BEAT THE ODDS / 39 Start with Something You Know--or Go for a Test Drive Sounds obvious, but the best place to begin your entrepreneurial journey is with something you know. If you have a skill or a product that is marketable, then that's your logical entry point. There is going to be so much you'll have to learn about running a business that the more you know about the product or service itself, the eas- ier it will be for you. Many business failures can easily be attributed to a lack of man- agerial experience and knowledge. However, a lot of people go into business because they want to do something new and exciting. So if your business idea is in an area in which you have little or no expe- rience, try it out first. Volunteer with an organization or company to get some related experience. If there are opportunities available, consider a part-time, or even a full-time, job in the field. A business may look interesting, but once you get involved with it on a day-to-