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CommentaryLeadership

3 things to consider before starting your own business

By
Sunil Rajaraman
Sunil Rajaraman
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By
Sunil Rajaraman
Sunil Rajaraman
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April 20, 2015, 10:30 AM ET

The Leadership Insider network is an online community where the most thoughtful and influential people in business contribute answers to timely questions about careers and leadership. Today’s answer to the question “What advice would you give someone looking to start their own business?” is by Sunil Rajaraman, co-founder of Scripted.com.

Starting your own business can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be extremely challenging. Here are some of my best tips for those looking to become an entrepreneur:

Don’t over think things
If you have a great business idea that you’re passionate about—go for it! Often time’s people are hesitant to pursue an idea because they are afraid it wont be successful. But the only surefire way to find out is by trying. Have the confidence to take the risk and worry about the details later.

Don’t worry about what other people think
One of the hardest things about being an entrepreneur is convincing your friends and family members that starting a business from scratch is a good idea. Even though they may have your best interest in mind, you can’t let the opinions of others stand in the way of your dream.

Be honest about your aspirations
Just because you’ve decided to start your own company, it doesn’t not mean you have to be part of the “Unicorn Club.” Some people only go after big opportunities, and that’s respectable and admirable. However, there are plenty of relatively small businesses that still generate a ton of cash. Be honest with yourself about what you want (and expect) to accomplish.

Read all answers to the Leadership Insider question: What advice would you give someone looking to start their own business?

4 ways to persuade people to join your startup by Nir Polak, CEO and co-founder of Exabeam.

GoDaddy CEO’s 5 tips for aspiring entrepreneurs by Blake Irving, CEO of GoDaddy.

Watch more business news from Fortune:

About the Author
By Sunil Rajaraman
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