TOP 10 DO’S FOR THE BUDDING ENTREPRENEUR

1. Save, save, save!
Who pays the bills? You do, and only you.

2. Look at the big, long-term picture
focus on its economic potential.

3. Be special – find your niche –
create brown mustard vs. yellow.

4. Imitation is a good thing,
so work for someone you admire and learn their trade, service, etc.

5. Know and then adjust to your local market…
is there a need for lawn care in your neighborhood?

6. Plan, Plan, Plan and then plan some more...
your necessary business plan.

7. Computers are good,
so learn all you can.

8. Your management team should include a 
trusted lawyer, accountant, banker, insurance agent.

9. Keep your own score,
with a little help, of course. Learn accounting.

10. Cash flow on the go:
Know your projections because the past imitates the future.

TOP 10 DON’TS FOR THE BUDDING ENTREPRENEUR

1. Don’t be impatient…
it takes time!

2. Don’t say "Take this job and shove it!"
until you are truly ready.

3. Don’t sign on the dotted line:
leases, franchise agreements, etc.
without getting advice.

4. Don’t  tackle the big dog, take little bites…
remember to be realistic.

5. Don’t go into hock with the family treasure,
limit liabilities on your home equity.
Think twice!

6. Don’t jump in without getting your feet wet…
experience it first.

7. Don’t forget, training and motivating your team. 
They may just save your butt!

8. Don’t let anyone else sign your company checks.

9. Don’t let anyone else sign purchase orders…
keep control. (Detect a trend here?)

10. Don’t hesitate to stop the bleeding in bad times.
Cut costs. Ask the management team when in doubt.