Thinking about starting a business? Follow these crucial tips and your company might just become the next big thing.

Starting a business is a complicated, risky, all-consuming effort. Indeed, just two-thirds of new small businesses survive at least two years, and only 44 percent survive at least four years, according to a study by the U.S. Small Business Association.

Taking the six steps below will help put you on the road to success.

1. Determine if you’re an entrepreneur or just a wannabe
2. Pinpoint an opportunity
3. Make sure there’s a market for your idea
4. Write a business plan
5. Determine your business structure
6. Look for funding

Fortune Small Business