10 helpful habits to strengthen your business operations

19 February 2026 by National Bank

Running a business requires toggling between growth, stability, opportunity and risk. Every company has its own set of unique challenges, but there are best practices that can help business owners stay focused, resilient, and ready to take on what’s next. Here are 10 ways to strengthen your business and support its long-term success.

Photo of a business owner looking at National Bank’s 10 business habits to strengthen their business

1. Protect yourself against cyber fraud

Protecting your business starts with protecting your data. Use strong, unique passwords for each login, and update them regularly. Be cautious with links and attachments from unknown sources and take a moment to verify anything that looks suspicious. Learn how to spot scams and educate your team here.
Provide cybersecurity awareness training for your team. Every employee plays a role in safeguarding company information. Building a culture of awareness around cybersecurity helps protect both your business and your people. Regular training means your team will better be able to identify phishing attempts, use secure practices, and respond appropriately to potential threats.

2. Keep up with investment opportunities

Strong cash flow management isn’t just about covering expenses—it’s also about making your money work for you. Review the status of your funds and explore investment options that align with your short-, medium-, and long-term goals. If you have liquid assets that aren’t tied up, determine how to use them to generate the best returns.

3. Deploy your funding effectively

Different types of financing serve different purposes. Using funding sources as intended will help keep your business financially flexible and your balance sheet healthy.

Lines of credit are typically designed for day-to-day operations.
Terms loans or cash reserves are better suited for major purchases or long-term investments.

4. Stay ahead of renewal and refinancing deadlines

If you have loans or mortgages, keep track of key renewal or refinancing dates. Preparing for them in advance will give you ample time to review terms, negotiate options, and ensure you’re making financially sound decisions. Properly documenting tax returns, property reports and more will prevent unnecessary stress later.

5. Update your business and financial plans

Planning is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing task that sets the stage for sustainable growth.

Regularly review your business plan so that it reflects your current goals and market realities.
Update your projections and strategies so you can anticipate challenges, make informed decisions and make adjustments before issues arise.

6. Review your credit score regularly

A strong credit score is essential if you want to access financing and favorable terms. Check your business credit report quarterly to monitor performance, catch errors, and identify areas for improvement. Staying informed will help protect your financial reputation and allow you to plan for future borrowing needs.

7. Keep open lines of communication with advisors

Reach out to your external partners—financial partners, accountants, or advisors—as soon as you identify a potential issue, whether it has to do with cash flow pressures or operational hurdles. Early communication opens the door to proactive solutions and prevents small challenges from becoming major setbacks.

Your social platforms can be a powerful feedback loop. Pay attention to comments, messages and engagement trends to understand what your customers value and where there is room for improvement.

Good to know

Leveraging social media will help you refine your marketing, strengthen your relationship with your customers, and inform them of product or service updates.

9. Give employees access to financial wellness programs

Investing in your team’s financial health is an investment in your company’s long-term success. Offering programs that combine savings options with financial literacy support can:

Promote financial well-being, which plays a major role in workplace satisfaction
Help employees manage stress
Improve your team’s productivity
Foster company loyalty

10. Empower employees through learning

Advancement in the workplace isn’t just about securing promotions and raises. Creating a supportive environment that encourages growth can also include:

Networking opportunities with peers and industry experts
Mentorship, coaching, and shadowing
Skills development through workshops, training courses, and online modules

Sustainable success in business doesn’t happen overnight. By taking simple and strategic steps to build good habits, you can create a stronger foundation and a clearer path forward for your company.

Explore our Directory of Resources to find answers to your business questions.

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