5 Keys to Success for a Lasting Startup How to narrow your search for a long-term, profitable idea.

Harry had a business idea. He was sure he'd be making money within a month but first, he needed to purchase the equipment. The problem was, as it turned out, nobody wanted the product except his grandmother. She was just being nice. He had another idea, but grandma was the only customer interested once again.

While this may seem tragically comical and very expensive, it is a true story and one that is lived out many times over.

The percentage of entrepreneurial ideas that fail within the first five years range from high to astronomical depending on what information you trust, but these numbers could be greatly reduced with a bit of insight and forethought.