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

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

For many people a job is more than an income - it's an important part of who we are. So a career transition of any sort is one of the most unsettling experiences you can face in your life.

When investing, I'm not against risk. If you take no risk you must expect a low return. Just don't let anyone fool you into thinking you can get a high return with low risk.

A successful business is a good way to create significant wealth, but not every business will grow into a News Corporation or a McDonalds.

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.

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.