Have you ever run your own lemonade stand or advertised your babysitting services to neighbors?  Ever had an amazing idea that just pops into your head, like a really cool invention or service you would like to provide to others?  Did you wonder how you could turn such a great idea into a money-making business or how people could benefit from using your product or service?  How would you start telling people about it?  Could you sell this idea to others?  If questions like these have ever entered your mind, then you have already experienced a taste of what it is like to be an entrepreneur!

For years, people of all ages have turned their ideas into reality.  Imagine, for example, your favorite restaurant.  Whether this restaurant is all over the world (like McDonald’s) or just the local ice cream shop down the street, the idea is the same:  someone saw an opportunity where he/she could serve his/her favorite food and created a way to make it happen.  What a great idea!  Even better….these people are now running successful businesses off of their ideas!

Entrepreneurs are passionate people who see possible successful situations, create plans to turn such opportunities into something real, and are willing to take the personal risks involved with starting a new business (money, relationships, etc.).  Over a certain period of time, ranging from a few months to several years, entrepreneurs work hard to develop a business plan, which thoroughly explains all the details related to starting this business (see “Defined” for more details).

You, too, can form your own business, as long as you have the ideas and the drive to get you there.  Read on to find out how you can take your ideas to the next level and someday become the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of your own company!