There’s an old analogy that illustrates being involved versus being committed.

A breakfast made of bacon and eggs beautifully illustrates the commitment of the pig vs. the compliance of the chicken. The chicken is involved, but it is the pig that is fully committed.

In a way starting a business is a lot like this. You can be involved. You can make some initial inquires, ask people what they think and dream about starting your business. You want everyone else to do the initial work for you. You have shown an interest that has gotten you involved in the process, but you are not truly committed.

If you were truly committed you would be doing considerable research on your own. You would be making phone calls and investigating start up costs. You would find out what it will take to run the business successfully. You would talk to other business owners in your space to find out what advice they could give you that would increase your chance of being successful. You would talk to potential customers to find if they would be willing to purchase what you have to offer.

You would then complete an effective business plan to make sure that you understand all of the details of starting and running your business. If the prospects for the business were good, you would implement your plan.

You need to ask yourself early on whether starting a business is an idle fantasy or something you are going to roll up your sleeves and do. Are you merely involved or are you committed?