You have always wanted to own your own business but just have not been able to get past the first step of owning the dream.  The first step in the process is always the hardest be it starting a new business or starting a new fitness program.  Changing our lives even for the better, takes action, and action that brings about real change in our lives is hard.

In my experience from working with those that do take the plunge, there are three main reasons that prevent people from exploring what the possibility of business ownership might look like.

1. Fear! Change is scary and it takes guts to step out of your comfort zone and say, I want to do something that others may think is risky or even stupid.  It is easier to keep the status quo then try at something new and fail!  What will other people think?  What if I succeed?  How will this impact my life as I know it today?  But what are the consequences of not trying to change your life?  Opportunities missed can be far more costly then failing at something you have always wanted to try.
2. Financial Uncertainty! How much money do I need to start a business or buy a franchise? Do I need everything up front or can some be financed?  I can honestly tell you from experience that most people feel like they just don’t have enough money in the bank to start a business or buy a franchise.  When in reality, the money needed is far less than you might think.  Of course, you will need financing and the overall investment might seem scary at first.   However, if the business model is solid the income from the business should be able to pay down the debt and support you at the same time.
3. Not believing people can help! If you have never started a business or investigated business opportunities or franchises available, it may seem like the process is just too much for you to handle.  When you start your research on-line you are inundated with sales calls and e-mails from people trying to sell you what they have to offer.  So, rather than reach out for help you try to go it alone and end up frustrated and overwhelmed.  There are people that can help if you let them, but you need to be able to tell the difference between those that want to help and those that want to sell you on their concept.  Rather than go it alone, search for some help from qualified and reviewed business brokers or consultants.  These are people that will help you to better understand yourself and what you want from a business as well as introduce you to quality, well vetted opportunities that fit both you and your budget. org is also an organization that can help.  This is a government funded mentoring program that will help you map out a plan and find the resources you need to make your business a reality.

Go ahead, take the first step, and connect with someone to help you explore what business ownership might mean for you.  The exploration of what might be possible is the action that is needed to find out if change is in your future and what not taking the next step might cost you in the long run.