This simple statement should be enough to kick those with ambition to have their own business into action, but very few make the leap.

Ask any overworked executive if they ever dream of having their own business and it's likely they will say "Oh yes! all of the time".

In the UK 3/400,000 new businesses are founded each year and the majority of those who make the leap claim they wish they had done it sooner.

So what are the key things to consider? One is not to do it for a negative reason like leaving the day job just to get out. Look for the positives.

* Do something you have a passion for.

* Think what specialist skills you have and how you can employ them to build up a reputation among your new customers.

* Think hard about whether you are emotionally suited to working alone. Isolation is one of the most common reasons self-employed people find themselves returning to work.

* Share your plans at an early stage with people you respect and can trust.

* Focus on and think about your transferable skills - not what roles you have filled.

* Really go through all of your working life. Work out what work you can create for yourself that would allow you to be paid to do the things that you find most enjoyable.

I really like that last point because if you get it right you will be happier and make more money.

Understand that you need to sell you and your ideas in order to advance your career, gain more respect, and increase your success, influence and income. Jay Abraham.

Best wishes,

Michael Harrison.

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