All lenders continuously monitor their loan portfolio to see what is maturing. Ask yourself: Does your lender look forward to working with you, or does he or she want to run and hide? Your preparation will directly impact your lender’s attitude toward your upcoming renewal.

Here are five things to think about:

1. Get Caught Up

Make sure you have all of your financial statements and tax returns completed at least 30 days before your loan matures. Having these completed indicates you are on top of your game and increases your banker’s confidence. Don’t forget the opposite is also true.

If you haven’t already, ask your CPA to compile your financial statements each year while he completes your tax return. Better yet, have the CPA perform an annual review of your statements. Hire the most credible accountant that you are comfortable with. Lenders take comfort in knowing that your books are being scrutinized by a professional in a timely manner.

Get into the habit of filing your tax returns without extending them. If you must extend your filing, bring your lender records of tax extension payments. Remember, nothing substitutes for accurate and timely financial information.

2. Clean the Slate

Many lines of credit are secured by trade receivables or inventory and depend on comprehensive recordkeeping. Why not take a physical count before your line matures instead of after? And try to collect the slow-pays and write off uncollectible receivables before maturity, as well. Make all accounting adjustments before you submit detailed information to your lender, and hand over a “clean slate.” Your data is much more powerful if there are no “hanging chads” to contend with.

3. Go the Extra Mile

Suggest to your loan officer that he or she tour your office and meet your staff and your CPA. Offer to allow your lender to perform an inspection of inventory, bids, contracts, etc. Perhaps a tour of a jobsite or a meeting with a key supplier is appropriate. If your line is secured by real estate, suggest that your lender join you as you make your annual inspection of the property. Going the extra mile and ensuring that your banker sees the real-world application of your business adds great power to your numbers.

4. Look Ahead

Provide any information that forecasts your results for next year. This could be local or regional industry information, local market activity or an analysis of direct competitors. Internally, it could be a work-in-process schedule, bidding activity report, construction permits, transportation numbers or website hits. Any trend information that can be compared with last year’s results will provide insight into the future. If you generally provide a budget or projection, enhance it and make sure it aligns with your income statement. If not, consider constructing a projection for a critical part of your business, such as sales revenues or key costs.

5. Outline Your Plan of Action

Have you ever wondered why a listed company’s stock rises when it announces write-offs, layoffs or other bad news? It is because, even in the bad times, investors take comfort in knowing that management has a plan to meet its circumstances and contain any losses. If you find your company in a circumstance of change (either good or bad), make sure you provide a narrative that describes a deliberate and thoughtful plan of action. The bad times are generally not as bad as we imagine and the good times never last long enough.

If you focus on each of these points, the chances of your loan being easily renewed will increase dramatically. You also will find that your banker will be eager to increase your line of credit when you need it, and you’ll be celebrating many happy renewals in the future.