Douglas Wolfe   Web Designer & Developer
Don't rush in with out planning ahead.

Money isn't the only reason that people to start a business. Starting a business can be extremely financially draining. You have to invest your own money, time, effort and put everything on the line. Even the more profitable small business models out there today don't often make money at the beginning. I have met successful small business owners who spent months or even years teetering on the brink of financial ruin before they achieved success. They started out in business not simply because they wanted to make money, but also because they wanted to be independent. Good small-business owners need to be shrewd businessmen. Often they are people who enjoy being in control of their own destiny. Which is why they started a small business in the first place.

Nonetheless, the desire to make money is always involved in starting a business. Almost everyone who goes into business for themselves dreams of success. Unfortunately, these dreams can turn your small business venture into a victim of some scam. The Internet is filled with so-called “most profitable small business” sites promising that you can make 1000's a day with little or no effort. They claim that everyone can start profitable home businesses by subscribing to their simple systems. The fact that people still buy this nonsense is testimony to how badly many people want to make a decent living!

The most important thing is to have the right dreams and the right expectations. It is alright to want to start a business. It is important to have big dreams if you're going to succeed in business. Nevertheless, it is also important to have realistic goals. You should understand that getting involved in business is tough. The first few months will definitely not be easy. The first few years could be hard. Try to understand how long it will take for things to turn around for you. Make sure that you can make ends meet at all times, don't indulge in luxuries. Most small business owners don't spend extravagantly, especially in the formative period. You can help yourself succeed by taking advantage of all the money saving tips and advice you can get. Just because you own your own business doesn't mean you take your friends out for expensive meals all the time! Wait until you are actually running a profitable businesses before you start throwing your money around!

A small business has to be carefully planned and even more carefully implemented in order to have the best chance to succeed. You plan ahead, work up a potential budget, research costs and expected returns, and then you find someone with experience to go over your plans and budget with you. Then you start again planning, budgeting, researching and getting another opinion. Once you are sure of your plan. Once you know realistically what it will cost you. Once you have a budget that will allow you to operate for 6 months to a year without making a profit. Then you are ready to consider a start up date for your own business. It takes dedication, motivation, desire, perseverance and discipline to operate your own business. Get all the advice from experienced business owners you can before jumping into a new venture.

Douglas Wolfe
1stmonday.com
Aug 8th 2007 20:39