As I am still considering starting my own business, I have read some of the 501 Killer Marketing Tactics to Increase Sales, Maximize Profits, and Stomp Your Competition: Revised and Expanded Second Edition . Technically, I am reading the previous book with a mere 401 tactics, but you'll get the idea. Here's my take on some of the tactics (keep in mind that I am skipping some of the numbers because if you wanted me to go through all of them, you should just buy the book):

1. Have a business plan.

The last book I read said a lot of people get stuck because they're trying so hard to create the perfect business plan. On the other hand, the last two business endeavors I was a part of never really got going, partially because of a failure to set strict goals (as part of a business plan, theoretically). The difference this time is that if I don't do it, we won't get fed as a family. I guess the point is that I'm desperate enough to do what it takes, but I'm also desperate enough to start making money instead of drafting plans to make money. Therefore, my plan is to make money, and when I have a few days when I'm not making money, I'll work on my business plan.