"I'm Scared to Start. What Do I Do?"

Question: I'm thinking of starting a home based gift basket business, but there is a lot of competition in the area I live in.

My friends and family are all skeptical and think it's a bad idea. What should I do!"

Response: You mentioned that there is lots of competition in your area.

The first thing you must do before buying your first basket is to identify reasons why you believe that a new gift basket business will be successful.

1. Why do you think that individuals and corporations will buy your gift baskets versus buying from established businesses? Do current baskets lack originality, style or creativity? Is the customer service poor? Does the competition ship nationwide?

List on paper the pros and cons of your competition and how you can go "one up" on them to build your business while also persuing their customers' attention.

If you don't see how your gift baskets will stand out from the crowd, then this may not be the business for you.

2. Friends and family are usually, but not always, skeptical of new business ventures. Sometimes (especially in the case of family) they're concerned about how you'll feel if you fail. Other times (especially in the case of friends), there's a touch of envy in their words.

If you start your business now, how big do you think it will grow in five years? If you don't start your business now, where will you be in five years? Are you worth taking a chance on yourself?

Do your research to see if starting a business is right for you, whether or not it's gift baskets. Too many people go to their graves without fulfilling their dreams. Don't be one of them.