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I recently chatted with an acquaintance who, in a slightly monotone voice, spoke about her home, her job, her responsibilities. We somehow got on the topic of greeting cards and, out of nowhere, this woman transformed before me. Her eyes shone, her face lit up and her voice dove into how, someday, she would love to create and sell customized greeting cards. Within moments I was equally excited about her “someday” venture.

An increasing number of us are creating our “somedays” now. Women-owned businesses have been growing twice as fast as other firms for the past two decades. More than 10 million women-owned businesses exist. According to the Greater Des Moines Partnership, nearly 42,000 metro-area women owned businesses in 2002.

We’ve heard the grim statistics, such as how only two in 10 start-up enterprises will reach their second anniversary. Though many resources provide legal and financial counsel for potential entrepreneurs, we can increase our likelihood for success even before we draft our business plans. If you feel the entrepreneurial pull, ask yourself a few questions:

Why do I want to start a business? If you answer, “Because I’m bored with my job” or “The economy seems right,” you may not have a strong enough impetus to sustain your venture. “I’d love to offer healthy catering options for people with special dietary needs,” however, brings a clear goal into view – one that combines passion with market need. Jot down your goals, what you hope to achieve, and how your business will benefit your clients, the community and the world.

What will this venture involve? This is one of my favorite steps to work through with clients, because they begin to realize all of the knowledge they already hold. On a large piece of paper, create a cluster map of all the various components your business might entail. The special-needs caterer mentioned above, for example, may form clusters around themes like Menus, Marketing, Location and Related Businesses as some of her starting points.

With whom can I connect? Set up informational interviews with established business owners, join associations, attend trade shows and seek mentors. The local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners offers almost weekly opportunities to connect with like-minded, supportive and knowledgeable business owners.

How can I begin, starting now? Educate yourself. Do this at night, on your lunch break or whenever you have a few moments. Read business books and publications, enroll in workshops and seek the input of small business professionals.

Most important, do what you love. If you start a business just for the money, you’ll likely become disappointed. The businesses that last start with people passionate about their service who have done their homework and recognize their strengths and limitations. If your heart is in the right place and your mind fully engaged, you are well on your way to bringing “someday” much closer.

Christine Hegstad owns MAP Professional Development Inc. and serves on the board of directors of the local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.