Anyone who has been in business for any length of time with the hope of satisfying their entrepreneurial urges knows all too well things don't always go as planned.

You start your business knowing that everyone will want your product or services. You've done your market research and all systems are go. What could go wrong?

Here are a few things that could go wrong:

1. Your supplier decides they no longer want to do business with you because they want to focus more on the big box retailers.
2. You run out of money.
3. Your partner or employees steal from you.
4. Your accountant miscalculated your tax returns and you owe the IRS more money than you have on hand.
5. Your relationships suffer because you are working so many hours, and you can't find time for your family or significant other.
6. There could be a downturn in the economy.

I'm sure you could list a few more things from your personal experience, but you get the idea.

It is very difficult being in business for yourself and it's not for everybody.

How do you know if you will be successful in your own business? The simple answer is - you don't know.

But there are a few questions you can ask yourself before starting your business to help you know if you have what it takes.

1. Can you handle being overwhelmed most of the time?

2. Are you disciplined in the handling of your finances? And do you have enough money to carry yourself for 12 to 18 months?

3. Do you have what it takes to persevere when things are looking bleak in your business? Is your level of faith and belief in yourself and your business strong enough to carry you through the rough spots?

4. Are you willing to work late nights and early mornings or even weekends?

5. Are you self-motivated and disciplined?

6. Do you enjoy change and learning new things?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, you may have what it takes to run your own business and to feed your entrepreneurial spirit. If you did not answer yes to all the questions above, do yourself and everyone around you a favor. Keep your job.

To Your Success,