Step 0. That's Right, before you even start. WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN. Now it does not have to formal document, it can be a hand written sheet or an email draft. You will be amazed at how hard it is to write your business plan. If it is not hard, congratulations, you have thought through your business idea. But if it is hard, then you need to spend more time working out the details of your 'idea' and how to turn it into a business.

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Why is your business going to succeed?

Seriously, write down why you think your business is different, better or simply going to survive out there in the real word. What are the main things that give you the edge?

Goals and Direction. Where are you going?

Where do you want your small business to end up? What goals do you have in mind, to make money? to benefit your community? to save lives? to research? And include what YOU personally want out of the business, do you want independance, no boss, security, regular pay. I suggest rating your goals in order of importance.

Risks

Well now that you know your goals, what are the risks to your goals. What will happen if you are injured, or if your business is robbed? What could happen if a competitor opens up near by? Don't gloss over these! They are important, you must be realistic about what could go wrong, so that you can act to avoid the risks. Risks must be managed, not ignored. Saying 'It won't happen to me' will not help after the fact.