4 steps to starting your own business

Make your Fortune

Before you ditch your job to become your own boss, remember this: Entrepreneurship is time consuming, stressful and draining - and that's before you even launch. Take these steps first; then you can walk out the door.
By Josh Hyatt, Money Magazine
Work two jobs
Get as much of your new business as you can set up while you're still collecting a regular paycheck. You want to exit your job with a business plan in hand - you can pick up the basics at sba.gov or by reading gobignetwork.com, where entrepreneurs discuss business plans (check the Getting Started forum). Or you can hire an adviser for $2,500 or more. To refine your pitch, meet with investors, even if you don't need their money right away. If you're launching a business in an entirely new field, consider taking a part-time job in that industry first.