Taking the first step is probably the hardest. The rest is just going to build off of this step. Take it day by day and don’t worry if you need an extra day here or there

You have taken the time to actualize your business. Your going to focus on research, strategy, and making your business legal.

You’re going to start by figuring out what it is that you do best, what you enjoy doing, and what you’re good at. At this stage, you may want to start working on your market research. You’re also going to figure out what “success” looks like for you.

Is it about becoming a millionaire within a year? Or is it about running a non-profit soup kitchen for the unemployed? Once you’ve figured out what matters to you and what you’re skilled at, you need to think about the type of business you’d like to run.

Many people reading this will already have an idea of what that is—perhaps a tutoring agency, or a restaurant, or a software company. If you don’t have a business idea yet but you do know you want to run your business, you might start by looking at our guide on coming up with business ideas. Or, you could consider turning a hobby you have into a full-time business. You could even pursue something in which you have a lot of experience.

If you’ve been working in retail for 10 years, why not consider opening a boutique? Now, depending on what business you’d like to run, you should start thinking about what you’re going to sell and who you’re going to sell it to. Remember, at this stage nothing is set in stone. You’re using this time to think of those things you’d like to do. The market and industry research will come later in the week. When you do that, you’ll have the chance to look at your desires more objectively.