Michael Gerber, author of "The E-Myth: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What To Do About It", says that 40% of businesses fail in their first year. 80% fail within their first five years.

THEY RAN OUT OF CASH.

Don't let this happen to you.

Here are 10 Rules to help you take control of your cash flow so you can create business you have always dreamed of.

1. Never Run Out of Cash.

Running out of cash is definition of failure in business. Make commitment to do what it takes so it does not happen to you.

2. Cash Is King

It's important to recognize that cash is what keeps your business alive. Manage it with care and attention it deserves. It's very unforgiving if you don't.

Remember, Cash Is King, because No Cash = No Business.

3. Know Cash Balance Right Now.

What is your cash balance right now? It's absolutely critical that you know exactly what your cash balance is.

Even most intelligent and experienced person will fail if they are making business decisions using inaccurate or incomplete cash balances. That's reason why business failures are not limited to amateurs or people new to business world.

4. Do Today's Work Today.

The key to keeping an accurate cash balance in your accounting system is to do today's work today. When you do this, you will have numbers you need - when you need them.

5. Either You Do Work or Have Someone Else Do It.

Here is a simple rule to follow to make sure you have an accurate cash balance on your books. You do work or have someone else do it.

Those are only two choices you have. The work must be done. It's like mowing lawn. You can't just ignore it. Someone has to do it. That means either you do it or you have someone else do it.

Have you ever gone into a store and wasn't able to find anyone to help you? If you walk into some your major discount chains, you might see something that is of interest, but trying to get information about product however, is impossible sometimes.

While you might save a few bucks by purchasing from these chains, is it worth risk to buy something that may not meet your needs? If you are frustrated with their approach to doing business, it can even be worse in online arena.

It seems that some entrepreneurs either don't know how, or don't care if they are responsive to their customers needs. Well folks, I got news. I'm customer, and if you want me to buy from you, you had better give me courtesy and attention needed to get my business.

How many times have you sent an email to someone requesting more information and never gotten a response? This is simply being unresponsive. This would be like a salesperson in a "brick and mortar" store walking away and ignoring you if asked a question.

If you are going to succeed in an online business, you must be responsive to your customers. A timely response to emails is critical. Many people use auto-responders and send a reply immediately. This is fine if response that is sent answers question. But even if it doesn't, you have shown that you are responsive with your immediate reply. You must however get back to them in a reasonable time.

While I like a waiting time of no more than 24 hours, realistically it could be longer. If it will be longer, let them know that with your auto-response. If you say it will be two days, and get back with answer sooner, all better.

But many times you can either eliminate need to respond, or reduce it significantly by trying to answer questions before they are even asked. Your web site is perfect place to do this. People trying to make a decision to purchase from you want information on what you are selling.