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The economy may not be improving too much anytime soon, and so the brain of the business owner is on overload trying to figure out the next right moves. These are tough times. Staying alive with one’s head above water is the goal.

But what to do? There are no simple answers, no quick fixes and not necessarily one right thing, but perhaps many smaller right things to do. The following is a list of ideas to consider your solid surface shop’s situation. You might want to discuss these ideas with your accountant or employees to see what other ideas they can come up with to make a difference in your business. Sometimes it’s not one idea or even anything new, but rather small changes that will improve your business and get it on a better track.

A is for Accounting. Bookkeeping is what you do every day — entering financial information into your software program. Accounting concerns the reports generated after bookkeeping is done. To me, the most important report is the general ledger (GL). It should tell you where your money is going, where it is coming from, and where you can save money, etc. If the GL is not specific enough, your chart of accounts needs to be adjusted in order to get the information you need. Ask your accountant for help. If you don’t have an accountant, get a good one. Can’t find one? Ask your distributor’s accountant to recommend one.

B is for Basics. Find a quiet place. Maybe go for a ride in the country. Relax. Think about the reasons you started your business and your goals back then. Make a list of the things that worked best and what didn’t, what you like best and what you might like to change. Then evaluate your findings. Sometimes going back to basics is as important, or more important than coming up with new ideas. Also, think about your greatest assets — your clients and ask yourself, “What can I do to get my clients to buy more product?” Do they need training, better information about availability and pricing, a better turnaround time? Do they understand that upselling improves their bottom line as well as yours?

B is also for Business. Most people start a business with thoughts of what they want to do and how they will do it, and they understand that they will learn as they go. After all, you are smart and have good judgment. But I came to realize that what you don’t know upfront will cost you dearly later on. Education in any areas of business is a good thing.