Plan, plan and then plan some more. Having a good plan helps you determine new opportunities while staying on target to reach the goals of the business. The initial research and planning stages also help you determine if you will be able to make the money needed to stay in business.

Ask yourself: Will the business make enough profit (what's left after your expenses) to pay for the effort and time you put into it?

Develop your customer relationships. This is crucial for keeping current clients and gaining new ones! Word of mouth is the best marketing.

Keep your word. If you say you will be there or deliver a product at a certain time, then make sure to follow through.

Save for a rainy day, and don't go into debt. As your own boss, you're on the hook for any expenses. VT