Take the plunge
Do it - don't just dream about it. Anyone can have a great idea; it's about turning those ideas into reality. There is never a right time, you're never too young or too old. If you're dreaming about it, grab the opportunity now. Sure it takes courage, but sometimes you’ve got to take that leap of faith. Ask yourself – what’s the worst that can happen and can you live with the consequences? Now I’m not asking you to put everything you own on the line – I’m big fan of taking risks with other people’s money. But don't be afraid of failure, you risk more than failure if you don't try to turn your business dreams into reality; you risk not achieving your potential in life.

Do what you love – and the money will follow
Follow your passion. Great entrepreneurs are agents of change. They want to make a difference and they want to do it their way. Often the money is a side benefit – albeit a very attractive one! Also, it makes sense that if you are going to spend most of your life working, you may as well do something you actually enjoy!  

Work with the best
Surround yourself with the best people you possibly can. If that means giving away equity, so be it. No one person is capable of giving a growth business everything it needs and a wise entrepreneur not only knows and plays to their strengths, they know their weaknesses. Communicate your vision with passion to enrol the very best individuals – those with the experience, skills and personal qualities that will compliment the team. Also, if you are looking to secure funding, it’s a fact that you are far more likely to get it if there is more than just one of you.

Information is power
You don’t need to know all the answers – you just need to know the right questions to ask. Getting good advice is easy – virtually everything you need is out there on the web. The links on my site should give you a good starting point. Do you need to patent your idea? What about trademarks? For general information, Business Link is a good place to start. Networking and getting yourself a mentor will help to fill in the gaps. Also, do your research – check out the competition and find a way to make your idea stand out.  

Begin with the end in mind
Is this going to be a life-style business or is it scalable ie can you build it up and sell it? If it’s the latter, make sure you have a well-defined exit strategy, especially if you are going to be looking for funding. Investors will want to know if they are going to put their cash in your business, how they are going to realise a return from that investment.

Be persistent
Many entrepreneurs succeed with very few qualities other than pure bloody-minded persistence and sheer tenacity. There will always be challenges and set backs. You must be positive, because attitude is everything. You will get knock backs, there will be obstacles. It's how you deal with them that counts.  

Be flexible and adaptable
Persistence is all well and good you also need to know when a change of tack is necessary. Even with the best laid plans things rarely turn out the way you expect, the successful business is one that remains responsive to it’s customer’s needs.

and finally....

Commit to your business 110 per cent. Make sure you have a white-hot burning desire to make your business succeed. I firmly believe that anyone can be successful – the question is: how badly do you want it?