Strategies: Now's the time to start your business and we can help

— -- Have an idea for a business? A dream you want to pursue? Been laid off and can't find a good job? But are you afraid to take that first step to start your own business? Well, now may be the perfect time to start your business. And I've got new help for you.

I've teamed up with USATODAY.com to launch a six-week start-up series, based on my books, to give you week-by-week, step-by-step help online. I'm also launching a new, special weekly start-up newsletter to give you my personal support as you get your new business underway. Sign up for my newsletter and get more information about this special series at my website.

If you're thinking of starting a business, you're not alone. Last year, more than a half million new businesses were started each month! Yes, more than six million Americans launched their own companies or turned to self-employment even in a down economy.

Why? Well, some started a business or turned to self-employment because they couldn't find a job. But others recognized there are lots of opportunities in this economy.

Whatever YOUR reason, if you're thinking of starting a business, you don't have to go it alone. There's lots of help out there. Places like Small Business Development Centers, community college and university extension courses.

And I'm here to help you too. I'm passionate about small business, and I want you to succeed.

Starting a business is a big step – and it can be an intimidating prospect. I know, because I made that decision more than 20 years ago. I was burnt out in a job, wanted to make a big change in my life. I had an idea for a business, a desk, a phone, not much money. Probably a lot like you.

Other people discouraged me – they were concerned because they knew, rightfully, that being in business for yourself can be very insecure. My closest neighbors, who worked for big corporations, urged me to look for a job instead. But over the next year, as I got up every morning and took charge of my own destiny, they sat and waited as the companies they worked for went through mergers and finally laid them off.