How do you succeed in business?  I’m certainly not the final word.  Smarter people have shown how to do that.  All I can express is my experience. Basically, it’s 2% inspiration and 98% perspiration.  The key is that you provide your market with something they need.  Then if the product or service is well thought-out and executed, the market will respond. The first step is to assess yourself.  Know your abilities and limitations.  Be realistic.  Don’t undertake a task that will end in failure. When you have a fairly accurate picture of what you can and can’t do, determine where you see a need for something. Think it through completely. At this point, you should have some idea, a vision of your future.  This intangible quality, I believe, is necessary to move ahead.  Bill Gates left Harvard for greener fields that he knew existed if only in his own mind.  I’m sure he had a vision. The next step is to create a model.  This can be an actual product or service, or a description of the idea.  The elements of your future business should be completely described.  You should create the business on paper.  Completely describe every facet of the operation.  This should include a budget for year one – nothing is to be left out – cover salary(s), tools, facilities, insurance, rent, product development costs, packaging, marketing, legal fees, accounting fees, furniture, travel expenses, advertising and office equipment.  Everything should be listed – no surprises. In other words, create your business on paper and fully describe all of the initial and subsequent phases of development.  If it can’t be put on paper where corrections are easily made, it will prove to be an expensive lesson.  Think it through! Any need for outside investment can only be met if you have a foolproof plan of execution – a Business Plan. A word of caution.  During the formative stage of development, I would suggest the less said about the idea or plan is in your interest.  Too much talk will not serve you well.  If you’re a person who must spout off, brag about your kids or grandkids.  Protect the idea.