Eureka! You've discovered your profit earning passion. It's finally time to cash in on your creativity, winning attitude,

stellar work ethic and vision. You are about to become a card carrying member of the local online Small business Owners

Association. So why do you hesitate?

Could it be a recent study conducted by the Small Business Administration stating 2/3 of all hopeful small biz startups

make it the first two years and even less than half that number survive to the four year mark. I don't know about you but

numbers like these are enough to make any sane person pause. Thankfully, the entrepreneurial mindset places "you" the

visionary on the wrong side of sane.

While being on the wrong side of "sane" doesn't mean you're completely without direction. You have passion, a good product,

start up capital and a plan. You're ahead of the power curve. And just for the record, whether you aspire to make billions

or a modest income from your basement, your business plan will be a key factor in determining the success of your online

business.

Why do you need a plan? Good question. A solid business plan, defines an online business strengths and weaknesses,

identifies and addresses the issue of competition, facilitates financing through traditional banking avenues as well as

non traditional means. If constructed well your business plan will keep the focus on goals of the business and provide

a clear snapshot of your destination during any phase of business development.

The online small business owner is a breed apart. He is often faced with unique challenges as well as unique

opportunities. He builds ships heading for the new world of prosperity using vision, creativity, innovative ideas and

determination. However, the starting of a business is not the reinvention of the wheel. Success has a map. Think of

the business plan as your map to financial prosperity. It is designed to get you from point A to point B without delay

and helps get you back on track if you find yourself lost.

There is high risk involved with any start up be it corporate or home based. As a business owner or aspiring business

owner you have a choice. You can travel the route of Columbus with an idea the New World exists and no map or you can

navigate the often choppy waters of small business with a a solid business plan. Isn't it better to have the exact

location of the New World at your fingertips?