Over the years I’ve been in college, I’ve had a really hard time figuring out what I want to do for a living. I’ve decided on a ton of different careers before changing my mind again and again. I think the big problem I have is that I don’t want to have a boss–I want to be my own boss. So I’m thinking about trying to start my own business.

Before I commit to that, though (I know, I know, I’m very indecisive), I want to know more about what starting a business is really like. Specifically, I want to know what my most important concerns and decisions will be. Can you help?

Starting a business can be immensely rewarding, but it also comes with a particular set of challenges. Making the right decisions early on is absolutely vital. Let’s take a close look at a few of the most important things you’ll need to do and decide.

The first and most important thing to do is to develop a business plan. You need a great idea and a ton of research to back it up. If your research reveals serious problems with your plan, it’s back to the drawing board. You’ll need to be able to see why your business will succeed: the problems it will solve, the customers it will please, and how those customers will find your business (not to mention how your business will turn a profit while doing all of this!). As the saying goes, “measure twice and cut once”–you do not want to find out later in the game that your plan was ill-conceived from the start.

Besides, you’ll need a great business plan if you’re going to secure funding for your new business. Unless you’re extremely wealthy and willing to take a big risk yourself, you’ll need some help paying for your business space, employees, marketing, and other expenses. Experts who offer private money loans in San Bernardino tell us that you should be prepared to show how your business is destined to succeed–making it capable of paying back lenders or making a profit for investors.

With a great idea and enough money to get started, you’ll be faced with another huge decision: hiring. A small workforce needs to rely on exceptional people, so hiring is never more important than it is when your company is first getting started. Look for qualified people at every level. In this day in age, people in all lines of work have certificates, degrees, and other signs of their qualifications, say experts who offer certificate IV in training and assessment in Melbourne. From security guards to CFOs, make sure that you’re getting people with proven skills.

If you think that all of this seems like a lot, well, you’re not wrong! But remember that you don’t have to start your business in a dorm room or right after graduation. You have a lot of time to get started. If starting a business is your end goal, perhaps it makes sense to go into the working world for a time to gain an understanding of how successful businesses work–and where they might improve. Going back to school for an Masters in Business Administration might be a good idea, too. Only you can chart your path forward, but there are a lot of ways to seek a career as an entrepreneur.

“Think big and don’t listen to people who tell you it can’t be done. Life’s too short to think small.” — Tim Ferriss