Sage One U.S.

Think you need to nail down a detailed business plan before you start your small business? Think again! As tempting as those business plan templates and software programs might be, they might not be necessary at this stage in the game.

We’re halfway through the year and your business appears to be sailing along nicely, right? Well, this is the perfect time of year to take a step back and evaluate what you’ve done so far, where you want to be in six months--and take action.

Taking a look at these three areas in your business could mean the difference between struggling and thriving at the end of 2013 and into next year!

Have you spent the last four months pouring over spreadsheets and trying to track down missing receipts? Did you vow that you’ll be more prepared for tax time? It’s not too late to start!

Handling your business books may be the last thing that you want to do, but procrastination will only make it worse. By changing a few key habits and taking some time for review, you can prevent a whole lot of stress later on.

Here’s how to get started:

Just because you're a small biz owner doesn't mean you're schooled in how to manage your money. It can be tough for new business owners to juggle business finances. Besides, it's not the reason you went into business...all that bookkeeping just isn't fun! But if you're going to grow your small business, it's a good idea to get a handle on money management. This week’s Friday 5 has some great tips for keeping those dollars and cents in line in ways that make sense.

Are you tired of chasing down unpaid invoices? Well, you’re not alone. According to a 2012 Wall Street Journal survey, 64 percent of small businesses had unpaid invoices more than 60 days old, while 20 percent say the problem is getting worse.