It's easy to get stuck in a rut when you're running a business. And ruts, even if they are making money for you now, are not a good place to be. When you do things the same way day after day you don't spot new opportunities, and may not spot market or industry changes until business dries up.

To keep your business profitable, you need to be proactive.

If you think you are proactive, answer these questions honestly:

What did you say the last time someone suggested a way to change your business procedures?

What about all those times people suggest new products or services you could sell?

Were your first words, "It won't work," or "We can't do that" or "It will cost too much"? If so, the first thing new thing you need to try is dumping the "We can't because…" attitude.

What other new things should you try? That depends, of course, on what you're doing - or not doing - now. But here are a few suggestions:

• Try a marketing method you've never tried before.
• Attend an industry conference - even if it costs a lot.
• Sign yourself up for a marketing or management seminar.
• Test market a new product or new service.
• Learn how to market online if you haven't done so before.

How much effect will being open to new ideas have on your business? Well, no two businesses are the same, but I can tell you that many of the things that have made Business Know-How grow year after year were things we weren't sure would work until we tried them.

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