| Before you begin to plan out what it is you want to do, | | | | can see yourself doing long term, ask yourself the |
| you may have to take some time to decide if running | | | | following questions: |
| your own business is actually right for you. This is the | | | | - Am I able to work independently, make every choice |
| very first, and most often skipped step in starting your | | | | and take on every responsibility for the business at |
| own business that so many people just don't think | | | | hand? |
| about. You have to be able to know if you're going to | | | | - Am I willing to work as hard as possible and |
| be able to not only fiscally support yourself while | | | | potentially make sacrifices when the need calls for it? |
| you're in those all too critical start up days, but also, if | | | | There are many hours that will go with start up, and |
| emotionally and mentally you are ready for the task at | | | | things may not always be easy. |
| hand. Desire is a critical element to starting up a | | | | - Do I have the self confidence and tenacity to really |
| business. If you're slightly unsure, that's okay, however, | | | | go the distance and make this a success? There is |
| those who are apathetic or somewhat ambivalent | | | | nothing wrong with answering no to any of those, |
| about starting a business probably won't do well at it. | | | | save, when you are starting your own business- you |
| There is a great need to be strong, structured and | | | | need those traits and understandings. You need to be |
| really want to do what it is you're looking to do long | | | | able to have a firm sort of character to start your |
| term. So, first, choose something that you truly love | | | | own business, and having those personality traits is a |
| doing, or something that you can see yourself doing in | | | | must. There is much talk around different business |
| the very long term. If you cannot envision yourself in | | | | start up boards about having the "entrepreneurial spirit" |
| that position ten years down the line or even five- you | | | | and that is exactly what this is referring to. Making sure |
| may want to reconsider your options and find a | | | | that starting a business really is right for you will be the |
| different path. The business that you start will be a | | | | very first step in moving forward into the sort of future |
| long term commitment, not one you should just take on | | | | that you have envisioned for yourself- so having the |
| due to a fad, or due to a trend. It has to be something | | | | right attitudes are the most basic tools you need. Make |
| that you know you can do for a very long time, | | | | sure that you have those and you will be ready for the |
| preferably something that you are quite passionate | | | | next steps ahead, no matter what business you plan |
| about. | | | | to start up. |
| Once you have decided that you have something you | | | | |