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.

That doesn't mean it was easy for me. And if you can find a good job in this economy, I'm not saying you should turn it down. But if you can't find a job – or have a dream you're itching to follow, I'm here to say it can be done. Others have succeeded. I've succeeded. And I want to help you succeed too.

Are you afraid, with a bad economy, it's not a good time to start a business? Well, surprise! History proves that when times get tough economically, it may be a great time to start a business.

In fact, more than half the Fortune 500 companies started during the Great Depression or a recession. Many companies that are household names – such as Burger King, FedEx and Microsoft, John Deere, Hewlett-Packard, Intuit, J.Crew and Whole Foods, and Costco– all were launched during depressions or recessions.

It's not just a fluke. When times are tough, opportunities abound. Why? In a word – disruption. Customers are more willing to try new products and services, new vendors and companies. Your competition is weaker. They've cut their marketing, eliminated some of their staff. Labor, rent, supplies are all cheaper.

All that means opportunity for you. Once again, that doesn't mean it will be easy. Money and credit are tight. Customers are careful. You've got to offer real value and be smart. You've got to know your stuff and learn how to run a small business.

But I can help. And I can offer you the encouragement I wish I had. Each week, you'll find my information and insights, a video of tips from me, downloadable worksheets and checklists. And to help you along the way, step-by-step, sign up for my start-up newsletter. Click here too sign up and get more information about this special series.

Now can be a great time to start your business and become your own boss. And I want to help you succeed!

Rhonda Abrams is president of The Planning Shop, publisher of books for entrepreneurs. Her newest book is Successful Marketing: Secrets & Strategies. Register for Rhonda's free business tips at www.PlanningShop.com. For an index of her columns, click here. Twitter: twitter.com/RhondaAbrams. Copyright Rhonda Abrams 2009.