Working for someone else and exchanging your time for a wage may provide you with a comfortable living but many people would agree that starting your own successful business is the only way to acquire wealth in this country.
Not everyone is necessarily cut out for it, but if you've been considering venturing out on your own, you should know the facts about what you're getting into and see if you have what it takes.
Although working for your self is very rewarding, self-employment is not without its share of stresses.
Here are five keys to running a successful business.

• Know your business and customers and understand that this attribute is an on-going learning exercise.
  People change, markets change, trends change.
  You must be prepared to change along with them or be left behind by the competition.
  
• Saving money is as important in business as it is in your personal life.
  While credit is certainly necessary, savings play an important role in business.
  
• You must be prepared to take risks.
  Calculated risks are well thought out and planned and should have provisions in place in case of a wrong turn.
  
• Living with tension can sometimes be a part of everyday life when working for your self.
  There will be good days and bad days and although the rewards for performance can be grand, the stress of under performing can be equally grand.
  
• You must be determined.
  Don't let little set backs stand in your way.
  Persistence is vital.
  

The journey to success can be a very challenging one.
Are you ready to take the plunge?