Small business owners often enter their field with great expectations. Unfortunately, reality strikes shortly afterwards. Here's how you can enter the entrepreneurial battle ground with confidence...

First, embrace the optimism but don't be blind to the obstacles in your path. You set yourself up for failure when your expectations are too high. You should expect success. You should expect financial rewards. But you should also expect difficulties. There is a price to pay for success and sacrifices will be made. If you prepare yourself, you will not lose heart when the difficult times come.

Second, use this time to build and strengthen key relationships. Pre-conflict deployment is about more than planning and organizing. It is also about building a support network, a supply line if you will, of strong relationships that can sustain you through the battle in which you are about to engage. If you are married, use this time to draw closer to your spouse. He or she can be your greatest advocate or your biggest obstacle. A new business venture can put a strain on even the strongest of marriages, so solidify this relationship above all others.

In addition to strengthening your relationship with your spouse, build strong relationships with friends and mentors who will offer honest and objective advice. Surround yourself with positive and realistic individuals who can contribute to your success. And, on a very practical note, get to know a good banker, insurance broker, attorney, and accountant. If possible, develop a personal relationship with these professionals. You are likely to stretch these relationships to the limits during the initial stages of your business. If these individuals feel a personal connection to you, they are more likely to deliver when you need them.

The battle plans are drawn. The men and material are in place. You are about to engage in one of the most incredible, gratifying, difficult and terrifying experiences of your life. You should stop for a moment and take a deep breath. Remember what got you this far. Remind yourself that this won't be easy, but tell yourself that failure is not an option.

Paul Evans is the executive creator for http://www.embattled.net - A site for small business owners with the will and desire to become wealthy. Join other small business owners at http://www.embattled.net/inv.htm