4 steps to starting your own business

Once you have an idea for your venture, you need to think realistically about how much money it'll take to get going and how you'll support yourself and your family while you're not drawing a salary. Expect that period to last a year or longer, so put aside at least 12 months' worth of living expenses. Another alternative is to moonlight during the first few years. To bring in money, gamemaker Michael Vien is doing marketing consulting part time for small business owners he knows from his previous financial services job.