When you're beginning a new business, it obviously takes a lot of action to make things happen.  Your dream -- that killer idea -- is so important to get your juices going.  Most entrepreneurs, however, overlook the Success Cycle I teach my business clients: P-D-C-A (Plan - Do - Check - Adjust).  I find most are hyper to Fire, Fire, Fire!  Now that we've slowed down for a moment to THINK, here are 3 critical questions to carefully consider (and yes, actually write down your responses) before you launch:

1. 1. What do I really want?  Notice the question isn't "what do I think I can achieve?".  Be creative (and honest) here -- it's not the time to constrain yourself with reality yet.  Questions you'll want to answer as you define your ideal situation are:
   • What is the monthly / annual income I want?
   • How many hours do I really want to work?  And what hours are they (7a-5p, 9a-6p, weekends, evenings, holidays, etc.)?  Do they line up with my client's needs?
   • How big, far reaching, quickly, etc. do I want (or not) to grow my business?
   • Through my business, what do I want to be known for?
   • What is the overall life balance I desire (Work, Physical, Family, Spiritual, Financial, Personal Development, Social) and how will my business help create the balance?
   • How strongly am I committed to my idea and what sacrifices am I (and my family) willing to make to help it be successful?  Have I exhibited persistance -- and tolerance to pain -- in my past?  Do I have "stick-to-it-tive-ness"?
2. 2. What's possible (and probable) ... and by when?  Build your successful business on paper before you try opening the doors.  Complete your initial financial and operational forecast for the first 24 months (this will make you really think about your business before acting).  Here are a few projections you'll want to get on paper: 
   • Sales/revenue by month and type of product/service
   • Expenses by month and type of product/service.  Break your expenses down in each key area (Ex. Marketing/Advertising, Labor, Space, Vehicle, Equipment, Raw Materials, etc.)
   • When (and if) you'll need to hire employees
   • Sales activity.  This includes projecting the monthly number of Suspects (who might need you), Prospects (who confirms their interest in you) and Clients (who actually buys from you) you'll create.
3. 3. Who can I depend on?
   • Will my spouse completely support my business?
   • Do I have the experience needed in this particular business, or will I need to lean on the experience of other successful entrepreneurs who have?
   • Have I identified others who can provided needed expertise in areas in which I'm not skilled?  Do I have a mentor or coach who can help me "fill in the blanks"?
   • Have I budgeted for this help?