Nike: "Just do it"! Fear of snakes, pick up a snake. Fear of heights, skydive, etc. But make a plan! Others will recommend visiting your local SBA, you should, but be openminded, most of the volunteers at the SBA's are retired corporate folks and don't really understand the operations of true small business, in my experience. Meet with your accountant and lawyer first, they will be a part of your business anyway. The best thing I can tell you is to have 1 year of personal expenses in savings. Have a business plan, and a plan B. In your plan, know where your fish or cut bait point is. Have fun! Try to find out all of your costs of doing business before opening (roughly) and estimate how much money you will need to operate monthly, you'll be surprised at how each town, village, city, etc. has their hand in your pockets- they even check the little one that Levi's made for carrying a watch!
I'm learning that nobody knows about contracting anyway, it's like this mythological moving target, more of an idea than an exact tangible thing. The rules are different for each entity, it seems. Agreements, however, is what make businesses work, its all about what you and your vendors, customers, and government agencies have agreed upon before starting a project, and each situation can be unique.
And there is much more. Some fear is healthy, but if you are paralyzed by it you will never get past it. Think of something that you were once fearful oz, I'll bet that once you faced it you were able to look back and say, "that wasn't so bad"!
The toughest challenge I've faced is learning how each municipality and utility handle installation requirements, code amendments, permit procedures, inspection schedules, etc.
Best of luck (planning) to you!
