When you first develop your business, you often have a lot of momentum. But along the way you can lose that drive. So what can you do about it?

Given the interconnected nature of today’s economy, even small, largely local businesses are influenced by trends and events in other industries, and even other countries.

But your internal approach to generating and managing growth could well be the source of your sales slowdown, even in the face of what seem to be bright opportunities. The detailed business plan you’ve followed may no longer be applicable in a marketplace, where changes — both expected and unforeseen — happen on a daily basis.

Senior L-A SCORE counselor Ed Leveque recommends the next step, which is to “create a growth plan that acts as an internal compass to help get things back on track.”

Leveque advises to start with your day-to-day actions. “If you want your business to grow, that should be the focal point of everything you do. Gather the financial details about what’s happening internally. Then put your plan in writing. It does not need to be lengthy and ultra-detailed. Just the basic points will do.”

For example, how has your business done in fulfilling your original mission? Did you start with a bang only to see things flatten out? Perhaps you aren’t delivering what you first promised to your customers. Fix any problems or shortfalls quickly.

Keep up with changes in your marketplace. This may mean you need to conduct some new research to stay up to date — a simple customer survey or a check online for available research may suffice. Then you can make adjustments as needed.

Communicate your new growth vision to others involved in your business, including outside vendors and contractors, as well as partners, investors and employees. And delegate specific actions to reach those new goals.

You also can find out what objections customers are raising to your sales effort — why they purchase or decline your product or service. Then you can adjust your sales process in response.

You can find some valuable guidance for growth planning in two books: “Strategic Planning for Small Business Made Easy” (Entrepreneur Press) and “The 7 Rules of Small Business Growth” by Steven S. Little. Both are available in bookstores and online.

To learn more about starting or improving your small business, contact SCORE, a nonprofit organization of more than 12,000 volunteer business counselors who provide confidential counseling and training workshops. In the Lewiston-Auburn area, call L-A SCORE at 782-3708 for information and an appointment; in Rumford-Mexico call 364-3123; in Oxford Hills call 743-0499. Or contact SCORE at www.SCOREMaine.org.