While I've never learned art of having patience, I have learned that that particular saying can apply to creating a successful business.

If you've got big dreams for starting or growing your own business, but you lack start-up capital, technical assistance or training that you need to succeed, then start by thinking...small.

In fact, think smaller than small. Think micro -- as in "microenterprise development programs".

What is a microenterprise development program?

Basically, it's a government sponsored or supported program that provides start-up or expansion capital, technical assistance and training to microbusinesses. It's designed to help entrepreneurs who don't have access to traditional means of credit. Which means that if you're low-income, you've got bad or no credit, you don't have enough collateral to apply for a business loan -- then you're a good candidate for a microloan.

Need other help?

How about training? Learning to write a business plan? Want to go back to school? Need help understand how to put together a cash flow statement?

As a direct result investors in their thousands turned their backs on rollercoaster stock markets and sought alternative asset classes in which to invest their hard earned money. This has led to a global boom in real estate markets and property prices, and it has spawned a generation of budding real estate investors.

For those of you wondering whether it’s too late to venture into real estate investing or considering how best to make most significant returns from property investment, here are 5 hot tips for successful real estate investment to set you on path to potential profits!

1) Consider Investment Property Abroad

There are many relatively untapped property markets in countries around world that offer real estate investor greater return on investment in form of rental yields or short to medium term capital growth.

While major markets in USA, UK, Australia and Europe are slowing down, there are emerging property markets globally that are hungry for investment and are proving to be highly profitable.

For example, in 2007 a number of countries are already aligned for accession into European Union and as a result property markets in these countries are likely to benefit from greater numbers of visitors, more trade, increased investment into infrastructure and more stable economies. The likes of Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Turkey and even Northern Cyprus are just a few examples of overseas destinations with emerging real estate markets that may be worthy of your consideration.

2) Make Sure Your Plans Are Profitable

This sounds ridiculously simple right? Well, you’d be surprised how few people actually make sure their plans are actually sustainable and as profitable as they hope.