While the thought of starting one's own business may be exciting, it can also be intimidating - even for someone with a successful business career behind them. The difference between owning a business and working in one is significant - as an owner you're directly responsible for every aspect of the business's success.

The good news is that, by following a few basic rules, it's easier to start a business than you think - and the chance of success is much greater.

Business Partners, South Africa's leading investment group for small and medium enterprises has drawn up Ten Simple Rules for a Successful Start-Up to assist entrepreneurs:

Choose an option that's right for you: When thinking of starting your own business, choose one that will suit your lifestyle and preferably one in which you have some direct knowledge and experience. For instance, if you want to work regular hours, opting for a fast food franchise isn't a good idea. Similarly, if you're thinking of buying a boat-building business, it's important that you have some knowledge of what's involved, even if you're not a professional.

Do your market research: Market research doesn't have to be complicated. It's important to make sure that there's a need for your product or service, though. Check out whether there's any competition already established in your area, whether your offering is unique or whether it fills a special gap in the market. If you can offer a product or service that people need and which doesn't already exist, you'll have a good chance of success. For example, you might be able to offer a scholar transport service in an area off the public transport route or develop a new form of health snack where there's a demand, but no supply.

Draw up a business plan: Writing a business plan is like drawing up a road map. You're not likely to reach your destination unless you know where you're going and what you'll need to get there. Like market research, this doesn't have to be complicated, but you need three or four pages that will give the business operational and financial direction. Business Partners offers a free business planning model for entrepreneurs on its website.

Choose a specialist investor: When looking for investment, choose a company that has specialist knowledge of the challenges facing entrepreneurs, as well as of the sector in which you intend to work. This could be one of the most important decisions you'll ever make.

Employ the right people: Not all start-ups employ people from the start, but if you do, it's important to choose carefully. In a small business, people spend a lot of time together, so you need to select employees that you feel you'll be able to work with. Choose people that have experience.

Market your business: Business doesn't come to those who wait - it comes to those who go out there and tell people what they have to offer. Even the smallest business needs to market its services by, for example, placing ads in the local papers, distributing flyers, putting up notices in shopping centres, recreation centres and schools and developing special offers for special needs or occasions.

Put in financial systems from the start: Even if you're not a financial expert yourself, put in simple but solid financial systems right from the start. There are excellent, user-friendly software packages that can be used to do this and it's even worth contracting the services of a bookkeeper or other financial professional to assist you on a regular basis. Lack of financial discipline is often where start-up businesses go off the rails.

Manage your cash flow: Cash is the life-blood of a business and it's important to manage cash flow carefully. The right investor will be able to assist you in doing this.

Supplement your own knowledge with specialist skills: No entrepreneur can be a specialist in every aspect of business and it's important to contract specialist skills and services when you need them. For example, if you're thinking of setting up a small factory and don't have much knowledge of the production process, an experienced production manager will be worth his or her weight in gold.

Enjoy yourself! One of the best things about owning and running your own business is that you have total independence. There will be good days and bad days, but it's important to enjoy what you're doing. Owning one's own business is an adventure - enjoy it every step of the way.

For further information, please contact Xolani Meva on 031 240 7703 or visit the Business Partners website at www.businesspartners.co.za