Women are no stranger to writing lists! As a matter of fact, research shows that women attribute a more organized life based on their ability to create lists and stick to them. Women have grocery lists, honey-do lists, wish lists, gift lists, list of children's chores, lists of children's behaviors and more. Most women report a sense of victory when they are able to check off each item on their list.

So what 3 lists should the woman entrepreneur create to lead her to success?

(1) List of daily business tasks   - Before you turn off your computer at night or leave the office - take a quick moment to make a list of what you need/want to do the next day. This list should include when you will check email, open mail, make phone calls, return phone calls, draft letters/contracts, have appointments, eat lunch, meet with staff and take time to think. The more specific your list the more likely you will stick to it. This list, however, should not have more than 10 items on it. Save the items you like to do least for your high energy time of day. This list is your navigator for your business day. Without keeping to it, you will lose valuable time to move toward success.

(2) Customer List - It's the old 80/20 rule- you should be getting 80% of your business from 20% of your clients. Too often, we get so busy we forget to take time to appreciate our best customers. If you are not on top of who your current customers are -- and many entrepreneurs, both men and women are not - you can't possibly know what their present value is to you. Checking this list, briefly, every day will let you know how your business is doing cultivating new business and retaining old.

(3) Cash Flow - It's important to stay on top of where your money is coming from and going to. Even if you have a full time bookkeeper, it is your business and your responsibility to say SHOW ME THE MONEY.  The only way to be successful in business is to really understand where your income is coming from and what expenses are taking your cash away. Too often women entrepreneurs claim they are not good at "keeping the books" but that is not an excuse for not nurturing the growth of revenue in your business. Cash is king in small business and as the entrepreneur you must watch over it. Taking a look each day at what revenues have come in and what expenses are being paid out will keep you on track for profitability at the end of the week, end of the month and end of the year.

Taking time to know what is happening in your business will make you a more successful business owner and competent leader for your team. Making lists and checking them twice is good advice!