AN ACE IN THE HOLE

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Put a star next to a few things on your list that you'd enjoy doing. Then pick one to try. Although Al could have easily parlayed his love of old cars, for example, into a perfectly reasonable business, he wisely decided to build on his love of computers.

While there's a benefit to doing something better, cheaper, faster, or with a dazzlingly brilliant twist, the only requirement is that you serve a real need at a fair price. Reinventing the wheel is not necessary.

3. Stop to look and listen.

Talk to everyone you know about your idea — but don't take everything you hear to heart. You'll get good advice, helpful insights, and a hefty dose of discouragement. Still, great ideas lurk in strange places, and disclose themselves when least expected. Al initially decided to transfer his computer expertise into a desktop publishing business, which he named "Viable Visuals." But, because he was flexible, and open to opportunity, Al soon found a more appropriate niche. He happened to mention his new business venture to his doctor. During a physical, the two men were chatting about computers and the doctor said, "I'd like to hire someone to make monthly backups of the data on my computer's hard drive and to check my PC for viruses." By the time Al's pants were back on, he'd found a great service he could provide to local doctors ...and other small businesses, including mine. He also received a clean bill of health and acquired his first paying customer.

4. Slow and steady still wins most races.

Set your sights on developing a modest "backup" source of income — not on creating a new corporate empire. Micro-mini businesses expose you to micro-mini risks. Since Al enjoyed and could keep his fulltime job, he was in an ideal position to start small, while he slowly and steadily nurtured and focused his business. Then, when Al was offered a generous, early retirement package, after 28 years on the job, he was ready. Now he's working at his Ace full time and loving it.

5. There's a lot in a name.

Take your time picking out a name and logo. I believe that Al's "Viable Visuals" moniker might have worked for desktop publishing, but it doesn't come close to describing the computer backups, upgrades, trouble shooting, and virus protection service Al's actually providing. The last handicap any business needs is a "bad" name.

6. If at first you don't succeed...

The nice thing about a tiny business is the ease with which you can change direction, purpose, or speed. So don't hold on to an idea that turns out not to work. Try another. Eventually, one idea will be right for you. Al thought desktop publishing would be his ticket to a smooth passage from the corporate world to his dream of self-employment. Fortunately, he wasn't afraid to alter his course.

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