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I have never met anyone who left his or her job -- whether fired or voluntarily -- who started his or her own business and regretted it. What these people always regret is not having done it

sooner. This includes people who eventually failed and had to go back to work for someone else. So are you ready to be an entrepreneur? Do you have the right stuff? Before you take the

plunge, take this test: Do you need a new idea? New ideas are wonderful if you have them. But your best chance of success is working hard, using established values and ideas if necessary.

Who are your customers? "Everyone" is the wrong answer. If your concept is going to succeed, you have to identify a realistic target audience. Why should anyone want to buy your

product or service? Find an unmet, unanswered need by identifying a market segment that isn't being served or is being served inadequately. Who is your competition? It doesn't

really matter how many others are doing something similar. All you have to do is find a way to do it better. What advantages does your organization have over the competition? Management?

People? Product? Service? Financial strength? Reputation? Recognition? Marketing? One is not enough. Sometimes all are not enough. But you can usually beat better-financed competition with

superior customer advantages. Do you have a business plan? Make one before you do anything else. Your plan should include a situation analysis; objectives; target audiences; mission

statement; objective; strategy and tactics; execution; budget; measurement; and time and action calendar. What do your banker and lawyer say? Bankers see and evaluate business plans all day

long. Attorneys can help you avoid pitfalls. What does your mentor say? Find a "tiger," preferably someone who's been around the block. I can't urge you enough to check

out SCORE. They have access to people with every imaginable kind of business experience. Do you really want to do this, or are you just trying to escape your own problems? Be brutally

honest. What will you do if you fail? Don't be discouraged if you do. Few entrepreneurs make it the first time. Failure teaches you not to fear failure, because if you can survive it to

fight again, you haven't failed. Mackay's Moral: If you're looking for a big opportunity, look for a big challenge. Harvey Mackay can be reached through his website,

www.harveymackay.com, by e-mailing [email protected] or by writing him at MackayMitchell Envelope Co, 2100 Elm St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.