Finding a job in this economy is a daunting task, but starting a business in this economy is next to impossible. Business owners and entrepreneurs around the world will agree that starting and maintaining a successful business is next to impossible and full of obstacles. The failure rates for small businesses are incredible and depressing to think about to say the least, but the American entrepreneurial spirit continues to drum up ideas and start businesses in the face of discouraging odds. The following 5 steps give you the best chance of survival when starting a small business in this economy.

Step 1 - Validate your idea, product, or service

It is not enough for you to like your own idea. You must ensure that your idea is something that everyone else will want or need. You should only develop and dedicate time and energy to an idea that you are totally committed to. Once you are committed, you will need to determine if others will be committed as well once your idea hits the market. Start with your family and work outward from there. If others give your idea high marks, then your on the right track and you should keep moving forward.

Step 2 - Do the numbers

This is the step that most people forget about...purposely. Most of the time, this step is not fun, and is usually neglected. However, this step is one of the most important things a new business owner can hash out. What is reality? What is break even? Do we even have the money? Can we raise the money for initial costs? The list goes on. The bottom line is that unless your idea is going to make you money in a reasonable amount of time, it is probably not worth starting the business. If you can't turn a profit, then make it a hobby and save yourself the stress.

Step 3 - Build a Website

Does it seem strange that building a website would make it into the first five steps for starting a successful business. A few years ago, a website was only an after thought from the marketing department in order to help the company develop a presence online. Today, your website can and should be used for so much more. Because of the centralized role that a company's web presence now plays, the website should be developed first, before the company opens it's doors. Failure do so could result in the loss of many first time clients and customers. A website structure can act as a preliminary business plan, and enable a business owner to organize his or her thoughts. If the website is well thought out, and developed properly, it can act as a blueprint for how the product or service is presented to the public. Your website is now your storefront, and no one would ever open their doors unless they had their storefront in order.

Step 4 - Develop Company Procedures and Build Systems

Good systems and procedures are the lifeblood of any successful business. If strong, well thought out systems and procedures are not in place, before your company starts to grow, you may find yourself backpedaling or barely keeping your head above water. This condition may cause your good idea to go down the toilet unnecessarily. Instead, plan and implement good systems and procedures before you start taking on clients. Then you will be in a better position to facilitate growth and weather the storm when it comes. Many times, it is not a lack of interest or lack of customer traffic that kills a business, but a general lack of planning and organization that brings the business to its knees.

Step 5 - Never Give Up

It is only through relentless persistence that businesses survive in this economy. If there is one attribute that is readily visible in all successful business men and women, it is persistence. You are going to run into road blocks regardless of how great your idea is, or how nice your website is, or how organized your systems are. It is never easy to start from scratch and go to market. There will be naysayers and knockoffs ready to make your life miserable. Your natural inclination will be to throw in the towel, but you must not, and cannot if you wish to stay in business and be successful. If you know you have a good idea and you have received positive feedback, then be persistent, and you will see the fruits of your labors.