I will tell you that it won't be easy, but the more prepared you are will help you through the peaks and valleys as you embark on an incredible journey of business ownership. Preparation is the key to a lot of challenges you tackle in life and starting, running and owning a business is no different. You must be ready when business is slow, and be prepared to expand when business is great. So what are these sources that can help you get started?

1] The Library - Or more specifically your local library. With the popularity of the internet for doing research many people have forgotten about this valuable source. Not only does it contain millions of books, magazine articles and tools to help you succeed, but the people that work there are invaluable to you. My library has a person that works there for the sole purpose of helping to fine tune and polish your business plan. I am sure yours has one also.

2] SBA (Small Business Administration) - The government would love nothing more than to help you not only start a business but succeed at it. When you succeed you create jobs which create wealth. They can help you with managing your business, expanding it, increasing sales with some helpful advice, financing through guaranteed loans and of course ongoing support. You can visit their website by typing Small Business Administration into Google. Get to know that website and what the SBA can do for you.

3] S.C.O.R.E. (Counselors to America's Small Business) - This organization is made up of thousands of volunteers (10,500 to be exact) who are still in business, retired or worked as professionals in specific areas. You more than likely have a few dozen counselors within a few miles of your home right now. I personally have worked with 13 different counselors in fine tuning my own business plan. These counselors are a great source of knowledge and experience.

Don't forget about your own local municipal, county and state government offices. They also want to see your business succeed. Growing businesses help create jobs which in turn increases the value of the municipality and of the state in which it resides. So for your local and state government offices not to help you would be foolish.

Get to know these sources and get to know them well. They will be your guiding force on your journey towards your entrepreneurial dreams.

#1 Assess Your Strengths

Are you a good writer? Practice and be the best writer you can be. If you enjoy kayaking, perhaps you can pitch a story to an outdoor publication. Maybe you are a civil engineer with an interest in green construction practices. Have a knack with computers? A repair service just might put a little more jingle in your pockets. The possibilities are endless - closet organization, auto detailing, business consulting, photographing special events, tailoring - ask a close friend or family member if you are struggling to find your niche.

#2 Determine Who Will Buy What You Are Selling

When Ami Moore, a Chicago Dog Trainer, started Doggie Do Right to coach dogs and pet parents to live together harmoniously, she networked endlessly. “I partnered with veterinarians, gave advice to pet parents of rehomed dogs and looked for opportunities to promote my business in online communities.” Her plan worked. In 2005, she hit six figures. Ami did several things right that you can do to home in on your target buyers. She turned to bona fide plugged in communities and turned them into referral sources to minimize her advertising costs.

#3 Evaluate The Competition

If you want to offer a scrapbooking tutorial and there are five scrapbooking stores offering lesson within a five block radius of you, find a different angle. Maybe you can specialize in a type of book or paper, or you've developed a technique none of your competitors use. Instead of a run of the mill cleaning service, use only all-natural products. The bonus is by positioning yourself as an expert, above all the fray, the perceived value of your services is greater… which means you can charge more.

#4 Pricing

Ami Moore chuckles when she recounts one of her former competitors. “He hung advertisements on doorknobs, wallpapered the community with fliers and had no takers. He reduced his prices and even offered free lessons. When he finally landed a paying dog training client, he was losing money.” Turns out the value of his service wasn't at issue - he was focusing on a planned community that banned dogs. Think about where you are looking for clients and what the marketplace is. Lawyers may have more room to pay $100 for advertising design than a trucking firm. While you build up your business, don't be afraid to be flexible on your pricing strategy.

#5 Promote Yourself

Networking is key, as illustrated by Ami Moore's success. But you need materials you can leave behind with prospects. Ami always carried an extra leash with her website imprinted on it to send home with someone who forgot one, had one too short for the park, or maybe the dog escaped the off-leash area. She had professionally printed business cards and brochures. As the revenue rolled in, she upgraded her dogdoright website and hired a publicist, which she thinks gave her better results than constantly advertising. Promotional items can be excellent if they are relevant to your target audience.

#6 Get Business Help

Most communities have a small business resource center funded by the local government, the SBA, or the Chamber of Commerce. These are all free services, or available for a nominal fee. You also gain access to SCORE, which are retired executives who may have expertise in your field. Why pay thousands in consulting fees if those same services are available at no cost? Invest $1,000 or so with an accountant to set up your books properly if you've never done it before. You will pick up a wealth of information from your consultation, and ensure you are on the right path.

Start your venture part time if you have steady income already. If it starts to take off, evaluate the pros and cons of doing it full-time. Will your gas savings, for instance, offset your loss of a 401k match from your job? Where will your health insurance come from? Once you make your decision to start your home-based business, don't be afraid to follow your dreams!