It could be useful packing a series of folders marked To Read, Action on Return, To File, etc. If these are packed into your briefcase, it will simplify organisation of paperwork generated on trip. Of course, every business traveller carries an Expenses/Receipts envelope, right? Organisation is easy isn't it…when you know how.

The Road Warrior This is perfect opportunity to embrace philosophy of University on Wheels: plug in a CD or motivational tape and learn as you drive. If you add a portable cooler in summer and stock it with fresh fruit and healthy drinks, you'll arrive in tip top shape, full of energy to go get 'em!

Keep essential files - logbooks etc. close so that you have fast and easy access should mobile ring when you are rolling along. You may find that filing crates or archive boxes will keep your paperwork contained and easy to find. Divide your supplies into logical categories: one box for presentation aids and literature, another for personal items, and a third for files and documents. In such a small space, it is essential to have a place for everything, and everything in its place.

Your Road Checklist will detail items such as: personal supplies including toiletries, moist towelettes, nibbles, water, change of clothes, sunnies, Aussie cossie, insect repellent, suntan lotion, umbrella and winter woollies (especially if you are driving around state of Victoria, Australia).

On Move... It's a hard life, being constantly on move, but application of practical prompts and memory aids, such as aforementioned checklists, will help you avoid reinvention of wheel each time you head off to parts unknown. The more you pre-plan, smoother trip, and more satisfying results - all with less stress. Now, doesn't that sound great?

Lorraine Pirihi is Australia's Personal Productivity Specialist and Leading Life Coach. Her business The Office Organiser specialises in showing small business owners and managers, how to get organised at work so they can have a life! Lorraine is also a dynamic speaker and has produced many products including "How to Survive and Thrive at Work!"

For future – who knows? But it is clear that much of movement on way up was not based on fundamental analysis of businesses concerned but on public going with flow. As companies are examined more closely in light of failure of others we can expect prices to move in longer term back to more sensible levels.

But for company itself, does all this matter? What of company as an entity in itself, as opposed to individuals within it? Does stock market price matter?

To directors and employees on bonuses related to price of course it matters. To individual shareholders of course it matters. To potential shareholders (by way of IPOs or bonuses) of course it matters. But to business itself?

Does a higher stock market price increase profits? No, it does not.

Does a higher price provide higher salaries for employees. No, it does not.

If company is sold it is shareholders who profit, not company as such.

But of course we know answer. The stock price does matter to company. It matters in same way as bank’s valuation of an individual’s small business matters to him. A higher price makes it easier or cheaper for company to borrow money. And only reason for company to borrow money is to enable it to reinvest to enable it to further increase its profits. If it does not increase profits by borrowing then it should not be borrowing. We are back once again to profits.

So where is this all leading? Why is all this of interest to managers and employees? What lessons are there for self employed and those working in small private businesses – shops, workshops, restaurants, etc.?

The lessons are clear.

What matters is profit. Income minus expenditure. And to pay bills cash flow, too, is vital. Get this right and you stay in business. Get it wrong and ultimately you will fail. This is always true over long term. But unfortunately this has been lost sight of by many in recent scrambling over stock market prices.

So let’s get back to fundamentals. Let us plan for longer term. Let us invest in future. Let us train our managers and future captains of industry in things that really matter to business. As individuals let us never stop trying to improve. Maybe then we can all look forward again to a prosperous and stable future.