ForConstructionPros.com

Yes, it's that time of year…Fourth Quarter, which means it's time for end-of-the-year preparation! So what can you do to lessen the pain? Don't ignore the situation. Instead, be proactive so you can assess where your business is at for 2009, and then focus on moving your business forward for 2010.

Here are seven great tips to help:

1. Review your year-to-date financials. Financials provide valuable business information that should be a critical part of your decision-making. Clean these up so that you'll have good information for internal and external use. Plus, clean them up now so you'll be ready early for tax time!

2. Incorporate an automated bookkeeping system. Get it up and running now so you are ready to use it January 1! If you are using one, such as QuickBooks, take time to review the processes and see if there are any items needing to be addressed or processes you can add to help with efficiency. We all have software that we only halfway use - is your accounting system one of those? Assess how you can improve those systems to make it easier.

3. Train yourself or your staff. Training is an investment that brings returns. Do it now so everyone's ready to kick 2010 off to a great start!

4. Dust off and update your business plan. Now is a good time to assess 2009 and anticipate where the business is headed for 2010. Don't have a business plan? Perhaps now is the time to develop one!