Local MotionIt pays to take a closer look at the businesses down the street from yours.

There are many ways you can benefit from nearby businesses. Forinstance, consider the customer traffic they generate. Perhapsthose companies and their employees could become your customers, ormaybe it would be convenient and efficient for you to be theircustomer.

Also, look at how they will enrich the quality of your companyas a workplace. Does the vicinity have an adequate selection ofrestaurants so your employees have places to go for lunch? Is therea nearby day-care center for employees with children? Are thereother shops and services you and your employees might wantconveniently located?

Excerpted fromStart Your Own Business: The Only Start-Up GuideYou'll Ever Need