Learn how business have to work legally and get things set up. Figure out what type of corporation your business needs to be, get your tax ID number, and get your workplace legal. Not only does it keep you out of trouble with the law, it gets you in the door with suppliers and financial institutions. Make a business plan. Don't know how to make one? Find out. You'd be amazed at how many people thing you can open a business by just starting a website or slapping a name on a building.

If you're fuzzy on some details, try selling here and there on eBay, Etsy, and the like before going whole hog.

- Not Scrod