Before you decide to start a business,  you might want to think about the qualities you possess, what makes you tick and how that might help you be a more successful business owner.  Before making the "big decision" ask yourself these few questions:

1. What is your personal Qualities?  Are you a self starter?  Owning a business means not having a boss to manage you or tell you what to do.  You have to make sure to be on top of your game, every morning I make sure to tackle my most important projects first, I follow up with everyone who is working on projects for me, make sure you are in communication with your team, leave the fun stuff for last that way it doesn't feel like work, it's fun. So What are you going to do to motivate yourself and make sure you're on top of your game.

2. Do you enjoy challenges?  Owning a business present constant challenges.  Your employees don't show up, your computer crashes, you get angry customers, anything and everything can go wrong when owning a business.  If you enjoy a good challenge, than owning a business it's for you.  Owning a business is fun and an amazing experience!

3. Am I creative problem solver? Creative problem solving is a key skill for business owners to possess.  One way to hone your creative problem solving skills is to challenge yourself to think "out of the box".  Don't go for the obvious, think in a different direction, think out of the box, do the unusual, think different!

4. What are my strengths and weaknesses?  The ability to do this is also invaluable for the business owner.  Recognize what you're good at and what you're not will help you decide how to use your time, when to delegate and when to call in experts or outside professionals for help when needed.

5. What interests, talents and skills do I have that will assist me in running my new business?  What do you know how to do well? What is your best skills? Some are great at computers, others know how to delegate effectively.  Recognize your skills and learn to perfect them.

6.  What excites you?  Running a business is a lot of work and effort not to mention it's a long term commitment.  It will be more fun rewarding if it speaks to who you are and the things you hold dear.  When we're engaged in doing something rewarding it helps to motivate you to keep even when things get tough.  Start by getting back in touch with your values and see if there is a synergy between them and the things you'll be doing in your business. 

7. How do you know if you have the money making idea?  Not all great ideas will make you money, but will lead you somewhere.  A good business idea addresses a problem, gives a services, satisfy a craving.  Large companies spend a lot of time and money evaluating ideas, prices, markets and packages.

8.  Who is my competition?  Make sure you research your competition.  Learn everything you can about others in your field who provide similar products or services to the same ideal customer.  This information will be invaluable in learning how to "positions" your own business.

9. What do I have to offer that my competition doesn't.  How is your brand unique, what makes it so different, what do you have to offer that the others don't.  What is your marketing plan and how will it make it different?

10. What are my business goals?  Setting goals is an important part of any business plan.  But setting a goal is only part of the picture.  Achieving them is even more important.  Learn how to identify which goals are important enough to commit to and systematically work towards them by breaking them down into steps, establishing timelines, indentifying resources needed, and benchmarks for success.

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