The Entrepreneurial Seizure is the moment where you realize you should… no, you absolutely must… start your own business. It is an unrelenting pressure you cannot resist.

Michael Gerber coined the phrase “Entrepreneurial Seizure” to capture the overwhelming emotions that surface when the decision is first made to start your own business. It is both an exciting and a fearful time. Understand what is happening when the “Entrepreneurial Seizure” hits you.

You either suddenly realize that you’re not being paid what you are worth, that you can do the job better than anyone around you, or that your boss is a fool. No matter the reason, you are out of there.

The emotions inherent in starting your own business can carry you into uncharted waters very quickly. Not knowing what you don’t know is the most dangerous predicament. Stop and take a breath, and think about what you are getting into.

We’ve all had it happen…that’s why we are where we are. Yesterday I couldn’t even spell “entrepreneur”, and today I am one. Discover how to become the best you can be at running a business that does “the Thing”.

A construction business doesn’t just happen. This lesson addresses the multitude of steps and the items you need to think about as the process moves forward.

A small business gets real personal real fast. Read this lesson and checklist to see if you have what it takes to run an enterprise. Most important: Would you hire yourself to manage this construction business?

Mundane, boring…and absolutely necessary. Checklist for all the little “i’s” that need to be dotted and the “t’s” that need to be crossed.

What do you know about your market? Have you identified your niche? Is there sufficient business to support your business? This section of the checklist gets you thinking realistically about your dream.

This lesson forces you to get real about how you are going to produce the houses you intend to sell. Take a look at your labor market, and the part you will play in it. Can you produce what you think you can?

This lessons addresses the capital requirements of the construction start-up and delves into the financial relationships upon which your business will depend. Do you have the financial resources to actually carry the business through the start-up phase and give it a chance to thrive?

Here is a list of thought-provoking suggestions for starting (or restarting) your construction business. Fore-warned is fore-armed.

Consider these practices for a “Smart Start” with your business management.

Consider these for a “Smart Start” in marketing your business.

Consider these for a “Smart Start” handling your prospects and clients.

Don’t let your subcontractors run your business. Consider these practices to “Smart Start” your subcontractor management system.

There are some great resources available to help you manage your projects better. Here is a short list of “Smart Start” project management assets for your consideration.

Yes, the accounting system is an important part of your new business operation. Here are some things to think about to help you “Smart Start” your financial information system.