It is perhaps the true “American Dream”: to leave your job working for someone else and start your own business.  The idea is that not only do you have more control–over your time commitment, pay, the types of customers you deal with–but it also enables people to engage in an activity they actually have a passion for.  However, just having that passion is not enough to make a venture successful.  It takes thorough planning and a major time investment.  Below I outline several key steps that need to be considered when making the leap from employee to employer (in no particular order of importance since they are all important) which I have learned though my experiences as well as from others.

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• Choose something that you have a passion for.  This venture is still a job, and you will be less likely to put forth the requisite effort and care if you are not emotionally attached to the business. 
• Never just decide one day to quit your job.  You need to have reserves or cash flow to cover personal as well business expenses in case it takes longer to establish a customer base and start turning a profit. 
• Do your research into the market you are looking to get into.  Unless you have a new invention or can revolutionize a current process, you need to find a niche market in which you can differentiate yourself from every other similar business.
• Always consult a legal professional, preferably one that specializes in business start-ups or an accounting professional.  They will be the best source of guidance when it comes to selecting a business structure and naming issues, as well as state and local licensing issues.
• Stick to what you know best and do not try to do everything yourself!  If you are not good at handling finances, then hire an accountant or bookeeper.  If you are not graphically inclined, then hire a design firm to create your logo and marketing tools.  It is always cheaper to spend the money and have it done right from the begining than it is to fix a problem. 
• Do not rush.  Take your time and make sure that everything is to your specification.  You need to be able to 100% ready for business from day the doors first open. 
• Network.  Tell everyone you know about your business.  Word of mouth is the cheapest and most effective form of marketing.  Also solicit their opinions on everything from the name of the business to the logo design to the promotions you will be having.  Having outsiders who are less biased critique your business leads to more honest answers and will most likely reflect the public’s opinions as well.
• Make sure to budget enough money for advertising & marketing, as well as overhead, legal & accounting, insurance, etc. 
• Have patience.  Success is not an overnight occurance, and generally will take much time, effort, and work.
• Talk to people who are successful in the industry you are looking to enter (although try to choose people who you will not be in direct competition with).  Try to pick their brains as much as you can without seeming to be intrusive.  Many succesful people are more than happy to share their stories.
• Join professional associations, the local Chamber of Commerce, networking groups.  Form strategic alliances with other who offer similar yet distinctive products or services to gain mutual benefit.
• Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks, just take care not to be too reckless.
• Above all else, surround yourself with positive people who will support you and your ideas. 

This list is by no means complete, and in my estimation can never be considered complete.  There are just too many things that need consideration, and everything varies by experience level and industry.  This is just a guide

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