Define for yourself what an Entrepreneur is:

What makes you think you can start and grow a business?

Do you make something that people just have to have?

Are you talented in a way that make you stand out from the crowd?

What makes you different from Joe Schmoe?

Conduct a quick skills assessment and ask yourself what makes you stand out from the rest?

What are your ultimate goals? Why are you striking out on your own?

? Burning Desire
? Financial Empowerment
? A new beginning

What's the Big Idea: Contrast your strengths and weaknesses. Identify your hobbies, skills or your any innovative products you've created, then:

? List it
? Test it
? Work it
? Sell it

Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock....Will you start Full Time or Part Time: This is a critical step on the road to entrepreneurship, whether to 'cannon ball' into the pool or just 'dip a toe.' There are questions that need to be honestly answered and circumstances that need to be thoughtfully considered.

Will you work from home or in a commercial space? Some questions to think about before you make a decision:

Home-based:

? Is it possible?
? Is it legal?
? Is is feasible? ?

Commercial Space:

? Location
? Lease (cost/length of time)
? Nearby Competition

It's crucial to have an attorney and an accountant or bookkeeper at some stage of your startup.

And if you decide to go cyber, remember 'Size doesn't matter on-line!' You can compete with the big guys as long as you have a quality product or service and customers know how and where to get it!

Set yourself apart from the competition.

And don't forget to 'Network' Take any and all opportunities to talk about your idea and gage the publics reaction. You'll get a feel for the 'real need' and if you should forge ahead. This is a great way to begin market research.

Although it takes some 'thinking' before you leap into the uncertain waters of entreprenuership, there is nothing like referring to yourself as 'boss and CEO.'

Paula McCoy-Pinderhughes is the former Small Business Editor for Black Enterprise Magazine where she wrote, assigned and edited articles for the 'Enterprise' (How-To) section of the international publication. Her contributions advised seasoned business owners on more efficient ways of running their enterprises while at the same time igniting the fire, providing the inspiration and sharing her business knowledge with countless entrepreneurs enabling them to begin the journey of realizing perhaps, a life long dream. Today Paula is the president of Business & Communication Specialists, a writing and editorial firm for businesses who need a little extra help!