Starting a business is as scary as it is exciting. It’s much like trying to drive through dense fog – you have no idea what’s ahead of you until you come upon it. The good news is, the longer you survive owning a business of your own, the better skilled you become at navigating the fog.

In the information that follows, we discuss some of the most important things you need to know when starting a business. Read through them, take them to heart, and we promise the results will make you glad you did.

1. Don’t Make the Mistake of Thinking You Don’t Need Business IT Support.

Many newbie business owners think of business IT support as a luxury rather than a necessity. Making this mistake could cost you dearly in time and money.

While IT support may seem like an expense you can’t afford in the beginning, you’ll soon realize how much you need it when the first server crashes or your email goes offline. As the owner of a new business, you’ve got a lot on your plate already. Leave the IT stuff to the pros so you can focus on running your business.

2. Don’t Give in to the Statistics

You’ve probably already heard that 95 percent of all new businesses fail in their first year. Don’t let this crazy-high number get to you. If it’s accurate at all it’s because many people throw in the towel without giving it any real effort. They don’t follow through and they make poor business decisions. Don’t use this statistic as a cop out to make you feel better about giving up.

3. Make a Business Out of Something You Enjoy

There’s a lot to be said for loving what you do because if you’re successful at it, you’ll be doing it for many years to come. Make sure the business you start is something you enjoy so you won’t mind doing it five, ten, or even fifty years from now.

4. Don’t Get Discouraged when You Discover You Don’t Know Everything

Even if you’re an expert at what you do, running a business changes the rules of the game completely. Don’t get discouraged when you find out you don’t really know what you’re doing. Do it anyway and figure things out as you go. Look for a mentor who’s “been there and done that” and who is willing to pass on their sage advice.

Remember, “it takes a village” applies to more than just raising children. You may start a business on your own, but it’s the team of employees, clients, partners and other important people that make your business a success.

5. Finish What You Start

If you’re a good business owner, you’re probably not at a loss for innovative ideas. However, this doesn’t mean you should pursue all of them. It’s likely that many of your brilliant ideas will make you money, but not if you try to pursue them all haphazardly. Pick just one and stick with it until it fails or earns you so much money you can retire early.

6. Choose Partners Wisely

Any people you partner with should make your business stronger. Choosing a partner because it’s convenient will only serve to drive you insane and make you hate your work. Choose partners who have the same goals as you.

While it’s true that starting a business is exciting, it’s also a scary proposition. The road to success is pitted with potholes which is why we designed the above tips to help you avoid them along the way.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.