Are you self-motivated? Confident and persistent? Creative and flexible? Charismatic, independent and decisive? Organized? If so, congratulations! You exhibit many of the traits that characterize successful entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial success requires a diversity of talents, a broad range of knowledge, a passion to succeed and a can-do attitude.

Here are eight strategies to get you and your company started down the road to entrepreneurial excellence.

Strategy #1: Make money doing what you know

Nine times out of 10, you’ll be more successful if you create your business around something that you already do well. For example, if you’ve done meeting and conference planning for a major hotel chain, launching your own meeting planning business is a great idea. You’ve got the knowledge and the contacts, so you’re already one step ahead.

Conversely, if you — with your meeting planning background — decided to start a manufacturing company, the learning curve would be tremendous. Doing what you know makes a world of difference in how quickly and thoroughly you will succeed.

Strategy #2: Understand your money

For all too many entrepreneurs, their lack of knowledge about how their money 'works' is their downfall. Here’s a prime example: a career coach charges $100 an hour for her services, so she’s making $100 an hour, right? Wrong! If you subtract overhead costs (phones, computers, office space, utilities, supplies, etc.), then subtract state, federal and FICA taxes, that $100 is much closer to $35-$40 — if you’re lucky!

To succeed in business on your own, you must have a true understanding of how your money works, where it comes from, where you spend it and what your bottom-line profits truly are. Unless you happen to be an accountant yourself, get one now!

Strategy #3: Embrace your clients

Whether you call them clients or customers, they are the single most important component of any successful business. Without them, you have nothing, no matter how great your products, services or technologies are.

The greatest thing to remember is that if your clients feel valued and cared about, they’ll be yours forever. So be sure you’re available to your clients, and learn to embrace them each and every time you communicate. What’s more, if they feel truly valuable, they’ll refer their colleagues, allowing you to build a strong customer base without additional marketing and advertising costs.

Strategy #4: Build a niche

Businesses that tend to stand out from the crowd are often those that focus their products and services in a particular market niche. A prime example is a law firm that specializes in contracts. Rather than being lost in the enormous number of general law practices, this firm stands out and has immediate market recognition as an 'expert' in contracts. In turn, they have a unique marketing position that attracts the specific clientele they want. A niche marketing concept will give you significant market visibility and, over time, build a substantial customer base.

Don’t feel as though you have to limit yourself to just one niche. Consider two or three related niches on which you can strongly focus, and watch your business grow.

Strategy #5: Get published

If you’re published, people think that you’re an expert. It’s that simple. Whether a book or an article, it gives you and your business instant credibility.

Nowadays, it’s not as hard as you might think to get published. There are tens of thousands of Web sites hungry for content. Sometimes they pay; other times they don’t. But it’s not about the money. The exposure and visibility you get is well worth your effort.

To get started, just contact one of your industry’s professional associations to ask if they need an article for their Web site or newsletter. Before you know it, you and your business will become recognized experts.

Strategy #6: Network…network…network

Building your visibility and network of contacts is vital to your long-term success. You cannot rely on business knocking at your door no matter how much you spend on advertising. Instead, you have to go get it. Sometimes you gather business through direct sales calls. Other times you can find it through more passive networking channels such as participation in and/or leadership of your local chamber of commerce or other professional organization.

Consider sending a quarterly e-newsletter to your existing customers to share company news, introduce new services and products, and ask for referrals. Remember, the larger your network, the more visible you and your company will be, the greater name recognition you will achieve and the more customers that will come knocking at your door.

Strategy #7: Market through multiple channels

No single advertising, promotional or marketing strategy works in isolation. True marketing and business development is a culmination of diverse strategies, tactics and actions. The marketing, advertising and promotional channels you use depend entirely on your product or service and the customers you’re trying to reach. Your objective is to create a plan that integrates the primary marketing channels appropriate for your business. For example, you might explore print advertising, brochures, Yellow Pages, online advertising, networking and/or incentives. When creating your marketing plan, be sure to identify and develop all channels that will lead you to your targeted customer base.

Strategy #8: Charge what you’re worth

Whether you offer a product or a service, it’s essential that you charge exactly what it is worth. Don’t think for one minute that just by making your product or service the least expensive it will generate clients. In fact, it’s often better to be at the higher end of the pricing scale so that customers will understand the value of your product.

Consider two pairs of identical-looking shoes. One pair is $49.95 and the other is $149.95. Which is better? We’re all inclined to believe that the $149.95 pair is better made, will last longer, etc. Use this same principle when developing your pricing schedules. Don’t be cheap — be the best!

Twenty years ago, entrepreneurship was a risky business. Today, if done right, it can offer you substantially more stability than any job you’ll find. No longer will you be subject to the downsizings and reorganizations of corporate America. As an entrepreneur, you’ll be your own driver and can create your own destiny.