Owning a business is the dream of many Americans ... starting that business converts your dreams into reality. However, there is a gap between dreams and reality. Your dreams can only be achieved with careful planning. As an entrepreneur, you will need a plan to avoid pitfalls, to achieve your goals and to build a profitable business.

This checklist is designed to help you get started. It has seven key components:
· Identify Your Reasons;
· Self Analysis;
· Personal Skills and Experience;
· Finding a Niche;
· Market Analysis;
· Planning Your Startup; and,
· Finances.
Each component is comprehensive and is designed to prepare you for self employment. In addition, each component includes an analysis of you responses as well as a menu of supporting resources.

A SELF-ANALYSIS

Personal Characteristics
1. Are you a leader?
2. Do you like to make your own decisions?
3. Do others turn to you for help in making decisions?
4. Do you enjoy competition?
5. Do you have will power and self discipline?
6. Do you plan ahead?
7. Do you like people?
8. Do you get along well with others?

Personal Conditions
1.Are you aware that running your own business may require working 12-16 hours a day six days a week and maybe even Sundays and holidays?
2. Do you have the physical stamina to handle the workload and schedule?
3. Do you have the emotional strength to withstand the strain?
4. Are you prepared if needed to temporarily lower your standard of living until your business is firmly established?
5. Is your family prepared to go along with the strains they too must bear?
space.gif 6. Are you prepared to lose your savings?

For further references see some of the source materials at http://bplans.org/dp/article.cfm/65 and http://www.bizoffice.com/library/files/chklist.txt