Starting your own business is a dream many people share.  But there a big difference between wanting to do it and actually doing it -- not to mention doing it successfully.  Here are the Top Ten Tips for starting your own business and making it successful:

1. Be Realistic - just because you love to do something doesn't mean you should be doing it.  Create a business that you are skilled at, or get the proper support to make it happen.  Don't think you are going to start renovating and flipping homes on your own if you can even hammer a nail.  Likewise, don't start a catering business from home if you are not creative and can't cook more than one dish.

2. Make a Business Plan.  Every business needs a plan.  This includes goal-setting and follow-up. This is paramount in ongoing forward progress of a business.  If you want a little head start, see the article How to Make a Business Plan right here on this site.

3. Know Your Market.  Is there a need for the service or product you are offering?  If there are already fifty people offering the same exact thing, think about where you are going to fit in.  If you truly are passionate about what you want to do, focus on what makes you different in your field.  Don't just be the same version of what's already out there.  People have to have a reason to come to you instead.

4. Know Your Trade.  This includes researching the need for permits and licenses.  There's nothing worse than putting time, effort, and money into something and then having it shut down simply because you thought you'd skip a few step and no one would notice.  Do it right the first time.

5. Attitude & Passion.  A positive "can do" attitude is must for any independent entrepreneur, as well as sheer 100% dedication to your goal.  This is more than just a generic statement.  Think, "you are what you eat"... if you feed yourself garbage you will not be healthy.  The same goes for your attitude. Get rid of negativity and focus on success.  

6. Determination- Learning from mistakes, and allowing them to affect you in only a positive manner. Despite what people tell you to the contrary, you will make mistakes... but learning from them will only make your business better in the long run.

7. Visualization - a good business person is usually a great leader, and a good leader has great vision. The ability to analyze their niche and visualize where they want to be, and make a plan to get there. All this, while always keeping an eye on where you are in relationship to your goals. When adjustments are necessary, they are made accordingly.

8. Follow-Up - Beyond anything else, the most important quality of long-term money making success is the follow-through. Successful leaders in business know that keeping in contact with your customers or fulfilling the promises you make is undeniably the most critical key to success. Because delivering on your promises is what builds your reputation and referrals.

9. Continuing Education/Product Knowledge - know the ocean you're swimming in... who the sharks are, who the big fish are, and who is the bait. You absolutely MUST keep on top of the market you are in!  Especially with the cutting edge technology which is constantly changing, you have to be in sync with the times.  You don't always need to have the latest gadgets for your company, but you have to know what's out there to make sure your competition isn't getting ahead of you.

10. Be a Leader.  Being a leader is more than just being in front or on top.  Being a leader means innovation, action, organization and balance.   This is why it is so important to have a business plan and set goals.  You don't have to know absolutely everything to be a leader in your field, you just have to know how to find the answers when you need them.  If you strive to be a leader, everything else will fall into place. 

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