You are officially a start-up when you freely and easily say to others, "I'm starting my business!" When you let somebody else know about it
--although it only amounts to your second step-- you are taking a flying leap! You have decided to do it! You are doing the American dream.

A sincere "Congratulations."

You will move on to Step 3 once you have developed that product and/or service and you make your first sale.

1. The Basics. Check with your family. All these people did. Let the most positive and supportive among your family and friends participate in your dream. You will need a support group and a sounding board before taking your ideas out into the public.

1. Who are your confidants? Who are your experts? Who are your mentors?
2. What about your full-time job? What you doing to protect yourself?
3. Where is your first-draft of a business plan?
4. With whom and when will you be able to make your second sale? Why is this the right product (or service) at the right time? Is it within a niche market?