DO THEY HAVE STRONG MANAGEMENT?

Even if company is a financial powerhouse and have been around for hundreds of years, your investigation isn't over. ASK QUESTIONS about who is running show and ESPECIALLY about their experience in THIS particular business.

Apple learned hard way about hiring top people that didn't have a clue about computer industry. Make sure top people in YOUR potential business KNOW what they are doing.

DO THEY SELL WHAT PEOPLE WANT AT A GOOD PRICE?

If they sell what people want, they don't have to be low price leader to succeed. People don't buy on price alone or no one would EVER drive a $50,000 car; they'd ride a bike instead. ALSO, if they have cheapest price in town on pet rocks you won't go very far there either. Make sure you find right product at right time at right price.

Remember, THIS IS YOUR FUTURE. Don't settle for less than best. The questions above are an excellent starting point but no matter how many questions YOU use, don't make a move until you are satisfied that it's RIGHT move for YOU.

Third, you can learn much of what you need to know by networking with other business people like yourself and reading some basic information. Don't let language of law get to you. You don't have to be a pro, just know enough not to be taken advantage of.

ACCOUNTING

You are beginning to sell a few of your wonderful products. Now that checks are rolling in, are you making any money?

Cash in bank and profits are two TOTALLY different things. The chances are that you are going to do this on your computer so be sure to get a piece of software that fits YOU This is not a one size fits all proposition. Again, you don't have to become a C.P.A. but if you don't know difference between cash and accrual accounting, get some information. And at tax time, see a pro.

The bottom line here is this. It's not enough to have a great idea, be able to write HTML code that makes visitors drool with envy or even have best product at best price.

You must add to these things a BASIC understanding of how and why your business is working or not working. Only then will you be able to KNOW how to succeed not only today but well into future.