When starting a business you need to investigate the works of others already doing what you want to do. This will save you a ton of time, effort and certainly money. You can even interview the competitor's employees (buy them a lunch) for their opinions on what is done right and wrong within the company they work for. Some of you listening to this may think that’s not honorable or cheating in some way. I'm not suggesting to lie or cheat, you are simply doing a little background work. Don't think for a second that large corporations don’t play the same game.

Automotive companies, electronics manufacturers, clothing designers just about every industry you can imagine will investigate thoroughly the products or services of their competition and even wait to see how it pans out sometimes to determine public interest in a certain product. Better than just investigating – go work in the industry you're considering. Doing this will not only allow you to earn while you learn but it will open your eyes to the true day to day facets of the business you are looking into. I have one client that not only did this but he also worked for some of a major supplier for a short time to see both sides of the equation.

As an entrepreneur I don't suggest researching something to death but I have always found it much nicer to play secret agent and get paid for it than to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars only to find out I made a big mistake. Just be careful not to list your last name as Bond on the employment application or resume.