Business leaders can tend to get dragged down fighting fires and dealing with problems at the expense of having the time and energy to pursue opportunities. These opportunities come and go- if they're missed, they will keep a business from growing. King Solomon wrote, "The wise look ahead to see what is coming, but fools deceive themselves" (Proverbs 14:8, NLT). Problems focus our attention on the past, whereas opportunities focus our actions on the future. When we make problems our focus, we may fail to take advantage of opportunities.

Martha, a young account manager for an electronics manufacturer, struggled to make sales until her manager took her aside and explained that her use of "hip" expressions caused her to lose credibility with customers. "We are selling high-tech products that cost $5,000 or more, and customers don't always understand the technology. When you sound like a teenager, it just doesn't work." Martha took the comments to heart, improved her communication skills, and increased her sales production.

The devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita demonstrates the need for businesses large and small to understand how to weather a crisis situation without being sunk. Whether we are hit by a hurricane, lose our best customer, or incur a huge, unexpected liability, the principles of survival are the same.

Forward-thinking business leaders spend considerable time, energy, and financial resources determining which emerging trends and future developments will shape the business landscape. Looking to the future is both wise and necessary to keep a business on track and avoid disaster. As Jeremiah wrote regarding Jerusalem, "She did not consider her future, therefore she has fallen astonishingly" (Lamentations 1:9, NASB). However, the bigger questions for most businesses are how to assess, understand, and respond to changes that have already occurred in the marketplace, and how to take effective action.

With all the advances in computer technology over the past ten years, many people now work at home or have established home-based businesses. As tempting as it may sound to work at home, it takes proper research and planning to determine if this is the best option for you. Working at home typically reduces office overhead expenses, shortens your commute, and may increase efficiency, but some people are unable to stay focused at home or their house may not be the best place to locate. Carefully weigh the alternatives to determine whether working at home is right for you.