1. Know what you Do well, and what you Do Not do well-- You think you know what to do to start your new business. Even if you do, you have to look way beyond the start-up phase for traps that can throw you off course. You have to look beyond the start-up and consider your operations, your staff, your sales goals, your marketing plan, your accounting and bookkeeping, your proposals and bids, your scheduling, your customer and vendor relationships, and your follow-up to maintain the business relationships. All of these areas can create unmanageable havoc for your new business and lead to failure. You must recognize the areas where you need help, and hire the help you need.

2. Never start your business before you Plan, Plan, Plan