Running your own business is very different from working for someone else. For one, you need to be self-disciplined because no one is there telling you what to do every day. For another, especially if you work from home, there might be a lack of IRL colleagues that you need to impress. So, in reality, it’s really on you to establish habits that will manifest progress and positivity as the boss of a profitable business. Keep reading for 10 of our top suggestions.

It can be tempting as a small business owner to cling to every dollar. After all, sometimes we’re strapped for cash, and even when we aren’t, it’s natural to want to put every cent back into the business so we can keep growing it. The idea of giving away our funds might feel counterintuitive to our mission. It might even seem flat-out wrong from a business standpoint, despite knowing in our hearts that it’s good to give to others in need.

In case you haven’t noticed, many so-called business “experts” and other entrepreneurs like to use the terms LLC and company interchangeably. This might not sound like a big deal, but it can be if you personally heeded their advice to “start an LLC” when perhaps they should have advised you to “start a company.” In reality, an LLC is just one type of business structure but not necessarily the right formation for everyone depending on their goals.

Maybe you have a great idea for a business and you feel ready to take the plunge. That’s awesome, but before you do, listen to the advice of those who’ve gone before you and consider completing the seven financial tasks listed below first. They will help ensure you’re in a good place financially before you get started.

Society teaches us that wanting lots of money is bad. Think of old Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, for example. He certainly isn’t viewed favorably as he greedily counts and hoards all of his riches, refusing to help those less fortunate than him. Indeed, being a miser at the expense of others is not at all good. But ensuring that your business is profitable so you can consistently pay your employees what they’re worth? This is what the Profit First methodology is all about – creating sustainable businesses that put their people first.

There are lots of small business owners out there who have reached a certain level of success. We can point to them as examples and say that they are clearly operating successful businesses. And that success can be defined in many different ways. Perhaps they’re making a ton in revenue, they’re simply happy, or their team is strong and capable. The meaning of success is naturally open to interpretation.

Have you ever wondered what makes someone successful in business? In a way, it’s kind of like cooking – put in the right ingredients in the right amounts, and chances are you’ll be happy with the end result. And so is the case with a successful businesswoman too. If she lives by and structures her professional life around certain values, chances are very good that she’ll achieve the level of success she desires.

Everyone feels scared sometimes – especially business owners. After all, by starting and running your own company, you’re really putting yourself out there. You’re taking a leap of faith that many people will never be courageous enough to take. Be proud of that but also recognize that this doesn’t mean you’re immune to fear. Naturally, there will still be times when you feel afraid – and you aren’t alone. Other business owners frequently feel the same way.