Once upon a time, independent businesses could grow into thriving chains. Today, achieving that level of success is far more difficult as competition has become fiercer, costs higher, and consumer loyalty increasingly unpredictable in an uncertain economy. For small businesses to survive, many factors must align, from a well-thought-out business model and prime location to reliable funding and, often, luck. Yet even beloved brands can find themselves on the losing side. The top reason most businesses fai ...