Do something you really love: Considering the amount of time and energy you are going to spend setting up the business, it is really important that you love what you do and do what you love.

Make a business plan: Put your ideas down on paper and include detailed plans - right from how much money you need to start the business and where you intend to get it from; to what your proposed marketing strategies include and how much profit you hope to make. Remember, if you cannot make your plan work on paper, chances are it may not take off the ground in real life as well.

Do in-depth research: Don't just skim the surface when researching the business you are planning on starting up. Become an expert in your chosen field. Uncover every stumbling block and loophole you may encounter along the way and plan in advance how to avoid or overcome them.

Be totally committed: Starting up a business requires a lot of long hours and hard toil. Be prepared to spend endless days and sleepless nights as you tie up loose ends and put your plan together.

Sort out your finances: Know in advance where your money is coming from. If you have not managed to save enough, approach potential lenders and investors and figure out what your chances are of raising enough money to start your business and have some extra to fall back on. Don't presume anything. Check everything out for sure.

Entice your customers before you open shop: Hard sell your product or your service to potential clients before your business officially starts up. Advertise; give away free samples and promos. Good marketing is the key to a successful business.

Get professional help: Don't try to handle the marketing as well the financial and legal aspects of the business. You'll soon be overwhelmed by it all and more than likely to give it up. Delegate it to people who know more about it than you do.