Fear of business failure is always in the back of your mind when you work for yourself, but you can't let it hold you back.
You also need a good dose of perseverance, the desire and willingness to take the initiative, competitiveness, self-reliance, a strong desire to achieve, self-confidence, and good physical health.
Other important factors include good business sense, industry knowledge, organisation and management capabilities, marketing skills, good customer relations, and vision.
Planning and preparation are key!
I am still in the very early stages of establishing my 'name' and my business and My Virtual Assistant has been in operation for over three years now, and they say it takes five years to establish a new business... so I've still got another two years to go, at least!