Starting your own business can be scary especially if you have no idea how to go about it. The best way to be confident is to be prepared and do some homework. Here are some suggestions that I want to share to you from a successful businessperson who happens to be a close friend also:
* Start by reading and doing some research on the type of business you want. Buy and read books and magazine and newspaper articles.
* Know what business to put up by making a list of your hobbies, talent, special abilities and training.
* Try to identify a need in your area that is not being met. However, be sure that your idea is practical. Don’t get hooked on an idea that has no future.
* Analyze your income needs.
* Know the law. Ignorance of the law excuses no one. Make sure you are going to operate within the legal guidelines.
* Write a business plan.
* How much money are you willing to put up into the business? Are you planning to have a loan? How much business loan can you expect from suppliers? Have you talked to lenders to see what business loans they expect of you?
* Find the proper bookkeeping system for your business. You must keep an accurate record of all your transactions.
* Research all the possible avenues of advertising available to you, and then choose those that will benefit your business.
* Get a website.
"Oh she takes care of herself. She can wait if she wants. She's ahead of her time. Oh and she never gives out. And she never gives in. She just changes her mind..."
-- Billy Joel's "She's Always A Woman To me" 
