In some rare cases, this may just work. But usually anyone who feels they can charge out onto the business battlefield without at least a small army backing them up is almost certain to fail.

Even the smallest idea needs more than just one head tinkering away at getting it off the ground and rising to be the next big thing.

Many, if not most, successful entrepreneurs have had some sort of mentor to help them get started. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness; it shows you are serious about your big idea and you want all the experienced help you can find to make it a success.

Where can you go to get the help you need?

The first thing to do is to go to friends and family. Even if they aren't involved in the business world, they may know some people who are. Word of mouth is a great way to get help, and the people you know and trust can be a priceless resource.

In your town, there is most likely at least one business resource center. These can offer anything from research materials to mentorship and guidance programs. Take the time to stop in and ask questions. You may be surprised at just how much assistance these centers may be able to offer.

The college in your town may also be an excellent resource. Colleges typically hire teachers based on their experience in the field. You can usually find faculty information on the college's web site and e-mail a few of the teachers with your questions. Remember, if you're not a student, the teachers may not have a lot of extra time to help you out; however, they may be able to point you in the right direction.

If your big idea involves creating a product, check out the local shops that may sell similar items in your area. Arrange to talk to the manager or owner and ask them about the products you'll be competing against. Find out about customer response if you can to see if your product will solve any problems with what is currently available. Try not to dwell too much on your own product, because you want to find out what will benefit the stores and managers and not just yourself.

And, of course, don't forget to search online. There is a lot of information out there that may just take a few searches to find. You could find that someone halfway around the world has a similar big idea and their experience could help you learn a few new things.

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