My last will and testament for this class

I have been in business for myself for either full time or part time for about thirty of the last thirty eight years. I have learned a few things, and there are a few things that I have not learned, and … there are a whole bunch of things that I just don’t seem to learn from.  No matter how many times I have made the same mistake.   Here are some things that I have learned I will pass on.  One, if you are going to open a business, you need to be in love with it. Not just like it or think it is a good idea, but really love what you are going to do. The reason I say this is that you will soon be sick of it.  It will be your life twenty four seven for a long time.  In those moments when you are sick to death of it, remember how much you love it.  It will help carry you through those tough times. Two, remember that the reason you went into the business (besides doing what you love) was to make money.  Charge for what you do and get a fair return for it.  You are not running a charity!  Three, partners will create problems. A dishonest or unethical partner will put everything you have at risk.  You may even end up broke and owing a lot of money that will take a good while to pay back and recover from. Even after the cause of it all is dead and buried.  Fourth, continue your education. Knowledge is power. Last, know this, the most valuable thing you have is your family and your relationship with it. Do nothing in your business (or life) that will jeopardize it. Nothing is worth that cost. Family is Forever (like it or not).