Starting a new firm

There are so many issues associated with the decision to start a new firm (before we even discuss the mechanics) that I expect this will be an ongoing series.

For this first post I will simply link to 3 writers from different backgrounds who will stimulate and provoke you:

• Guy Kawasaki has published Chapter 1 of his The Art of the Start (pdf, free download). Read it. He'll make you realise that starting a new business makes you an entrepreneur and that you must confront this frequently avoided question:
  Q. I admit it: I’m scared. I can’t afford to quit my current job. Is this a sign that don’t have what it takes to succeed? Am I not truly committed?
• David Maister is the guru of professional services firm management. His website has a wealth of information, but for this topic read It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Much You Want It
• Seth Godin is a marketing expert. In his opinion Small is the new big

Discuss and comment!