If you really mean to make a success of your business you should have considered and be able to answer Yes to the following 12 questions (some may not apply). The answers to these questions should provide you with some very useful material for your business plan.

Starting a business is hard work. Do you have the right skill? Can you sell, and accept the inevitable rejection selling involves?

Running a business will affect your personal circumstances. Do you and your partner's families understand and support your decision to start a business?

Market research tells you if your idea has a reasonable chance of success. How will you win market share from your established competitors? Why will people buy from you?

Make future sales easier by deciding on a Strategy. Have you identified your target customer groups? Do you know how to price, promote, sell and distribute your product?

You need to accurately calculate your start-up and operating costs. Do you know how much your premises and equipment will cost? Do you know how much stock you will need?

A business plan and cash flow forecast are essential to determine whether your plans are feasible. Have you realistically calculated your income and expenditure?

You will need to know how you will finance your business. Have you identified sources of finance? Will you have enough money to keep you going until you break even? What are your working capital requirements?

You will have to calculate your own personal living expenses. Are you prepared to take a drop in living standards? Can you earn enough to survive on?

You need to plan your workplace to minimize wasted time and unnecessary disruption. Do you have the equipment you need? Is your computer correctly set up?

Decide what form of business is going to suit you best. Have you decided whether to trade as a sole trader, partnership or limited company? Have you drawn up all necessary legal agreements?

You must sort out all legal requirements in advance. Have you appropriate insurance's in place? Have you informed all necessary people that your are starting in business?