Five Steps to Building Your Own Business

successfulbiz You have a business idea and you think that you'd like to do this instead of your day job. You aren't alone, but with the economy the way it is, you are afraid to make that leap. What if it doesn't work? What if you are wrong and you bankrupt your family? There are a lot of "what if's", but I found that there are some things that you need to do if you are going to make that leap. Here are the five things I did when I decided to start my own business a little over a year ago. I made this move four months before the country went into the largest slump since the Great Depression and it was the best move I ever made. The timing could have been better, but it was a great move, nonetheless.

The First Step is Sitting Down
Write down your plan. It may seem a little ridiculous, but it helps to have it in writing in front of you. Share it with others that you trust to see if the find any loopholes in your plan. The plan should be as detailed as possible. Even if you aren't going to a bank for a loan, make sure the plan is written like you are in need of cash. Most self-help gurus will tell you, if you want to succeed in anything, the first step is to write it down and look at it often.

Seek Out Mentors
When I was planning on going into business for myself, I looked around to see who I thought was successful and tried to mimic what they did to reach that level of success. I spoke with millionaires, business owners, leaders in their professions, and ordinary people who were just happy with life. The business owners, the ones directly involved what I wanted to do, gave me a couple of good pieces of advice: Always be on edge that your business may fail and don't worry if it does. You can always start another business.

Know the Definition of Success
Success means so many things to everyone. To some it could mean relaxing with their family, while others want to be famous. Success can only be determined by you. Once you realize what you want in life, you should put that down with your future goals which you did in step one. Incidently, success for me was to make a decent living at something I love to do, spend quality time with my wife and animals, and not have to worry about the stress of life in the corporate world.

Compare Your Business Plans to a Game of Chess
If the world were a chessboard and you were playing against life, you need to move your pieces carefully. Make sure you have the day-to-day life things in order before you quit your job. Where will you get your health insurance? In most states you can't receive any unemployment benefits if you quit your job. Can you survive without some help at the beginning? Where will your customers come from? These are all things to consider before giving your boss the boot. Also, leave your old job graciously. Just because you are going out on your own doesn't mean you have to be uncivil. You don't know if your businesses will ever cross again and you don't know who the boss knows. Plan your strategy with grace!

Force Yourself to Take The Step
Nothing is more terrifying than walking out on your own without a net to catch you if you fall. Some people need that safety net. Others do not. When it is time for you to go, it might take a shove for someone else. Once you get their, you'll be fine. Getting there is a different story. It took me almost two years to make the leap and I certainly had help when I made the transition. You'll be fine. Thinking with a positive attitude, proper preparation, and creating your own opportunities will ensure your success.