6 steps to launching a successful business

Tired of being a wage slave?

Yearning to strike out on your own?

Follow these 5 steps to make your dream a reality:

Step 1 - Pick up the courage

This is the hardest part.  Getting over the fear.

It may help you to read  this article by Steve Pavlina on 10 reasons why you should never get a job.

It will also help you to read the book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad pooh poohs the traditional route to wealth - go to college, get a job, buy a house, acquire some fancy cars, and holiday once a year in an exotic location.

And urges you to think entrepreneurially instead.

Kiyosaki hammers this point through several books, tv programs, seminars, board games, coaching programs and columns - all targeted at lighting a fire under you.

I have seen the power of his message in action.

My friend Nadya read Rich Dad, Poor Dad and played the board game Cash Flow a few years ago.

Before you could say the words "Escape from the Rat Race",  she was hightailing it into her own business with all the speed of a bandit being hounded by a posse of policemen.

She is currently the owner of a 6-person board and care in scenic Klamath Falls, Oregon and also owns 2 property rentals.  And she will be the first to tell you that Kiyosaki got her moving.

Step 2 - Find your Passion  

Whether it's unearthing a market niche your current employer's product does not tap into.

Or turning a hobby you enjoy into a full-time vocation. 

Or putting one of your talents into service...

...it is important to find your passion...

So you can apply yourself wholeheartedly to whatever business you start.

Here's a book which can help you find and embrace that passion:  Zen and the Art of Making a Living.  

It is an intimidating 550 pages long. But at the end of reading it, I can guarantee you that you will be inspired to embrace all that you are in your sphere of work.

Step 3 - Discover your Business Purpose

What is your purpose in starting your business? Who are you going to serve?  What product or service are you going to provide your customers?

Why do you believe your customers will want your product or service?  Is there an unmet need?  Do you plan to offer something better than what currently exists?

Why do you think you are cut out for this business?

You should ask yourself these questions - because you need to be passionate about the purpose of your business as well.

Your passion for your business will be the key to feeling successful and fulfilled, irrespective of the money you make and the challenges that arise along the way.

Step 4 - Lay the Groundwork

Once you've decided on a business, you will need to get info and guidance.

If you are currently employed in the same field, you are probably in good shape.

But what if you are treading new ground?

You will need to get a handle on everything that's involved.

From the capital required, to the regulatory compliances, to the manpower, the margins, the logistics, and the obstacles you might encounter. All the info that can make or break you.

The internet is a rich resource for information. You should use it as much as you can.

Let's say you decide to start a gourmet food truck.

What information might you find on the Internet?

How about  this invaluable information on starting a food truck  which you can find on the American Express Open Forum?

It would also benefit you to talk to others in the same business.

And finally you should meet with SCORE, which is part of SBA.Gov.

SCORE is a non-profit association of 11,500 volunteer business counselors, ready and available to offer you counsel, advice and mentoring.

And who may even be able to help you with financing.

All you have to do is locate the nearest SCORE office to you (available on their website). And schedule an appointment.

Don't ignore this valuable free resource.

You will feel so much more sure-footed if you add SCORE's advice and resources on top of the information and resources you've put together on your own.

Step 5 - Line Up Your Ducks

Finally, you will need to line up your ducks.

Get your license. Open your bank account. Secure your line of credit. Get a D&B D-U-N-S number. Locate your suppliers and vendors.  Buy the necessary equipment and install it.

Only then should you consider hanging out your shingle.

When you are ready ......tantarara......all that's left is to......

Step 6 - Inform the world you are open for business

Yeh!!! Wishing you a happy, fulfilling and successful 2011!!!