Small business is highly important in the nation’s economy under the free enterprise system but more attention needs to be given the high rate of failures among new companies. The Small Business Administration says about 8 out of 10 people entering business fail within two years, a rather alarming statistic. What can budding entrepreneurs do to improve the odds for business success? The July issue of Nation’s Business, a U. S. Chamber of Commerce publication, discusses “nine ways to kill off your small business” which should be of interest to persons contemplating a new company. The article is a reprint of a treatise on operating a successful business by Emery Toncre, president of a New Jersey management and tax consulting firm. Toncre claims that nearly all threats to a new business can be eliminated if action is taken before a problem becomes too severe. A few of his pertinent bits of advice: – “Planning is fundamental and the person who enters business before completing basic planning steps has less than a 50 percent chance of success? – Respect the viewpoints of professional advisers and government agencies. “Some small business owners are so egotistical about their abi ity to resolve problems, that they tune out anyone who attempts to help them The ability to leam, listen, analyze and acl. is essential for survival.” – ”Don’t mix family (including relatives who loan money) and business without a written agreement between you and the family members.” – Approach each problem with common sense and don’t be overly quick to panic when the business encounters troubled waters. – Don’t fall for the idea that you can get something for nothing, lest you become an easy target for unscrupulous acts by others. – Avoid courting bankruptcy by over-ep tending your credit. Nip problems before they become unmanageable. Prospective new businessmen as well as others already in the field well might read Toncre’s full statement. Wise advance study can help avoid pitfalls in charity business success patterns.