• No business plan: You must have a business plan in place beforehand; otherwise both you and your business will most likely get off course. Even if it’s only a few pages, the process of writing the plan will help you think through the proper steps. As many smart entrepreneurs have said, the benefit of the business plan is not the document itself, but the thinking process that goes with creating it.
• Insufficient cash: Most small businesses fail due to lack of cash. To avoid this, create a rough financial outlook and estimate what you need to have before the business starts generating its own cash. Because we entrepreneurs are naturally optimistic, take your expenses and double them and half your revenue. This gives you a more realistic financial outlook.
• Wrong business structure: It is essential that you can understand the business structure that is right for your business to flourish. Consult an attorney or accountant for expert advice that could save you big time in the long run.
• Not giving time or effort: You cannot get maximum benefit with minimal effort. Be ready to spend endless hours at office, or as much time you need to get the job done.
• Not doing market: Only a great idea is not sufficient to have a successful business, you need to have a good understanding of the market, the industry, and your competition. If the market is not ready to receive your product or service, then your idea is of no use.

- Bryan Daigle
President & Founder of ideatango.com – the #1 site for inventors & invention ideas For more good info & advice, check out the official IdeaTango Blog