and prefer sailing along on smooth waters so much that you dont see the first signs of storms, you may have a problem surviving for long.     Heres one way to keep a handle on problems. Every month, make a line-by-line comparison of your monthly actual profit and loss statement to the monthly Profit and Loss Forecast you made for your business plan. That way, youll see problems as they develop and before they become serious. For example, if your profits are down by $1,400 and your advertising expenses are up by $2,000, youll want to spend some time analyzing why that happened and what you should do about it.     Another way to spot problems before they become too large is to listen to what your customers, suppliers and employees say about your business. While some of their comments may be self- serving, you cant afford to ignore all their complaints and suggestions. Experience shows that most customers will tell their friends about a problem they had with your business long before they tell you. So, you may have to develop creative ways to encourage your customers to communicate with you.     Axiom:The business owner constantly makes small corrections to keep the business on course. The business may fail if the owner falls asleep at the wheel. Complacency kills.     Advice:Establish an information system that lets you know when the business goes off course. You may also choose to have an experienced business consultant review your business periodically.     3. You May Be the Problem and Not the Solution       "To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often." John Henry Newman, as quoted in First Data Resources ad in "Credit Card Management," January 1992, Volume 4, Number 10. objectively and then changing their behavior to compensate. They just go ahead doing what theyve always done, regardless of the outcome.     Many businesses are started by people who are very good at a skill that people demand. But many of these people know little about the complexities of starting and growing a business and can be hurt badly by their lack of knowledge about basic management skills.     Axiom:Everybody has blind spots. Your blind spots can determine whether your business will succeed or fail.     Advice:Ask a friend who knows you well where your blind spots are. You cant afford not to get help if they are critical.     4. Plan Beyond Opening Day     To illustrate the importance of planning for the operation of your business after it opens, Id like to share the experiences of Molly, a friend and former student, who wanted to open a bath supply shop. Molly encountered a long series of depressing obstacles on the way to getting the money to open her business. But since she was both stubborn and a fighter, each setback made her even more determined. In truth, before long, getting the necessary money had become an obsession. Finally Molly succeeded. Unfortunately, at this point she became strangely lethargic. Molly had put an enormous push into opening her business, but she hadnt prepared herself for the gritty day-to- day realities of owning a business. Now Molly lacked energy, innovative ideas and the knowledge