| You're tired of the rat race. The boss gets on your | | | | The second thing you will need is time. Lots of time. |
| nerves. The deadlines and pressures are too much to | | | | You will most likely be the sole employee of your |
| take. You're overworked and underpaid. You know the | | | | business; therefore, you will be wearing many hats - |
| story. | | | | marketing/promoting your business, advertising, dealing |
| Then you're up late one night, watching T.V. when all of | | | | with the customers and vendors, keeping financial |
| a sudden, a cheerful announcer comes on the screen | | | | records - the list goes on and on. If you think you are |
| touting the "Easy Life" that everyone dreams of. With | | | | going to quit your full time job and work 40 hours or |
| just a few hours a week of your spare time, you | | | | less a week, and still make enough money to live on, |
| could be bringing in thousands each month. Just listen | | | | you should forget about it and stay where you are. |
| to the testimonials in the ad - a couple is eating dinner | | | | The third important thing you will need is money - the |
| at a posh restaurant, telling you how they made | | | | more, the better. You cannot expect to start a |
| $10,000 last month - a man is standing next to his new | | | | business and earn enough money to live on right off |
| sports car, explaining how he made $30,000 the first | | | | the bat. You will also need money to buy assets and |
| year and $180,000 the next. | | | | inventory for your business. Make a list of all the things |
| Well, I'm not sure what planet they're living on, but | | | | you will need before you can open the doors - |
| down here on Earth, things are much different. Sure, | | | | computers, software, fax, copier, phone, office supplies |
| you can start your own business, and even do well | | | | - and these are just the basics. Does your business |
| and earn a good living at it, but not working ten hours a | | | | need specialised equipment to operate? What about |
| week. I know many people who have started their | | | | an office and rent? Can you work out of your house, |
| own business and became successful at it. I'm one of | | | | or do you need more space? Remember, you will also |
| those people. But not one of those people works less | | | | need operating capital. Even if you make a few sales |
| than 70 hours a week. | | | | the first week, how long will it be before the customer |
| There are three things you will need to be successful | | | | actually pays the invoice and the money is in your |
| at your own business - knowledge, time and money - | | | | bank? |
| in that order. | | | | Now that you have an idea of what it really takes to |
| The number one most important thing you need to | | | | start and run a successful business, go ahead and give |
| start a successful business is knowledge in your field. | | | | it a try if you're still up to it. Starting and running your |
| Of course, if you have enough money, you can hire | | | | own business can be very rewarding, but it has to be |
| someone with the knowledge, but then you are more | | | | something that you truly want to do, not because you |
| of an investor. So, before jumping into a new business | | | | think you will get rich overnight - you won't - but |
| venture, make sure you thoroughly know the business | | | | because it's something you enjoy and have a strong |
| you are starting. | | | | desire to succeed at. |