50 Steps to Startup Success We've tapped the minds of business experts and entrepreneurs to bring you the essential steps to launching a business.

Maybe you've just had a light-bulb moment, revealing an idea that will change life as we know it. Perhaps you have just been laid off from your job and don't want your livelihood in someone else's hands anymore. Or maybe you just want to take a shot at working for yourself for a while.

Whatever your reason for starting a business--and whatever type of business you're starting--there are some universal best practices for budding entrepreneurs. We've tapped the minds of business experts and successful business owners to share their secrets for success in the following 50 essential steps to startup.