Read

Start with several small business books to find out how others have succeeded in art or craft businesses. Creative Cash, for example, includes a hundred stories of how various individuals have started and succeeded in businesses both small and large.

Take the time to read craft business periodicals. business periodicals focus on such things as industry and marketing trends, what consumers are buying, what's working in business and what isn't.

Decide 

Develop a professional attitude right from the start, looking at the art or craft activity as a business instead of a hobby, even if your financial goals are small.

Network

Find other people who share your interests, so you can network with them to exchange ideas and stay motivated.

Evaluate

Do a serious time study to learn how you are presently spending your time, and where you'll find all the extra hours you will need to run a soap business at home. If you are not an organized person, read a book or two on how to get organized, which in turn will save you lots of time you can devote to your business.

Research

Do plenty of "market research." Browse craft fairs, craft shops and mall and retail stores that carry handcrafted gifts. Competition is keen, so to sell with success, you must offer unusual products not easily found elsewhere.

Learn about federal regulations that may affect your crafts business, such as consumer safety laws, tag and label laws, trade practice laws and copyrights, trademarks and patents.

Organize

Establish a good bookkeeping system and hire a professional to help you with your annual tax return to make sure you're not overlooking important money-saving deductions. Ask your local irs office for its free booklet, business use of your home (#587).