Of course, a steady stream of clients. Good paying clients. Everyone has a business plan, but do they have a marketing plan? I’d argue it’s just as important. It doesn’t have to be sophisticated, but you damn well better have a plan to market your business.

On another note, I’d say this: A good CPA who is business-oriented. NOT someone who just likes to do tax prep, you need a proactive CPA that you can talk with throughout the year to help you navigate financial matters that will come up. Don’t wait until you need one, start working on finding the right one now.

100% this. A good CPA who is business savvy can help you make a good choice here. If you don’t have a decent CPA now is a good time to vet one; was one of the smartest business moves I ever made.