By: Steve Cesari

Are you an entrepreneur? I have started more than 15 companies and found that it takes more than a good idea and some talent to launch a successful business venture. Yet failure is not inevitable. Here are five principles that will help you greatly increase your odds of succeeding.

Passion
If you do not believe in what you are doing, no one else will. A passionate person with limited ability will outperform a passive person with more ability. When I started Trillium Health products in 1989, I have no doubt that passion helped us generate $75 million in revenue in just two years and led to my nomination by Inc. magazine as Entrepreneur of the Year. Before committing to any business startup, ask, “What makes me come alive?”

Planning

One of the main principles that separate the small-business successes from the failures is planning. Think of your business as a journey and the business plan as a road
map. Failing to plan is the reason 75 percent of businesses fail in their first five years. Helpful resources include Business Plan Pro software, and for help with a business plan, contact Master Plans (masterplans.com).

People

Leadership expert John Maxwell says, “People trace the successes and failures in their lives to their most significant relationships.” Look for someone who is already successful doing what you want to do or who has the same values you have and schedule time with him. Use the time to gather information. Someone at the U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov), will usually meet with you at no charge. The local Chamber of Commerce is another great place for help.

Perseverance

No matter how much ability you have, there is no success without perseverance. Being successful in business requires discipline, hard work and preparation. One of the
most important predictors of success is whether or not you have the “staying power.” Before you open your business, ask yourself whether you have the perseverance to finish the race.

Prayer

Seek God’s guidance in all you do. Ask Him for wisdom, and the right people and
resources. Start by asking Him if your business opportunity is the right one for you. Talk to God as if He is your business partner, before, during and after you start your business. I talk to God constantly, seeking His wisdom when I don’t know what to do. NM

Steve Cesari is president of Vital Visions Inc. and a nationally acclaimed entrepreneur, mentor and speaker. Visit him at 1percentclub.com.

This article “Keys to Starting a Small Business” written by Steve Cesari is excerpted from New Man Magazine a Nov/Dec 2007 edition.

This article may not be written by an Apostolic author, but it contains many excellent principles and concepts that can be adapted to most churches. As the old saying goes, “Eat the meat, throw away the bones.”