I was once asked to give my views on the bad practices found in small businesses. After careful consideration and consulting with entrepreneurs I had coached in the past, this is my top 20 list, accepting, of course, that there are many more. By Bob Power While many of the practices listed are, in fact, tantamount to breaking the law, cash-strapped businesses caught in a catch-22 situation may resort to these practices in an effort to ensure they live to fight another day. How do we stop these habits/practices? Typically these bad practices stem from two factors - not having the right mentality to own a business and/or a lack of resources. If these practices result because the owner does not have a head for business, they should seriously consider going back into employment. If it is a lack of finances, it may be addressed by attending training on how to own and sustain a business. Appointing a third party to prepare your business plan and then not making th...