The starting point for any successful business is a great idea — but that’s just the beginning. Turning even the best business idea into a reality takes deliberation, work, and often a little luck. But it can be done, and countless people have success creating new businesses out of great ideas every year.

If you are looking to turn your business idea into a successful enterprise, here are three tips that can help.

1. Do Thorough Research

After you’ve come up with a great idea, it’s time to get into the details. One of the first steps in this respect is to thoroughly research your prospective idea and business. Try to learn everything you can about your industry, relevant trends, what the market’s like, and more. Speak to business owners with experience. (If possible, it’s also a great idea to spend some time working in the field.)

In short, get to know the world you look to join inside and out, to best prepare yourself for business success.

2. Write a Business Plan

A sterling business plan is the cornerstone of a successful business. In a sense, it can be thought of as the scaffolding for a great idea; while a good business idea is the core of any new enterprise, the business plan is what pragmatically allows it to come to fruition.

Take time to do the necessary research to write a solid plan. Make it detailed, and thorough, but also narratively compelling to prospective lenders. Your goal should be that a bank or financial institution could be sufficiently convinced by your plan to offer a loan. If necessary, it may be useful to speak to a financial professional or experienced businessperson about how best to craft your plan.

3. Prepare Emotionally

Starting a new business takes a lot of work, and the process can be physically and emotionally draining. You will likely have to work long hours, for little or no pay, and will be on the hook for major decisions. 

Consequently, being in great physical and mental shape is essential before starting your new business. Get into the habit of sleeping and eating well, taking care of basic needs, and finding emotional balance. This will ultimately help in your business endeavor.

While there is no one route to making a great idea a reality, the tips above can be a great place to start as you work to build a new enterprise.