"You will have to work harder than you have ever worked before, and probably for less money in the beginning. However," John says, "if you like what you are doing, it will seem more like pleasure than work.

If possible, you should try to find a way to capitalize on your existing knowledge and skills. As Benjamin Franklin once said, 'The shoemaker should stick to his last.'

Many people who dream of starting a business wait until they retire. Then they buy a business, and find all they have done is exchange money for work. Working ten or twelve hours a day, six or seven days a week in a mom-and-pop operation, is not the best way to get rich.

You should not go into business with the idea of doing all the work yourself. You have to become an owner/manager rather than an owner/operator

To get rich quick you need the power of leverage. You have to clone yourself. You have to hire competent people and let them do the work while you concentrate on managing and exanding the business.

Test your success potential against the following twenty questions. Score 1 for every "Yes." Score 0 for every "No." Score less than 13 "Yeses" and you are not quite ready.

• 1. Can you identify a particular niche and the needs of that market niche?
• 2. Can you come up with a simple idea that's loaded with customer benefits?
• 3. Can you find a cost efficient way of reaching your market?
• 4. Can you test your idea in the market before making a commitment?
• 5. Do you know something about selling, advertising and marketing?
• 6. Can you make your offer more attractive than your competitors?
• 7. Do you have a positive attitude?
• 8. Do you have a creative imagination?
• 9. Do you have drive, persistence and a dogged determination to succeed?
• 10. Are you willing to take carefully calculated risks?
• 11. Can you devise a business plan and set realistic goals?
• 12. Do you have some money saved and are you able to borrow more?
• 13. Do you know a number of experts you can call on for advice?
• 14. Are you willing to go where the money is?
• 15. Are you willing and able to hire competent people to help you?
• 16. Are you willing to delegate authority?
• 17. Does your spouse support you in your business ambitions?
• 18. Can you start on a part-time basis?
• 19. Do you have a strong motivation to succeed?
• 20. Are you in a hurry to get rich?