If you are enrolled in school, you should add "and drop-outs" in place of just kooks. Why? Because even if it happened once to your second cousin's first college roommate's third girlfriend doesn't mean the same fortuitous turn of events will happen to you. Further, dreaming of such events is akin to taking a day off work to dream of winning the lottery. In other words, it wastes time.

Do Your Homework

Start to do the steps, recommended below, that will transform your wishful thinking into concrete reality. While doing so, accept the reality of what your research reveals. It doesn't make you noble to push on with your business plans despite solid evidence that it’s neither the time, nor the place, nor the product—such thinking just makes you broke. There are thousands of sources of advice about starting your own business. There are steps to take before you even reach that stage. These are the steps to take as you begin to consider business ownership:

• Yes, it sounds like your philosophy class, but "know yourself." Again, this is where acceptance of reality versus the real world comes into play. Before you can plan to go into business or decide what type of business you’d like to start, you need to know what type of time and financial resources you not only have available, but also are willing to "spend," so to speak. Are you really willing to work 18 hours a day until your business gets on its feet? Franchise consultant and President of FranNet of Virginia Heather Rosen writes in a recent article for HuffingtonPost.com that this question should be the first order of business, so to speak.

• Locate the closest organization in your area that has to do with the service or industry in which you’re considering starting a business. This network may be as specific as local shoe retailers or as general as the local Chamber of Commerce. They, however, are in the position to provide you with a great deal of practical advice. If these options wouldn’t be workable for the type of business you’re considering, investigate taking a business class. Pursuing an online bachelor's program can assist you in planning the steps of business ownership and may help provide you with a ready-made professional network.

• Speak with organizations designed to help develop small business. Find their experts, make an appointment, ask prepared questions and listen. At one time, the usual recommendation was to meet with a representative of the Small Business Administration. Now, there are nonprofit business incubators designed as part of anti-poverty programs with the sole purpose of growing low-income and minority businesses. Look for them by inquiring at area anti-poverty organizations.

And, Finally

There are many fine reasons to own and operate your own business if that’s truly what you want to do. Do not, however, confuse your dislike of a boss, a schedule or a particular industry with the desire to become an entrepreneur. Regardless of your title, you can make valuable contributions and enjoy the fruits of your labor.