Make sure you have a financial cushion if you plan on jumping in full time. Trust me, it helps to know you'll be ok financially for the next few months to a year. If you're constantly worried about money and bills, you're going to get nervous and antsy and give up on your dream and go to work for someone else. Or you may not remain focused on what you really want to do and try and do something that you think may start making money quickly. You don't want to waste any time or money doing something you really don't want to do.

If I had a dollar for every time I changed my mind about what biz I would start, I wouldn't have to go into business for myself. So, far my potential businesses were virtual assistant, life coach, consultant, freelance writer, technical writer, fashion stylist, image consultant, travel planner, make up artist (I'm not done yet), desktop publisher, interior decorator, event planner, financial planner, online researcher, dog walker (albeit part time), spa or boutique owner. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Here's the scenario: You've done everything, bought numerous books and researched your planned business (books are not cheap), set up your business structure, filed the necessary licenses, joined the necessary associations (again, not cheap), printed your stationary and business cards, obtained you website and domain name, you've bought supplies and equipment. Then all of a sudden you decide: "What? Am I crazy? I can't do this. I know nothing about (said business) However, this (the other biz you came across and think you can do) looks pretty good. I can do this." Then the whole ugly cycle starts all over again. Tell everyone you know you're starting a business. Not just a business, but YOUR business. Tell them what you're doing. This way you've told everyone, and you can't go back on it and look like a fool or wishy washy.

Take care of obstacles - OK imagine the above scenario again. But you're still all for doing your business but you've come to a point where you don't know what to do. For me it was marketing, getting my name and business out there. Out of all my little businesses I decided to start, once I got to the marketing part I scrapped everything and started over with a new business. It was because I didn't know how or because I was afraid. Once you've identified your obstacle, create a detailed plan to overcome it. I created a marketing plan, established goals and created a checklist of things to do. Refer to it everyday. Post it on your board above work station.

You get comfortable in front of the tv on the couch instead of marketing and running your business. You know, I was never a soap opera watcher until I started my business. The stuff is very addictive. Anyhoo, if you have to take your laptop and go to Starbucks or the library. Search for new ways to market your business there are always creative ways to market yourself. Or come up with a new income stream.

Do your market research - OK, do I have to go over this? All those start up books you've invested in tell you all about this. Bottom line: If you don't do the research and see what markets are out there for your product or service, you can lose a ton of money in set up costs when there isn't a market for your product.

Dress for Success - just because you're a home based business doesn't mean you have to dress up in sweats all time. Take the time to make yourself look presentable. You never know where you next prospect may come from. Even if you are just going to the grocery store. There are really nice 2- piece warm up suits, pair those up with a really nice pair of sneakers and you're good to go. C'mon, would you buy image consulting services from someone in ripped sweatpants and a dirty shirt?

Tell everyone you come in contact with about your business. You never know that grocery clerk may have a cousin whose best friend's sister's boyfriend's mom is CEO of a company who may need your services.