Slow Start-Ups Often Materialize

• Most businesses take weeks or months to gain traction. Don't go into business thinking you'll be a rousing success overnight. You'll need patience and persistence.
  
  

Working Capital Can Wear Thin

• Cash-flow problems can hit any business early on. It always takes more money to get a business off the ground than entrepreneurs think it will. Accept the fact that you will have some scary moments when you look at your business checkbook.
  
  

Competition Can Show Up Early

• Ideas seem to float in the air. Just when you've launched your new pastery business, competition might show up down the block. Expect that others will nudge into your commerical space. Don't despair. Just craft ways to outshine the competition.
  
  

The Economy Can Change

• If you decide to go into certain types of business, the economy can interfere with your expectations. For example, a sudden rise in gas prices can affect customers driving into the country to your bed and breakfast. Avoid panic and figure out how to engage local customers.
  
  

Employees Can Fail You

• Employees you were counting on can suddenly quit their jobs. Or they can have family illnesses or circumstances that affect their roles at your business. Keep excellent resumes on your desk in case of turnover, plus stay in touch with reliable temporary workers.
  
  

Costs Can Escalate Suddenly

• Selling cheese or cars can offer surprises. Wholesale prices can suddenly rise. This means you'll need to increase your price to make the same profit you were making before. Jacking up prices or postponing increases each involve risks. Have a good mentor on call to offer insight.