Planning for the future is perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of any business. Even with the best information and the most thorough research, knowing what lies ahead is no easy task.

We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Planning, making predictions, hoping for the best, and preparing for the worst are uncertainties for all companies. Occasionally, we are fortunate. Is there a way to increase the chances of having more “lucky” days?

Hope for the future has been demonstrated by humans since Adam. It shows optimism for the future when you plant a tree, build a sturdy shelter, and populate the world. A new world was discovered by European explorers who braved uncharted waters. The pioneers of the American sought a better future for themselves by moving westward.

What business plan did they have? Did their actions reflect the latest research? Can they be regarded as brave risk takers? The answer is no, no, and yes. Taking risks is an integral part of the future.

Risks can be minimized, however, by taking certain steps. The knowledge of how a business grows and survives is critical to a successful career, regardless of whether you are considering starting your own business, rising to the top of the organization you currently work for, or merely supporting it.

The long-term success of your organization depends on the following factors:

Trust

Keep your word and demand that your employees live up to your values at every level of your organization. It is important that your customers and coworkers know they can rely on you.

Decisiveness

Clear-cut and timely decisions are key. Balancing the costs of evaluating, deliberating, and gathering additional information against an imperfect decision that will need to be corrected later is important. These competing costs must be weighed by company managers.

Competition

Get to know other players in your industry by studying your market. It is important that you do not get caught off guard by a rival’s new idea. You also do not want to constantly be on the defensive against what your competitors do.

Records

Maintain a thorough record of your activities. Keeping good records is important for preserving ideas, establishing credibility, and proving your point when the facts are unclear. Every aspect of your organization and its finances, employees, ideas, and other activities falls under this category.

Network

Create relationships and connections with people both within and outside of your industry. Building a network can facilitate finding employees, ideas, and advice. Take advantage of every opportunity to meet and reach out to people who can help you, and return the favor wherever possible.

Patience

Put your focus on incremental improvements. A blockbuster victory or an overnight sensation is usually the result of silent work over months or years. In order to minimize risk and build confidence, establish a habit of slow but steady success.

Risk

Taking a risk is sometimes the only way to move forward. Risk management can protect and capitalize on opportunities of an organization. It should be possible to predict potential success once all the factors have been considered.

Optimism

Do not dwell on impending doom, but rather maintain a positive outlook. Optimism leads to seeing the goal more clearly. If you look for the positive side of things, the future will look brighter.