WORLD ACCORDING TO JESS is more than just her line's brand name — it is also her personal philosophy. Jessica Alpert-Goldman has built a successful accessory line that has been hailed by stars and the media alike. With her entrepreneurial spirit and funky flair for fashion, Kotex® selected Alpert-Goldman as a woman to watch. Even as a precocious eight-year-old, this handbag guru had big dreams of owning her own business and taking on New York City by storm. Without any connections in the fashion industry and determined to make it on her own, Alpert-Goldman paid her dues by working fourteen different jobs after graduation until finally making her dream a reality in August of 2001. This one-of-a-kind accessory designer can now count Sarah Jessica Parker, Christina Aguilera and Beyonce Knowles as proud owners of her fashion-forward and function-friendly bags.

What's in Your Future? For Me, it Has Been Starting my Own Business.

The first question to ask is, are you ready to embark on the biggest adventure of your life?

Starting a business is a dream for so many people, but the problem is making that dream into a reality. My philosophy: The best way to achieve your dreams is to set goals and then be a "doer" instead of a "talker." What does this mean? "Talkers" spin wild tales of what ifs, while "doers" pave their path through action. Action is the key to making your dreams become a business. Here are some tips from my own entrepreneurial adventure.

The Three Key Ingredients.

If you're interested in starting a business, you should start with the three basic ingredients. Just like you wouldn't make bread without flour, yeast, and water, you can't make a successful business without considering three main factors: Product, Target Market, and Branding.

Ingredient One: Your Product.

When you start your business, you first have to develop a product and "test" the market. For instance, if you are interested in starting a cosmetics company, you should first make a sample line. You should develop packaging that suits the market and enter your product at a street fair. Do not rely on your family and friends to purchase your item; they love you and will support your dream. The real test is the public — they will let you know if they want your product through sales. Once you know you have a selling product, you can outsource the work and focus on your next ingredient.

Ingredient Two: Target Market.

Developing the product is just the first hurdle to leap. You should also know your customer. In order to identify this important group, research who will be buying your item. You can find your target market by locating a similar product in the marketplace. For instance, if you are creating a line of organic beverages, research a drink company flying off the shelves at Whole Foods. Don't be afraid to interview shoppers and salespeople to discover how your competitor's line is selling. You should ask employees what age group and economic background is purchasing the beverage or observe shoppers yourself.

Ingredient Three: Your Brand.

Branding allows your company to stand apart from your competitors and persuade your customers to be loyal to your item. Branding can incorporate prestige, price, and quality. Your target market will help to establish your brand; for example, if you are selling an exclusive line of hair-care products, your brand should revolve around ingredients, packaging, and price. Your customer is your best champion — and you want to make sure they believe in the brand enough to tell their friends about it.

Stop back for future updates and more wisdom from World According to Jess. For more information about the author go to www.worldaccordingtojess.com

Good Luck and Stay Focused!