Do you ever wonder if you will really succeed with your

small business? You may have a number of special traits, but

how well developed are they? There are qualities of endeavor

and achievement that are common to successful business

owners. Ask yourself these questions to see if you have what

it takes.

1. How will the business affect your family? The first few

years of business start?up can be hard on family life. The

strain of an unsupportive spouse may be hard to balance

against the demands of starting a business. There also may

be financial difficulties until the business becomes

profitable, which could take months or years. You may have

to adjust to a lower standard of living or put family assets

at risk.

2. How will you support your family while building up your

business?  This question must be worked out according to

each persons¡¯ individual circumstances.  Many people start

out on a part-time basis. Then when their incomes reach a

certain level they will switch over to full time. Granted,

if you take this "safer and surer" approach, it may take you

longer to reach the goals you set for your new business, but

you will save yourself (and those who depend on you

financially) a lot of anxiety. Ultimately, like the turtle

in the race who moved ahead slowly yet steadily, you will

have a greater chance of reaching the finish line.

3. How well do you get along with different personalities?

Business owners need to develop working relationships with a

variety of people including: customers; vendors, staff;

bankers; and professionals such as lawyers, accountants and

consultants. Can you deal with a demanding client, an

unreliable vendor or cranky staff person in the best

interest of your business?

4. How good are you at making decisions? Small business

owners are constantly required to make decisions under

pressure.

5. Do you have the physical and emotional stamina to run a

business? Business ownership can be challenging and

exciting. But it is also a lot of work. Can you face 12?hour

work days for six or seven days a week?

6. How well do you plan and organize? Research indicates

that many business failures could have been avoided through

better planning. Good organization of: financials;

inventory; schedules; production;  can help avoid pitfalls.

7. Do you have the drive to maintain your motivation?

Running a business can wear you down. Some business owners

feel burned out by having to carry all the responsibility on

their shoulders. Strong motivation can help to survive

slowdowns, as well as periods of burnout.

8. Do you have the discipline to do what has to be done?

When working for someone else, it becomes routine to rise

early, be well-groomed and get to the office on time.

However, a significant number of people starting up a small

business at home all too often find themselves at 10:00 in

the morning in their bathrobes, drinking a second or third

cup of coffee.

Make no mistake, starting a successful small business is

hard work. BUT, it is also highly rewarding! Attack the

challenge head-on and success will be yours.