When it comes to running a small business, there will be no shortage of tasks to perform and things to buy. However, you must prioritize in order to be an effective and successful small business owner. Otherwise, you may find yourself working for someone else.

Here is an ordered list of priorities. We call it “The Small Business Priority Manifesto.”

1. Never let off the gas pedal when it comes to selling and marketing your products and services
2. Retain current customers
3. Increase the number of customers
4. Send estimates, bill clients and conduct collections
5. Maintain available cash or credit for expenditures
6. Meet payroll
7. Hire great people
8. Be sensitive to employees’ needs and ideas
9. Invest in your staff by training them
10. Offer an excellent product or service coupled with fantastic customer service
11. Know how your products and services differ from your competition
12. Set obtainable goals
13. Delegate tasks that someone else can do better
14. Treat trusted suppliers and lenders warmly
15. Review expenditures over $999.99 thoroughly
16. Complete tasks now that must be dealt with before they turn into a nightmare. In other words, do not procrastinate what’s important.