Small business may be a misnomer
Look honestly at how well you manage stress and uncertainly.  Think about whether or not you have the stamina and family support to carry you through the tough times.  Sidebars One and Two, at the end of the article, will help you decide whether or not you share the traits of successful entrepreneurs and will offer tips on how to ensure your success.

Ready, set, go!
If you do have the right stuff—in terms of both personality and stamina—then you can choose one of three ways to enter the world of small business ownership:

1. You can buy an existing business.  While it’s likely that this will require a significant amount of investment up front, you will hit the ground running with an existing base of customers and a proven business model.  An added benefit—if you write this condition into your purchase agreement—is that the seller can work with you for a short time to show you the ropes and offer insight into daily operations.

2.  Another way to go into business for yourself is to purchase a franchise.  While this option might not maximize your creativity, it might maximize your earnings.  How?  For one thing, franchises usually provide immediate brand-name recognition and opportunities for cooperative advertising with the parent brand.  Equally important, a franchise gives you immediate access to a proven business formula, training and resources.  Instantly you become part of a whole family of similar businesses, and you have access to all of the support that implies.

3. The third way to get started, of course, is to build a brand-new business from the ground up.