Learn as much as you can about your proposed business. Ask questions. Join industry associations. Study successful competitors carefully.

There are plenty of ways to get ahead. The first is so basic I'm almost embarrassed to say it: spend less than you earn.

Don't go into business with the sole objective of making lot of money. If you put service, quality, and customer satisfaction first-the money will follow.

If you don't act now while it's fresh in your mind, it will probably join the list of things you were always going to do but never quite got around to. Chances are you'll also miss some opportunities.

Don't invest in anything that you don't understand. Do your research first.

Before you start trying to work out which direction the property market is headed, you should be aware that there are markets within markets.

Invest in yourself. Your career is the engine of your wealth.