One-Person-Enterprises -Part time self-employment-2

The great thing about becoming a "solopreneur" is that, in most cases, it doesn't require a big outlay of cash or a lot of overhead. In fact, most businesses can be started with just a computer and a telephone.

But while you don't need a lot of "stuff" to build your one-person business, there are a few must-haves if you want that business to thrive.

The top 5 of those "must-haves" include:

1. A Marketable Idea

Starting a business because it's what you want to do is fine, but just because you like doing something, doesn't make it a viable business idea. It's imperative that you do a little market research and make sure there is an audience that needs the services you plan to offer. Identify the problem you plan to solve for people, and make sure there are enough people with that problem to support your business. It's also a good idea to survey the competitive landscape and see who else is solving that same problem. With the Internet, you have an extremely valuable market research tool at your feet. Take the time before you start your business to use it.

2. A Passion for the Business

Starting and running your own solopreneur business is one of the most creative and rewarding endeavors you can undertake. However, it does require a significant investment of time and energy to get the business up and running. So be sure to start your business doing something you're passionate about; something you truly enjoy. Additionally, because solopreneurs have to wear many hats, it can be a bit draining at times. Having a passion for your business is what enables you to get through the challenges of start-up and grow a successful business.

3. A Powerful Reason Why

One of the worst reasons to start a business is to make money. That may sound like a crazy thing to say, after all, if you don't make money you really don't have a business, you have a hobby. But what I mean is that you better have some other reason you want to be a solopreneur. For me, it was because I wanted to be able have a career and spend plenty of time with my kids. When I faced challenges during the early years of my business, I knew the reason I was creating that business was so I could be there for my kids. I didn't want to have to go back to a corporate job and that was an extremely strong motivator for me.

4. A Willingness to Move Through Fear

If you want to live a safe, comfortable life, don't become a solopreneur. Choosing to become a solopreneur inevitably puts you into all kinds of situations you've never been in before. It challenges you to grow and stretch, and very often you have to do things that may scare you. It's important to recognize that being uncomfortable is just a part of your growth, and that your business can only grow to the degree that you do. Be willing to take calculated risks, try new things and step out into totally new areas and both you and your business will grow and prosper.

5. A Team

The name "solopreneur" is a bit of a misnomer. Every successful solopreneur I know is not creating that success "solo." While they may not have a staff, they have virtual or part-time support that makes it possible for them to focus their time doing only what they're good at. So while you may be the only person working directly with clients, you will want to outsource such tasks as bookkeeping (unless you are a bookkeeper), customer service, clerical and administrative tasks. Ideally, you should be spending your time on revenue-generating activities, such as serving your clients or creating new programs, and marketing, and outsource everything else. With the proliferation of virtual assistants, and ready access to inexpensive contract and freelance help through services such as Elance.com and Craigslist, there's no reason even a brand new solopreneur can't start outsourcing from the start.

By Debbie Lachusa