| Economy got you down? Been thinking about starting | | | | with your customers? |
| your own business? You're not alone. Most of us have | | | | 6. Can you handle the decision making process as a |
| thought about starting our own business - but most of | | | | business owner? You - and only you - make all the |
| us never follow through on those thoughts. Some have | | | | decisions. |
| a fear of not having a regular paycheck coming in. | | | | 7. Are you good at multi-tasking? In the beginning, you |
| Some don't think they are smart enough or they are | | | | will need to create your product/idea, market it, fill |
| committed enough to follow through with starting a | | | | orders, provide customer service, and do all the |
| new business. It takes courage to start a something | | | | bookwork. Some days, it can be hard to wear many |
| new - and to keep it going. There are literally millions of | | | | hats. |
| businesses in the world. Hundreds of thousands go | | | | 8. Can you handle the stress of being a business |
| under every year. | | | | owner? Many hats - many pressures - many rewards. |
| Starting a new business can be frustrating - but it can | | | | 9. If you will be needing employees, do you feel |
| also be one of the most rewarding things you've ever | | | | comfortable being someone else's boss? Not |
| done. It's hard work, but well worth it for those who | | | | everyone working for you will be as motivated or |
| want to go their own way. | | | | work as hard as you do. |
| Do you have the right stuff? Begin by asking yourself | | | | 10. Are you good at dealing with people? Rewarding |
| these questions. But be honest. You're the only one | | | | people is easy, but can you let someone go if they |
| who knows the right answers. | | | | aren't working out? |
| 1. Can you afford to start your own business? Do you | | | | 11. Are you a self starter? Can you get up every day |
| have the finances and time time? Or are you simply | | | | and keep going even when you feel overwhelmed? |
| looking for extra money to supplement your current | | | | 12. Are you organized? Record keeping is not my |
| income? | | | | forte, but I do it because I have to. All I can say, though, |
| 2. Are you eligible for a loan from a bank? Will you | | | | is thank heavens for CPAs. I don't know what I'd do |
| need extra money for startup fees or can you begin | | | | without mine. |
| with practically nothing? | | | | 13. Are you a driven enough person? Are you |
| 3. Do you have the right attitude to start your own | | | | determined to get the job done? Nothing much stands |
| business? It can be hard work; it can be frustrating; and | | | | in your way? |
| it can be lonely. Can you handle the bad along with the | | | | 14. How will starting your own business affect your |
| good? | | | | family? For awhile at least, you'll have even less time |
| 4. What type of business do you want to start? Want | | | | to spend with them than you do now. How do they |
| to make money from your hobby? Or do you want to | | | | feel about that? Can they get involved and help out? |
| dedicate your life to creating something big, bold, and | | | | Did you honestly answer yes to these questions? |
| beautiful? | | | | Then you just might be a good candidate to own your |
| 5. What type of business can you succeed in? Will | | | | own business - to work for yourself. Think about your |
| you be a sole proprietor, working by yourself? Or do | | | | answers. Then decide if owning your own business is |
| you want employees? Do you want to create an | | | | right for you. |
| online business? Or do you want to be face-to-face | | | | |