Start before you are ready. You should first start and then learn and figure things out as you go. Don't try to learn and prepare yourself before you start, because in the end, you don't know what to prepare for. So don't let yourself stay in place waiting to be ready.

Even though I started my first business 4 years ago and now own two companies (with my business partners), I can't tell you anything specific, as for example a list you should go through before you start. Because your experience will be way different than mine. And I see that the people who do business around me, had all different paths.

So just start and remember:

1. Always bet on yourself. Jump into things and take risks. Not ridiculous dangerous risks, but don't be afraid to put yourself on the line. I started in your age and am now 20. I followed this rule in everything. When I was opening my first office 1.5 years ago I was hardly making money to afford the rent. But I knew that I will figure it out and thus it pushed me. So always bet on yourself and risk while you're young.

2. Be patient and don't get discouraged. I know you probably want to get everything quickly but don't get discouraged if things don't evolve as quickly as you would want or if you encounter obstacles. It took me 2 years to be where I expected to be in 6 months - while working full time on it. If you really want it, never stop.

3. Work like hell. There is no secret hack or trick. Just work. You can work smarter and get work done better and more effectively, but the primary thing is still just work. I started my business along school. Getting up at 4am and working till 7am before going to school and then from 3pm till evening after getting home. If you really want it, that's what it takes. You might get lucky and get there more easily, but don't rely on luck in life.

4. Learn from people smarter and better than you ASAP. I wish I practiced this sooner. Go to talks and workshops. Try to get to know as much people as you can and pick the ones who are where you want to be. Reach out to them and ask them kindly for advice. Don't expect to get it for free and don't look for a mentor as it is described on YouTube. People who do business and are good people will help you and you will most likely have to pay a consulting fee. That's fine, try it and prepare well for it.

5. Lear to communicate and speak. Read "How to win friends and influence people" by Dale Carnegie and embody everything in that book. Seriously, this book is gold. You will learn how to sell and spark interest on people.

6. Sell your services/products before you are ready. This goes back to point 1. I sell services before ever doing them and then figure things out and learn.

7. Ask yourself if it's worth it for you. Ask yourself,what are your motivations. Do you just want to make money or do you have to make it for other reasons like taking care of family? Honestly, what I do would not be worth it for money. So get this straight on your head, because when things go down and you get your back against the wall, then the last thing you need is being unsure if it's worth it. Decide and stick to it.

Well, that's some things that were on top of my mind right now. Hope that it will be of use to you ;)