Seeing things not for what they are but for what they might be creates opportunities.

- Carolyn Kepcher, fwm

One of the things we love most about what we’re building at fwm is an unparalleled network of expert contributors: authors, speakers, celebrities, coaches and executives who are sought after for their career expertise and insight.

And so, since the Yahoo! Seeds for Success contest has us all thinking about what it takes to create and run a business, we’ve asked a handful of these experts to share their words of wisdom with you on the topics of entrepreneurship, fulfilling your dreams, and truly thriving while striving.

From holdups and holdouts to deals and developments, entrepreneurship is a world unto itself -- and can best be enjoyed and conquered in the company of supportive peers and wise mentors. We hope you’ll find fuel for your journey in these…

Take this to heart; your idea came to you and no one is better equipped to make it a reality than you. No matter what happens, know that you have what it takes to be a champion or this idea would not have even occurred to you.

- Tom Volkar, Delightful Work & CoreU.com

Great entrepreneurial minds never go it alone. Seek out mentors in the business area you're interested in. Read every book and article you can get your hands on. Study companies and industries that relate to your idea.Keep sending yourself positive karma but balance that with a healthy dose of idea analysis. Great business ventures spring from well thought out plans and critical thinking.

But don't fool yourself into thinking it's going to be easy. If you're afraid, steer clear of launching your own venture. The path to self-employment and entrepreneurship is often paved with mistakes, missteps, and failure. That's just the way it is, gals. If that doesn't scare the stilettos off of you, then you've got the makings of a true business owner.

- Eve Tahmincioglu, Author, "From the Sandbox to the Corner Office" / Columnist/Blogger, MSNBC.com's "Your Career"and "YourBiz" / Blogger, CareerDiva.net

Never allow fear to stop you from realizing your dreams, there’s a whole new world out there for those willing to step out and take a chance. Follow your passion and your heart and everything will start to fall into place. You never know what magic awaits until you take that first step. You can do it!

- Cynthia Shapiro, The Work Doctor

Think of yourself like a professional athlete. You need to surround yourself with a solid team of coaches, experts, and supporters to achieve your exceptional goals.

- Nina L. Kaufman, Esq., Ask the Business Lawyer & Business Partnership Central

Trust your gut. Often we intuitively know the direction we want to follow well before our brain catches on.

- Pamela Dodd, Internet entrepreneur

Stop being flattered when asked to do business. You have every right to be in the game, play the game, and win!

- Joni Daniels, Power Tools for Women

For those contemplating taking what Thoreau called 'the leap in the dark to our success’, it’s necessary to gather data, including seeking out advice from several sources. Too often, though, you’ll find that people may not be so excited about your idea or may not believe in you. Don’t listen to them. You must know with absolute certainty that you are going to make this thing work, one way or another. Once you have that confidence and determination, nothing will stop you.

- Deb Owen, 8 hours & a Lunch: A Search for Balance and Sanity

While you are pouring energy into your new business, don't forget to drink as you pour. Drink from your well, whether that well is exercise, meditation, spending time in Nature -- whatever replenishes you.

- Judy Martin, Work/Life Monitor

I started my marketing business 20 years ago and, looking back, I remember wondering if I would make it. Here are three things that worked for me. I used affirmations to remind me of what I could do, connected with successful entrepreneurs to inspire me and gave thanks every day for the little victories along the way.

- Tricia Molloy, Author of Divine Wisdom at Work: 10 Universal Principles for Enlightened Entrepreneurs