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PREFACE - A Note to the Reader

This book “How To Take Control of Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide to Starting Your Own Business” is the second book in a 3-part series which provides powerful information on how to take control of your own life.

So, you’re thinking of starting your own business? Well, you’re not alone. It’s the American entrepreneurial dream to take a business idea from the research to planning stages --to the day when you open your doors, hang out your shingle or go live online.

Many people dream about becoming a business owner but only a few actually do it. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to open your own business. All you need is the know-how of how to go from point A to point B and this book will show you how to do it.

Many businesses are set up the same way. There is someone at the helm who is not satisfied with other people making decisions in their lives. Business owners are risk takers but they are ‘intelligent’ risk-takers.

You keep thinking how great it would be to be your own boss. Don’t underestimate the amount of work and passion required to become a business owner. Starting a business may be the hardest, most difficult, and at the same time the most rewarding thing you will ever do. But remember sacrifices will have to be made, particularly in the beginning.

If you have a product, service, or concept that the marketplace would like to have then begin now and simply never quit. If you’re not sure of what to do, enter into a time of study, planning and research.

To avoid some of the business pitfalls, eliminate as many of the barriers as possible before you start. A business might run you down both physically and emotionally, so you will need to have a good amount of stamina and drive when starting a business.

There will be long days ahead with some difficult decisions that will have to be made. You could end up working virtually 7 days a week for over 12 or more hours per day. It will require you to work through exhaustion while also having the patience to deal with periods of slowdown and burnout.

You will be faced with hundreds of decisions to make, so you should develop a ‘business sense’ now. You need to have the skills to discern good business decisions from bad ones, along with being able to think on your feet and under pressure.

Still, don’t dream of being your own boss –make it happen! Starting a business can be exciting and a great opportunity for you to be your own boss and it can be the most rewarding venture of your life.

The book will educate and empower anyone on all facets of business ownership from conducting research, obtaining funds, marketing the business or moving their business to the next level. This book is a must for anyone who is ready to make their dream of opening a business come true.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEDICATION

INTRODUCTION

PREFACE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chapter 1 - Do You Have What It Takes to Become an Entrepreneur?