Are there any business owners here?

I always had this idea when it comes to starting a new business: Look a round the town you live in or by (i live in a small one so if you're in a bigger one this is probably more of a challenge). See what kind of businesses there are (established businesses as well as those that are subpar and needed). If you find a business that could be greatly improved, why not take the oppurtunity to make that better company? Now you can think that people will always frown upon a newer, cheaper, and different way of receiving services than they're accustomed to and to that I say compare wal-mart's parking lot (all 24 hours) to K-mart's.

I don't like these major nearly monopolized (strategically monopolized not actually monopolized) businesses because I think in the long run they adversely affect the economy. That is probably because I don't own one. I'm sure you see a much different picture when you own such a company.

Infact I have to add this as I just thought of it.

2 books that I absolutey 100% insist you buy if you are thinking of running a small business is

Robert Kiyosaki - Cash flow Quadrant
Robert Kiyosaki - Rich Dad's guide to investing

They can be read seperate, but if you are getting one, I suggest getting both as they refer to each other often. They are insanely motivational and just give you a thousand reasons why starting your own business is the ONLY way to go if you want to free yourself up financially at any stage in the future...
It answers so many questions that you didn't even realise you needed answering.