Taking the Plunge  Starting Your Own Business

"The longest journey begins with the first step"

When I first broke the news to family members that I was about to start my own business, I received , as expected, a few funny looks and the inevitable question - "What are you thinking? What do you know about running a business?"

A very good question, I must admit, what possible motivation could there be for a 55 year old textile engineer with no business experience to even attempt such a venture?

In fact, there were several factors that influenced me to take that great leap into the unknown.

My wife and I loved to travel and as the years progressed our desire to go first class did also. I first started out with my home business as only a part-time venture, not too serious about the whole thing but willing to spend a couple hours a week doing what I had to, to earn a little extra cash to enable us to take that yearly trip to which we had become accustomed.I know that this is not unusual, everyone has the need for a little extra for some luxurious and otherwise unobtainable item.

The 21st Century has proven itself to be a strange new world. Events which take place on the other side of the globe can affect our lives immensely in the matter of weeks or months.

What better place to protect yourself from global influences than the Internet where everyone competes on an equal playing field?The resources of some may be greater than yours - at the moment - but with hard work, the right instruction and the desire to succeed your resources can match or even exceed theirs in time.

Everyone at some point in time wants to be the master of their own destiny.

The idea of working my own hours from the comfort of my home was always an appealing prospect for me. Probably, in part, this was due to the 2 hour round trip commute I faced everyday just to reach my place of employment.

Everyone enjoys being praised for a job well done. How often has someone else taken the credit for all your efforts for a good job or passed on the blame for a botched up one.

Some people I know fear change. I, on the other hand, welcome it.

For many a life changing event could be a marriage, a new baby in the house, retirement or pending retirement, moving to a new city, starting a new career, a divorce or a tragic loss.

Sitting in the doctor's office we couldn't quite believe what our doctor was telling us. Digging in our heels we resolved to fight, but in the end it proved to be a losing battle.

But in those months we talked and talked, probably more so than in the previous 25 years and one of the topics that somehow arose was our fledgling online business. Once just a pleasant pastime, a vehicle for earning us some "mad money", my business now took on far greater importance.

My wife was certainly wise beyond her years

Over two years have passed. In that time the bills have been paid; I have been able to semi-retire from "my real job" as my sister puts it and now only work every second week and still have had enough left over to spend a week in Hawaii.

What about you? Do you also feel the need to take the plunge and make needed changes in your life but have no idea where to start? . Life often springs many surprises in our paths, some pleasant and some not. Don't allow Life to catch you unawares - take action now - it could change your life forever!

About The Author Paul Menzie is an author and entrepreneur for Global Cash Flow Networks, a continuing education and business development company showing people how to build business success. Get No Obligation Free Tips and Training at http://www.takingthefirststep.ca Find out if you qualify to be trained in having your own business at 1-800-719-8268 extension 17861