The economy stinks. You are working more hours for less money and feel as though you are going in reverse in your career. You spend endless hours a day sitting at your desk looking out the window dreaming about the day you'll be your own boss. You have piles of paperwork that need to be completed for numerous managers in related divisions in the firm - all of whom graduated college more than 10 years after you. You want to throw open the window and scream, "Stop wasting my time - I could run this place with my eyes closed!" The question you really have to ask yourself is, "Do you have what it takes to start your own business?" First, mission. Do you have a clear mission for your business? What will the business do that is not being done by others now? What niche will it fill in the community? How will you differentiate your business from others? Who is the competition and what do your bring to the party that they don't? Second, vision. Are you a true visionary? Can you see the big picture? To start a business you must be able to see the baby steps as well as the bigger picture of what it will look like in three months, nine months, one year, three years. Build it and they will come just happens in the movies. A true entrepreneur knows exactly how (s)he will establish a presence and garner the target market needed to become a player. Third, filters. You must believe in yourself and your ability, at any and all cost, to get your business up and running and making money. Although you want to be open to listening to what other people (friends, investors, employees, bankers, lawyers, accountants etc.) think about how you can "do it better" you must be able to filter all the advice you hear and go with your gut. At the end of the day, you must rely on yourself to do what is in the best interest of the business. Fourth, independence. Your independence from people, places and things when starting your own busines is critical to your success. The movement you move into the territory where you are obligated to do something for someone you have crossed the line necessary for business growth. The more beholden you are to others the more you will find your hands are tied to move forward, zigging and zagging if necessary. When you are truly independent you'll be seen as the leader you need to be to get things done on your own terms. Fifth, courage. Starting your own business takes courage. You must be ready to stand up and fight for what you believe in and for what is in the best interest of your company. With courage you can challenge the competition regardless of its size or longevity and be a leader in your industry. These are the first five of ten qualities necessary to start your own business. How many of the five identify you?