In my consulting business over the past few years, I’ve found that women are starting small businesses in larger and larger numbers. Many are searching for work/life balance, or they want to work at home to spend more time with their children. Some find the typical corporate job to be unfulfilling. Still others are just born entrepreneurs, and their creativity demands an outlet.

And of course, with the economy the way it is, there are those who find that self-employment is the best course open to them at this time.

Perhaps one of these describes you, or maybe your situation is a little different. Nonetheless, here you are. You’ve started your own business. Now what?

Often, there is nothing more exhilarating...or more scary...than taking that leap. The trick is to make sure you have a safety net!

Your chances for success will be much, much greater if you make sure you have the following in place:

• A clearly defined purpose (we often refer to this as "The Vision")
• A proposed business model for achieving the purpose (aka "The Mission")
• A strategy (don't confuse this with the last two)
• A plan (yes, you need a good one, and it's not the same as a strategy)
• A group of people to help you: consultants, employees, vendors, maybe even an advisory board…and it also doesn’t hurt to have a group of  like-minded women to support you

Groups like NAWBO are indispensable for small businesswomen. The skills you can learn through active participation, and the community of women you can develop if you make the effort, can make a huge difference in whether you succeed or fail at your business.

So…go for it! But remember, you don’t have to go it alone.