The paralyzing effect of fear is one of the greatest barriers to business ownership. Self-doubt springs into action: How will I fund this venture? Will I go into debt? Can I run a successful business when I’ve never done it before? Is there too much competition? What happens if I fail?

You may have worked for corporate America for decades just like most of us. Those were long years of pure and all too consuming stress that did not bring enough career satisfaction and sense of well-being. While your high-paying salary had allowed you and your family to live a comfortable life, you find yourself living in quiet desperation day after day. You fear that if you stay longer, the job will take its toll on you and you will not be able to grow into the person you want to become.

For those accustomed to collecting a paycheck, the prospect of business ownership can be daunting and overwhelming. The natural self-doubt arises: Will I go into crippling debt? Is my business idea as strong as I think it is? What if I’m not the “entrepreneurial type?”

Thousands of people dream of the day they can quit their jobs and escape the 9-to-5 life. In fact, Gallup found that 87 percent of the employees it surveyed worldwide did not see themselves as engaged. But quitting your job and starting your own business is only half the battle. You need to prepare to be an entrepreneur. Besides getting your finances in order and having a plan in place, you also need to prepare your mind.

Deciding to buy a small business is a major investment step. Choosing the right type of business is integral to the kind of success you will have. There are two broad categories of businesses you can consider: a franchise or an independent!

Maybe it’s losing your job, maybe it’s deciding to take action on your long overdue entrepreneurial dreams of starting a business, or maybe it’s just your need to escape the stressful corporate world. Whatever the reason may be that led you to consider options around business ownership, here are some of the things you should know.

If you want to improve your future opportunities as a business owner let a franchise coach lead the way. Here are some benefits of coaching to consider!

Data from past recessions shows that launching a business in difficult times can be highly rewarding. Why? Because in a contracting market demand may slow, but it does not go away. Business owners who commit to maintaining or even expanding their services by being persistent and creative will flourish. Those who sit back and wait for better times will not survive.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to make drastic changes in order to notice an improvement in the quality of your life. At the same time, you don’t need to wait a long time in order to see the measurable results that come from taking positive action. All you have to do is take small steps, and take them consistently for a few months.

This book Rich Dad, Poor Dad written by Robert T. Kiyosaki has been on my shelf for a number of years. I decided to do a quick review and thought you might enjoy some of these important points.

Crossroads. That is one of the few words I regularly used (too much) in my early twenties. Why? I was at a stage when I was presented with multiple directions to choose, yet not wise or experienced enough to make the decision without fear of failing or regrets. Often I felt the energy and drive to charge forward, but I was afraid that I might choose the wrong path or if I’d miss the opportunity to build on my expertise if I hopped around too much.

You are officially torn: should you start your own business and become your own boss, or stick with your 9 to 5 because it seems comfortable or less scary?

There are pros and cons to every emerging brand. The pros and cons depend on the investor. Here are some of the differences between a new brand and an established brand.

When veterans come home from service, they typically search for careers that match the abilities they gained in the military. Many bright, industrious veterans with strong leadership characteristics have found that owning a franchise is a perfect match.