Many of my clients say that their ultimate dream is to own their own business.

They say things like, "I want to be in business for myself'', "to make lots of money'', "be my own boss'', "have more time to for my family'', and the list can go on an on. Those are all valid reasons to want or need to be in business for yourself but please remember opening a business is not a magical way in fulfilling any of those dreams. The recipe to realising those dreams includes, setting appropriate goals, skillful organising plans, devoted dedication, and diligent hard work along with throwing in some more diligent hard work.

I truly believe that we are all blessed with individual talents. So if you are tired of working for someone else or have a specialty you think you can make a good living from, along with applying all of the above ingredients needed to go into business for yourself, don't delay, look into it and start planning.

Until the business gets up and running, don't quit your day job. In addition, when planning remember it takes approximately three years for a new business to turn a profit and sometimes-even more. I can recall meeting Gordon "Butch'' Stewart, CEO of the Sandals Resort Chain and Air Jamaica Airlines major stockholder, at a think-tank meeting in Jamaica. I was totally fascinated with his business beginnings. He shared that he started in business with a small appliance trading store. Unable to buy office furniture, he placed an old wooden door on two small filing cabinets and that served as his first office desk. It's all history now, but he truly believes that his early struggles and perseverance led him to great success.

If presentation is a major part of your business marketing and selling plans, then by all means invest in suitable office furniture. But if you are not depending on having clients visit you, a small room in your home is where many of us are getting started these days.

From personal experience, most businesses can get started with just the bare essentials. Here's a list of the bare essentials I've started with: A telephone -- use your home phone line until you can afford an additional line. Make sure during office hours you don't allow the children to answer it and answer it in a professional manner.

A Computer and printer -- this is a necessity in today's business world. If possible, get an e mail address. That's almost a common given in business. The Internet allows you to solicit and market your ideas, without having to leave your desk.

A Facsimile -- a fax machine is also an essential piece of equipment. It allows you to send and receive information immediately.

Business cards -- a must for all businesspersons. They are one of the least expensive ways of getting your business known. Order a 1000 and pass them out to every one.

An important ingredient also for going into business for yourself is working in an area you have knowledge, work experience and above all, working within an field you enjoy. It makes no sense to leave the day job to work for yourself in same line of work you hated doing everyday! Cindy Swan is a Professional Organizer with over 20 years of office administrative managerial experience and a member of the National Association of Professional Organisers. Her column appears in the business section on the first and third Thursday of each month. Address inquiries to Cindy Swan, PO Box 304 St. George's GEBX or email her at bermudagolf yibl.bm