Lynne Franks talks about uncovering your skills, resources, knowledge and contacts to start your own business.

I believe we all have an entrepreneur inside. For example, you need to be an entrepreneur and time management expert if you are a mother and home keeper, juggling the workload, organising your family's schedules and overseeing household budgets. You need to be an entrepreneur if you are an artist or a writer. You have to buy your tools, produce your work and then, most importantly, sell it. Whether you're a corporate executive or a secretary, you organise your work in a creative, entrepreneurial way. We all have the potential skills to have our own business, whether they are currently in use or a bit rusty.

It's easy to forget how much knowledge we have accumulated or learned over the years. Don't take for granted that you've always loved cooking and create great original recipes or have tremendous taste in clothes for yourself and others. Maybe you've been studying natural health for years and have become an expert on nutrition and herbs. What about the art classes at school that you loved but abandoned when you decided to study law?

Gardening, personal finance, nurturing others, good with animals, shopping, do-it-yourself around the home, you'd be astounded by what you are an expert on and how such skills might translate.

In addition, there are skills that you've picked up during your career that you're probably not even aware of: office management, interior design, scheduling, budgeting skills, salesmanship, presentation, psychology, marketing, writing - I'm sure the list goes on and on.

As for contacts, you'd be surprised just how many people you know who could be very useful when you start your own business and would be delighted to be so: ex-bosses and ex-colleagues who may be able to advise you or introduce you to people who can; supportive friends and family; people with money to invest; and acquaintances in the media, who might help you to publicise your new business.

Remember that friend of a friend who is a graphic designer and would be happy to design your logo for free, or cheaply, or an uncle who is a printer and could give you credit on your first marketing materials. Think hard if you know anyone who is, or is married to, a tax expert or a lawyer. They can be very important. Even include your teenage children whose computer skills could be a tremendous help.

Don't feel guilty using people. Just be prepared to help others in return.

Next in the series

Read more from Lynne Franks' SEED Handbook: the feminine way to create business.