Admit it. Way before you started your company – you began to fantasize about it. You yearned to break free of your hum-drum job and show the world just how amazing you are. You daydreamed during meetings, pondered possibilities on your commute. The mere thought of your anticipated new life made your heart beat faster. This fairy tale probably included more flexibility (to do what you want, when you want) lots of cash rolling in, great clients, and fabulous business trips.

OK – so let’s get real. Owning a business is a 24/7 thing. Running a business involves so much more than baking the best cookies, slapping your name on a business card, or getting out to some networking events.

For many newbies, the prospect of the finding their own version of Prince Charming (a better lifestyle, more free time and the big paycheck) is what keeps them going.

Unfortunately I see all too many women working too hard at pursuing their dream, without knowing how they are going to get to the ball. So how can you crack the “Cinderella Code”?

Here’s the secret (which I’ve learned from my own experiences and from lots of very successful women business owners)…

Do your homework. After you get over the initial flush of a brilliant idea – test it. Go online. See who else may be pursuing the same dream in your neighborhood, and across the country. Ask questions, lots of them. Being well-informed is a magical experience!

Make a business plan. If you don’t have enough funds to hire someone to help you with this, take out some books from the library or download freebies you can find on the net. Have a Plan B and a Plan C.

Create a sensible budget. This is where most people’s dreams fizzle out, because they sorta wing it. Don’t! You need to have a crystal clear vision of EVERYTHING you need to get your business off to a strong start, that will sustain you for at least a year ( most businesses “turn the corner” after 2-3 years) .

Realize you are not the Queen of Everything, yet. Focus on what you do best and outsource the rest (this should include a web master, graphic designer, copywriter, and printing company to get started).

Get your gown on. Most women wouldn’t consider going to a meeting without the appropriate business attire, so make sure the face of your company shines! Instead of dreaming about a happy ending, producing terrific (uniquely designed) materials will help make your firm out sparkle your competition (which is always a good thing!)

Seek out your own Fairy Godmother. Forget the carriage and four horses – mentors are the folks who can help you get to the ball. Go to some networking venues, choose organizations where you feel welcomed and supported ( NAWBO, EWomensNetwork, your local Chamber of Commerce). The great thing about being in business today, is that you don’t have to look too far to find fabulous, generous women (and men), who are willing to offer you advice, resources and direction on a range of critical business issues. Sometimes all you have to do is ask.

So, go ahead, revel in your entrepreneurial dreams! But make sure your reverie won’t turn into a pumpkin. Don’t wait around for Prince Charming to find you – do your own homework to find the path to the castle. Pursue something you feel completely passionate about, because it will be your life 365 days a year (even as you run your toddler to a play date, or spend an extra long lunch with friends). Work with real professionals, who can deliver a range of deliverables that will propel your efforts. You CAN crack the “Cinderella Code” and arrive at your fairy tale ending by making sure your feet are firmly planted in reality (not fantasy glass slippers!).