Before I go any further, let me ask everyone a question: do you really want to start a small business right now? It doesn’t matter what small business you are interested in. In most cases, when people talk about running a business, it really means that you have to quit your current job if someone else hires you.

Here are some things to remember before you decide to quit your job.

Running a business is not an easy job, even if it is just a small business. It requires many aspects like dedication, hard work and stamina. Do you know that most entrepreneurs work twelve or more hours a day, six to seven days a week?

This thing ties closely to your decision making later on. The businessman simply cannot wake up one morning and decide not to go to his place of business. Workplace here means for his business.

Don’t expect your business to run well this way. People won’t just walk into your new store unless you’re a super lucky person. Is there anyone out there who used to yell “I’m the luckiest man in the world! All good things will come easily to me.” If you are really a lucky person, I wish you good luck. May good luck come to you all the time.

At first glance, do you want to have your own business because you think you would be successful or because you think it is an easy way out of your current employment situation? If ideas stemming from tons of money, flexible work hours, and a lack of rules and regulations is what motivates you, owning your own business is probably not for you. You will regret it in a day.

Many used to say that small business owners are extremely profitable and are no longer directly involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. They can hire staff to handle all the tasks in the company. Once again, let me ask you a simple question. Do your staff work very hard all the time? Probably not! You still need to be around to take care of your business and THEM.

Most business experts agree that it typically takes about three years for a new business to turn a profit. Yes, theoretically it should be around three years. It still depends on the business you are in. Anyway, we are not going to go too deep into this business concept. Let’s say about 3 years.

For three years, business owners must be extremely focused, structured, and organized. Without such discipline, the business will be headed for failure. It is important for everyone to know that anyone can fail in their business, but with a lot of hard work it can be done, but failure is part of the process. Remember that. Money will only haunt you when you are this type of person. If you’re familiar with the big blue business map, then you’re probably halfway to success. Most of the time you are looking at things through the macro view. All kinds of risk already included in your decision making.

Below is a checklist to see if you are ready to start your own small business or not.

1. Make an honest checklist.

Do you have the personality to run a business or are you better suited to a corporate environment? Although you don’t need the character of a used car salesman, you will need to be outgoing and have the initiative to promote your business wherever and whenever possible. Sure, silence is golden, but it might not work here. The businessman must be able to open his mouth and speak loudly in public with a smiley face printed on his face every time he serves a client. The customer is always king. Let this be his own trademark. Anyway, you won’t lose anything.

2. What other events are currently occurring in your life? If you’re thinking of moving to another city or state, or planning a wedding within the next year, you may need to put your business plans on hold until your personal life stabilizes. You will need all your attention and strength for your business. You don’t have much time for your family.

3. What are your long-term goals? If you’ve always wanted to travel the world, don’t open a conventional grocery store. This business will require your full attention and constant supervision. This is especially for the typical Chinese style. They are so used to this method. They are STUCK! They just sacrifice too much of their time.

4. Are your finances in order? Do you have good credit and have you saved enough money to cover your living expenses for at least three to six months? The question arises here because you will have to invest in equipment and supplies for your new venture and you may have to wait several months before earning any income from your business. In short, you must be financially prepared. I suggest you stick with your current company as an employee first until you are ready. Ready here means financially and fit enough prepared. At the same time, you can also do your business part-time. Completely in this way it is considered safer. Once again, time management applies here.

5. Do you have a plan? It’s not just an idea! Department. To be more specific, a big blue map about your company for the future. Without this blue map, you can’t perform well. Unless you are like the conventional commercial retail store in some home gardens.

6. Does your plan make sense and is it realistic? Success doesn’t happen overnight; requires patience and well planned. (This sounds familiar to those learning 6 Sigma.) I still believe that anyone can run a business, but how well are they doing.

7. What resources will you need to start your business? If you have other people to help you get started (including your spouse, partner, family members, or best friends you can trust). I would suggest that everything should be properly documented and if possible legalized. This is the best way to bond and unite each year. This is called association.

8. What and how much are you willing to sacrifice? Are you willing to put off buying a new car or house to reinvest in your business?

Be honest with yourself. If your personality and situation require you to hold down a full-time job for a few more months, years, or decades, that’s still okay. If you still have an entrepreneurial spirit, you can develop your business plan. If you never want to have a business? That’s still okay too.

Starting a business is not for everyone. Whatever your decision, I hope you keep one thing in mind: whatever you do in life, do it well and to the best of your ability.