FOREWORD I have often credited ignorance with the starting and building of my business in 1977. I believe that if I had known what I was getting into, I would never have done it in the first place. But that is not a prescription for success, only for taking the risk. I probably could have gotten a lot further, and a lot faster, if this book had been avail- able 34 years ago. In the intervening years, I have seen friends, family, and acquain- tances start businesses by the dozens. Some of them took the entre- preneurial path because they truly wanted to. Others were pressed into it as a result of layoffs, forced retirement, or burnout. Most limped along in their fledgling enterprises, and many failed. None of this was due to a lack of commitment, vision, or hard work. More often, it was because of a lack of good advice, poor planning, and a weak support network. I am so happy that Susan and Ellen have written this book as a