It takes more than simply having a good idea to successfully establish and grow a new commercial venture. While a marketable idea is a good start, most successful entrepreneurial endeavors are only accomplished through significant research and planning. Prudent entrepreneurs not only consider their current needs but also extrapolate into the future based on their goals, their market niche, and market conditions. While not every factor is foreseeable, many potential pitfalls can be avoided or mitigated through careful business and legal planning.