and can offer advice for the future.

7. Remember Your Business Plan

As your company grows larger and larger, you’ll eventually run into opportunities that your initial business plan never foresaw. You can take advantage of these, but remember to always keep your business plan in the back of your mind (or your desk drawer).

Your original business plan can help you tell whether an opportunity is in line with your vision and worth taking. It can help you turn down ventures that don’t align with your purpose.

When you have an airtight business plan, you can pour all your energy into attracting new leads without second-guessing yourself.

Staying Ahead of the Competition as a Smart Business

In the world of business, you always need to stay one step ahead of the competition. The best way to do that is by preparing for the future and creating a smart business.

Use the tips mentioned in this guide to help you go about doing that.

Are you looking for more business owner guides and tips? If you are, make sure to check out the rest of our site for more great content.