Every New Year is a time of new beginnings for all aspects of our lives, including our careers. It’s a time of reflection and renewal, as we re-evaluate our daily routines and re-dedicate ourselves to making lasting improvements in our lives, our communities and our larger world.

But too often, people substitute “talk” for action. It’s all too easy to start January 1 with big plans and good intentions, only to realize that we haven’t backed it up with any real concrete steps forward.

I’ve seen this happen many times with people who say they want to start a business, but struggle with taking the first step to make it a reality. Even if they’re unsatisfied in their careers (or underemployed and unappreciated), even if they have a great business idea and are full of energy and internal motivation, sometimes people still hesitate to take that first step that could change everything for them and their families.

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur who’s been thinking of starting a business? If so, make this New Year of 2012 the time to take the plunge into a new beginning for your career – and your life.

Here are three things you can do starting today to make 2012 into a truly life-changing year:

1. Write a business plan. So you’ve got a business idea – that’s great! Now you can take it to the next level by sketching out a detailed business plan to show how your business will work, how you will find customers and how you will make money. Writing a business plan is an important exercise to clarify your goals and figure out what you want to accomplish – and it will help you focus your business strategy so you can decide what “not” to do as part of your business.
2. Conduct basic “market research.” If you’re truly starting from scratch with your new business idea, it helps to give it a test run to see what kind of demand exists for your product or service. Start small. Make a list of 10 people you know well and tell them about your business. Offer them a free product sample or “test drive.” Ask them if they would like to buy from you, and if they could refer other customers to you. Sometimes starting with your immediate network is the best way to launch a new business idea.
3. Incorporate: As soon as you’re ready to make your new business “official,” even if it’s a side gig or part-time venture, you should incorporate your business by forming an LLC, S-Corporation or other corporate structure. My company, CorpNet, makes it easy to do this with our online business filing service – and we can help you sort out your options with a Free Business Consultation. Incorporating your business will protect your personal assets from the liabilities of your business, and will make it easier for you to get a business bank account and attain other benefits of being an entrepreneur.

Starting a business is one of the best things you can do to truly empower yourself by taking control of your daily routine, increasing your income, and creating a better life for yourself and your loved ones.

Don’t delay. Don’t let your business dreams dissipate into well-intentioned “talk.” Take action today to start a business, and make 2012 a year of new beginnings!

Nellie Akalp is a passionate entrepreneur, small business advocate and mother of four. As CEO of CorpNet.com, an online legal document filing service, Nellie helps small business owners form an LLC or incorporate a business in order to start and protect their new business ventures the right way. To access free guides, advice and informative videos on small business legal topics, visit here: http://bit.ly/pChZbV