You're tired of playing the corporate field, but you're afraid to venture on your own because you feel you're not ready to face sole responsibility. Well, here's a thought: everybody has fears when they start new things. New beginnings are generally way too scary. But the only means that you could make opportunity work for you is to start doing it right away. No if's and but's about it. There are a lot of tips out there to help you focus on your goal.



Here are a few of the lessons small business owners learned from their beginnings:

1. A clear and flexible goal. You have your paths mapped out. You are focusing on your vision. As you communicate your vision to your target market, be sure to express a clear but flexible goal. I say flexible because your market is a very capricious entity. It's like a box of chocolates, as Forrest Gump would say- you never know what you're going to get. Your target market may point you to a different direction. So be sure that you are able to go wherever the current flows.

Experience has taught me that most of the time a different path points to a more lucrative route. If I had been stubborn and stuck to my course, I wouldn't have known other related avenues that I can get into. Hence, be ready to be flexible so that when you have an opportunity for business change you could go ahead and revise without any reservations.

2. Be sure to act on your plans, even if you just have 80% of it mapped out. Start to make noise and make your presence known to your target clients. Have your business card printing company start rolling on the presses. You have to go out now and hand out your marketing materials. If you want your small business to get going, the right time to start is now. Don't delay. More delays would mean more costs.

3. Build on your network. Make connections if you still don't have one. And if you do, start counting on those connections to help you succeed. Send out business cards to let them know that you're up and about. Make a lot of phone calls. Your client database usually begins with referrals from your network. So use your network to jump start your target customers.

4. On your way, start helping others. When you ask help from others, be ready to reciprocate. Lend your time, skills and knowledge, even your network to help out other small businesses. In turn, you'll reap immense loyalty from them.

5. Become an expert. Position your way to your target market; create your niche so that people will pay attention. With so many new businesses coming out, what makes you different from the rest? Narrow down your specialization and work on that expertise. Do interviews, write blogs and articles, join seminars and conferences that feature your business- these are some of the strategies to get you recognized as an expert in your field.

6. Be plain; be transparent; be open. Don't be afraid to admit that you have shortcomings and that you don't have the answer to everything. If you can't do a project being offered, say so, but also tell the client that you could look for other resources to help. And do not be afraid to ask for help.

Lastly, do not be afraid to fail. In every endeavor, you cannot help but take chances. But that doesn't mean that you won't try again. It's just that maybe your business is not what customers are looking for at the moment. There would be other opportunities waiting for you at the sidelines.

The greater sin is not that you fail; it is being afraid and not trying at all.