One of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs is not a shortage of creative ideas, but the lack of know-how to transform their dreams into viable opportunities. Sometimes, bridging the distance between a great idea and its realization may seem as difficult as climbing to the top of the Blue Mountains.

I can relate to the difficulties facing a new entrepreneur who is trying to start out with little more than a Big Idea. Many years ago I had an inspiration which I was sure would revolutionize the tourist-wear market and make me a lot of money. I secured some financing, went into production and brought my dream into reality.

However I was soon faced with a big roadblock- I didn’t know how to penetrate the retail network, and I didn’t have a clue how best to market my idea. In fact I really didn’t know anything about the business I was trying to break into. So, like many before me, I shelved my project and went on to other endeavours.

Moving from idea to reality
Now that I’m more experienced, I realize that my idea was indeed viable. My downfall was that I had not stopped to get support in the designing and planning of the structure of my business. I thought that having a great idea was enough to guarantee success. I still see many persons who are disillusioned with their business because they don’t know where to get the technical support to make it successful.

When I was trying to figure out how to launch that venture over 12 years ago, I remember thinking that it would be wonderful if there was a how-to-manual, or one location where people could go and feel comfortable getting practical business advice.

The good news is that in Jamaica today there are more organizations and persons that are dedicated to helping you succeed as an entrepreneur. Here are a few of the agencies that provide assistance in your quest for entrepreneurial achievement:
– Jamaica Trade & Invest (JAMPRO);
– The Small Business Association of Jamaica;
– The Business Development Agency;
– The Jamaica Business Development Corporation.

Developing your business mind
While it’s crucial to get expert guidance in strategy development and execution of ideas, you can’t overlook the importance of improving your business mindset. Many entrepreneurs fail to recognize that their own personal development is vital to long term success.

Fortunately, it’s relatively easy and inexpensive to acquire an education to help develop the right business attitude to help you to thrive in business. There is a wealth of information available through seminars, books, CDs, DVDs, websites and coaching programmes.

Here are a few of my favourite titles that can help to fast-track your personal development as an entrepreneur:
– The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber;
– Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki;
– The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
– Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker.

Networking your business
Networking, the art of making connections with people to expand your circle of influence, is one of the most important tools to push your business idea. However, it is often overlooked by entrepreneurs who sometimes neglect to even tell close friends and associates about their business ventures.

Networking requires you to get out there and tell people what you do. Start by focusing on groups that you may already be a part of, such as past students’ associations, religious institutions, or your children’s PTA. You can also join service groups such as the Kiwanis or Rotary clubs, professional groups within your industry, or network in support groups such as the Young Entrepreneurs Association.

Thanks to the millions of web users, online social networking has the ability to introduce your business to large numbers of persons that otherwise would be out of your reach. Here are some of the more important online networking sites:
– MySpace is essential for music industry practitioners;
– LinkedIn attracts lots of business professionals;
– Plaxo helps you to manage your contact list;
– Facebook connects you to a host of friends, fans and supporters.

So entrepreneurs take heart – there is help available for you to successfully take your business concept from idea to reality!

Copyright © 2009 Cherryl Hanson Simpson.
Cherryl is a financial consultant and coach, and the founder of Financially S.M.A.R.T. Services, Jamaica’s number one source for practical, down-to-earth and independent answers for all questions relating to personal finance. Cherryl is currently writing her first book, The 3 Ms of Money. See more of her work at www.financiallysmartadvice.com and www.financiallysmartonline.com.